2021 Open Water Virtual Grand Slam

The OPEN WATER VIRTUAL GRAND SLAM is a summer-long (May through August), 4-race open water competition where participants swim and submit their times in the four competitive triathlon distances. All distances open on May 1st!

Each stage is scored individually, AND there is a cumulative result of combined times at the completion of all four distances. There are categories for wetsuit, non-wetsuit, AND BOTH (for eight total swims).

GRAND SLAM rankings will be updated weekly and posted online at the host website and Meet Mobile (smartphone app). Certificates of accomplishment, compete with event rankings, will be e-mailed out at the end of each stage, and awards will be presented for those swimming all four events to complete the GRAND SLAM.

RULES

1. Swims should be safe AND open for swimming by local authorities. Please adhere to local recommendations.

2. Swimmers submit times via the TIME SUBMISSION FORM.

3. Submitted times must be tracked via the open water setting of a GPS-enabled wearable (Garmin, Apple, Fitbit, etc.). In addition to the date, time, duration, distance, and map-track, a PICTURE of each swim is encouraged (potentially for publishing and social media). Where necessary, “over-distances” will be adjusted by 100M averages to fit the relevant stage:  16-minutes, 1600M swim = adjusted 15-minute time for a 1500M distance.

RULES (cont.)

4. Times from official events may be submitted (without GPS tracking).

5. Each distance may be submitted TWICE allowing for time improvements based upon conditions, fitness, etc..

6. Category I and Category II swimwear are encouraged and scored separately. Tow floats and non-speed enhancing items are allowed in either category. Fins, hand paddles, for example, are NOT allowed. Swimmers may participate in BOTH categories for a total of eight swims.

7. To account for currents, swims held in flowing water (rivers, tides, etc.) must be swum 50% against the current and 50% with the current. Reach out to the event host for clarification.

SPIRIT

1. The Virtual Grand Slam is based upon the honor system. Please do not be offended if I question any of your times. Last year, there were a few WORLD RECORD paced swims from unlikely swimmers.

2. Please use the TIME SUBMISSION FORM to send in your times. Last year, there were over 5,000 emails, and I am trying to streamline this process. The form should be back-up with a picture or screenshot of your GPS tracker for that swim.

3. Each swim should be UNIQUE. For example, don’t swim 8,000 meters and exact out the various distances and times. It is allowable, however, to swim twice in one day…a 750 swim, followed by a 1500M swim.

4. The inconsistency of the GPS Tracking devices can be frustrating and is considered part of the charm of the event.

5. Have as much fun as possible and take each event as seriously (or not) as you would like.

6. Connect with the other swimmers in the event. This was the best part of last year’s event.

ELIGIBILITY

ALL Swimmers are encouraged to participate. No governing body oversees the Grand Slam!

AGE GROUPS

Age for the 2021 OPEN WATER VIRTUAL GRAND SLAM is determined as of Dec. 31, 2021: Under 18, 18–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39 … (five-year increments as needed).

TIME SUBMISSION

Please submit submit times via the TIME SUBMISSION FORM. In addition to the date, time, duration, distance, and map-track, a PICTURE of each swim is encouraged (potentially for publishing and social media). Where necessary, “over-distances” will be adjusted by 100M averages to fit the relevant stage:  16-minutes, 1600M swim = adjusted 15-minute time for a 1500M distance.

RESULTS/STANDINGS

Grand Slam rankings will be updated weekly and posted online at www.FlowSwimmers.com and on Meet Mobile.

CERTIFICATES & AWARDS

Certificates of accomplishment, compete with event rankings, will be e-mailed at the end of each event and awards will be presented to those swimming all four events to complete their GRAND SLAM. (Awards to be determined by overall participation).

There will also be a few random prizes raffled off during the summer.

FEES & DEADLINES

$15 entry for the ENTIRE event; wetsuit, non-wetsuit, or BOTH!

Entries are accepted at any time. However, to be considered for Stage rankings, swimmers must be registered during that particular stage. Late entries will be considered for cumulative GRAND SLAM results, and “missed” distances should be submitted for Grand Slam participation. 

Contact the Event Director:  Mark Johnston, at (303) 887-3930 / Coach@FlowSwimmers.com