Swimming Events in North Carolina
North Carolina has 6 upcoming open water swims scheduled for 2026: Carolina Swimrun on June 15, North Carolina Open Water Swim Camp and High Tech Collaborative in Wilmington on June 27, White Lake Fall Swim Challenge in White Lake on September 12, YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim in Wrightsville Beach on September 19, Triangle Hurricane Championship Open Water Swim in Pittsboro on October 4, and Swim the Loop in Wilmington on October 11.
Showing all 6
Swimming
North Carolina Open Water Swim Camp and High Tech Collaborative
June 27, 2026
Wilmington, NC
Swimming
Triangle Hurricane Championship Open Water Swim
Pittsboro, NC
Swimming
Triangle Hurricane Championship Open Water Swim
October 4, 2026
Pittsboro, NC
Swimming Events in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
What types of open water swimming events are there?▾
Events range from short 1-mile swims to marathon distances of 10+ miles. Categories include bay crossings, lake swims, ocean swims, river swims, and channel crossings. RACE lists open water events across the US.
What is the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming?▾
The Triple Crown consists of the English Channel (21 miles), the Catalina Channel (20.2 miles), and the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim (28.5 miles). The Catalina and Manhattan swims are both listed on RACE.
What gear do I need for open water swimming?▾
Essential gear includes goggles, a brightly colored swim cap, and a wetsuit (if water temperature allows). Many swimmers also use a safety buoy for visibility. Some events require specific gear — check the event page for details.
What are the biggest open water swims in the US?▾
Notable events include Escape From Alcatraz (Sharkfest), Swim Around Key West, the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, and Swim Miami. The Manhattan Island Marathon Swim is one of the most iconic distance events. Find them on RACE.