So You Want to Escape Alcatraz... By Swimming? Not So Fast, Slick!
Ever watched an action movie where the hero makes a daring escape from prison? Maybe they shimmy down a rope made of bedsheets, tunnel their way out with a spork (seriously, how do they do that?), or, perhaps, they take the scenic route with a bold swim from their island jail.
If you've set your sights on Alcatraz as your aquatic getaway, then hold on to your swim cap, because we're about to dive into the icy reality (literally, the water is freezing) of this escape attempt.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
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| How Far Is The Swim From Alcatraz To San Francisco |
It's Not Just a Dip in the Bay, Buddy
The swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco isn't exactly a leisurely paddle across the community pool. You're looking at a chilly two-mile journey through the currents of the San Francisco Bay. That's right, two miles. No popping over to Alcatraz for a quick cup of clam chowder and back.
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Fun fact: That's about the length of 14 football fields. You gonna be doing some serious freestyle before you see Fisherman's Wharf.
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The Great Escape? More Like the Great Brrr-rate!
Remember those refreshing swims in the ocean on vacation? Forget about it. The San Francisco Bay is cold. Like, wear-a-wetsuit-or-your-muscles-will-seize-up cold. And don't even get us started on the currents. They can be as unpredictable as a prison cafeteria food fight.
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
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Unless you're basically a mermaid, this swim is a recipe for hypothermia and a grumpy harbor seal encounter.
But Hey, If You're Insistent...
Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "Challenge accepted!" Well, if you're a super-athlete with a tolerance for cold water that would shame a penguin, then more power to you. Just make sure you:
- Train like a maniac. Because this ain't a trip to the corner store.
- Get yourself a good wetsuit. Seriously, don't skimp.
- Buddy up. There's safety in numbers, especially when those numbers have fins and know CPR.
- Get permission. Breaking out of prison, even by swimming, is still a frown-worthy offense.
Alcatraz Escape: Mission Maybe-Possible (But Probably Not)
So, the swim from Alcatraz to San Francisco is a challenging, bone-chilling, and not-recommended-for-amateurs adventure. There are far easier ways to escape the city life (like, say, taking a ferry).
But hey, if you do manage to pull it off, be sure to send us a postcard from freedom (and maybe a tip for a good chili bowl, because you're gonna need to warm up after that swim).
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