Sid Cassidy Open Water Weekend - Sunday Salt Water Events

On July 28, 2014, the world of long-distance swimming lost one of its most dedicated figures when Jon Erikson passed away in Boca Raton. Known for his monumental endurance and as the first person to complete a three-way crossing of the English Channel, Erikson spent his final years training in these very waters, finding in the Atlantic a constant companion for his discipline. Today, the Sid Cassidy Open Water Weekend channels that same spirit of grit, offering swimmers the chance to compete in the same salt water that once served as a backdrop for a master of the sport. Whether you are aiming for the 5-kilometer challenge or the shorter 500-meter splash, you are entering an environment shaped by both oceanic currents and a distinct local history.

The water and the path

As you sight your next buoy, you are swimming through a geography defined by the barrier island system where sand dunes, formed by decades of coastal erosion, elevate the coastal landscape above the sea. This unique elevation creates a natural vantage point along the shoreline, often visible from the water as you navigate the conditions near the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Boca. While the warm Florida climate ensures the water remains temperate throughout the year, the experience is underscored by the proximity of historical landmarks that tell the story of the region. Near the entrance to the Camino Gardens subdivision, you may catch a glimpse of the remnants of the former Africa U.S.A. wild animal park, where the red wooden bridge and sections of the 30-foot Zambezi Falls stand as silent spectators to the modern racing scene.

A legacy of training

The race day logistics are designed to accommodate a range of competitive levels, with registration fees ranging from $40 to $150 depending on the event and booking window. This pricing structure helps manage the necessary safety protocols and support infrastructure required for open-water events in this segment of the coast. As you swim, consider that the very ground beneath the nearby Florida Atlantic University campus was once the site of the Boca Raton Army Airfield, a critical training base for B-29 bomber crews during World War II. The layout of these former runways remains etched into the city's urban footprint, serving as a reminder that this area has long been a place where people prepare for significant challenges. It is a fitting setting for an event that continues to honor the tradition of the sport, inviting participants to push their limits in a location deeply tied to the history of the Florida coast.