SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025
Bridge2Brige 3(ish) Mile Pod Swim & Paddle
This fun and non competitive 3 mile Swim & Paddle Pod event on Sunday, May 26th is an early season KICK OFF to the awesomeness of recreation on the South River!
A swim pod is a similarly speeded group of 2 – 4 with (1) athlete providing support on paddleboard (can be operated sitting with a kayak paddle, too.
In a relay pod, athletes elect amongst themselves who to switch out along the 3 -mile course. Each swimmer in the pod is expected to take a turn paddling. Some pods will choose to switch out by time, and some will choose to switch out by distance. Some pods switch multiple times and each member takes several turns paddling, whereas some switch less frequently and each member may only paddle once. It’s up to you and your pod!
A solo pod is where the 2-4 swimmer pod all swim the entire distance with a dedicated support paddler. The pod may bring their own paddler and equipment, or request a support paddler from Crossing Currents for an additional $100 fee.
You may register as a fully formed pod, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 swimmers. You may also register as an individual to be placed into a pod with similarly speeded swimmers. Our goal is to place you with swimmers who are within 5-10 seconds of your 100 yd. freestyle pace. Pods will stick together, and swim at the speed of the slowest swimmer in their pod.
The Watershed Stewards Academy will be joining us this year! Learn how you can make a difference to our water ways
October 6, 2024
Our mission is to both platform the awesomeness of outdoor recreation on our Rivers and to support the efforts of the Livewater Foundation and the Arundel Rivers Federation! We are a gathering of novice swimmers and accomplished marathon distance swimmers & paddlers enjoying and celebrating all that our region affords us! Whether you want an endurance adventure of 5 MILES or a shorter 1/2 MILE LOOP to enjoy the South River bounties, this event has it!
No speed pressures or equipment restrictions. Simply invigorating open water adventure with the friends you’ve got or the ones you’ll make! October is a perfect time of year to enjoy swimming & paddling the South River! The cool water temps (Mid – High 60s) and picturesque scenic shorelines collaborate for unforgettable memories! Our untimed events are executed with participant safety and enjoyment as top priorities. We work with community partners to bring experiences that connect you to the sports we love and to outdoor recreation in meaningful ways!
Swim & Paddle the South River celebrates outdoor recreation in the Chesapeake Bay region with a self paced swim or paddle event! The event benefits local conservation efforts and is fun for the whole family!
OUR NONPROFIT PARTNERS
Support A Good Cause
The proceeds from this event are donated to this wonderful organization.
Arundel River Federation's mission is to protect, preserve, and restore the South, West, and Rhode Rivers by working with local communities to achieve clean, fishable, and swimmable waterways for present and future generations. The Federation has installed over 90 projects since its founding in 2001. They range from multi-million dollar stream restoration projects, living shorelines, wetland creation, stormwater bioretention, and rain gardens. ARF monitors the health of these rivers at 45 stations to target restoration efforts, putting 80% of their resources into the most polluted creeks.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Day of Timeline&Logistics
Parking: Sylvan Shores Ball Field
Address:120 Meadow Road
Riva, MD 21140
Map HERE
5 Mile Check In: 6:45-7:30am at the Sylvan Shores Clubhouse
Address: 100 Orchard Rd,
Riva, MD 21140
Map HERE
1/2 Mile Loop Check In:8:45 - 9:15 at the Sylvan Shores Clubhouse
Address: 100 Orchard Rd,
Riva, MD 21140
Map HERE
1/2Mile Loop Safety Briefing at the Beach: 9:25 am
Address: 208 Park Rd, Riva MD 21140
Map HERE
5 Mile Safety Briefing at the Beach: 7:45 am
Address: 208 Park Rd, Riva MD 21140
Map HERE
5 Mile Swim Start : 8:10am
5 Mile Paddle Start: 8:10am
1/2 Mile Loop Start: 9:25 am
There is no rain date scheduled for this event. Should we experience heavy rains within 48 hours of the event, we will cancel without refund and thank you for your donation to important causes!
Rain Date/Cancellation Policy
Safety on the Course
Participant safety is our top priority. ALL swimmers wear a waist belt visibility buoy. These may be purchased onsite for $30 or borrowed. Paddlers must wear a pfd during the event. Paddlers supporting swimmers need also have a whistle. There will be motorized boats with Red Cross Lifeguards and small craft safety/support crew throughout the courses.
