Point To Point Bay Swim

King Arthur was carried to the mythical shores of Avalon to heal from the wounds of the Battle of Camlann, a place remembered in the 1136 chronicles for its magical properties and the forge of the sword Excalibur. While the legendary island remains a symbol of rest for the weary, today’s swimmers seek a different kind of sanctuary in the waters off New Jersey. The Point to Point Bay Swim draws its energy from this same spirit of crossing into a sheltered space, offering a 1.2-mile course that functions as an epic training session through the protected back bay of Seven Mile Island.

Race day logistics

The event, organized by Tim Kerr Charities, operates with a time-trial start format to ensure efficient flow, requiring participants to self-seed based on their projected finish times. Starting at the 23rd Street Public Dock, the course is designed to be swum with the tide, which provides a helpful push toward the finish at the Avalon Yacht Club. Because the route follows the bay rather than an open-ocean layout, swimmers face a navigation challenge that requires constant awareness of the bridge pilings and adjacent water traffic. With a strict 60-minute cutoff, every athlete must maintain a steady, sustainable pace throughout the distance. Wetsuits are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, particularly to maintain buoyancy and comfort in the coastal environment. Participants receive a custom hoodie and a finisher’s towel, with proceeds supporting national learn-to-swim programs.

The coastal landscape

As you swim, the geography reveals the layers of this barrier island’s history. You are essentially tracking along the back half of the route used for the Cedar Island 5K Swim, an event that tests endurance in these same tidal waters. The view from the water captures the maritime character of the region, where remnants of the historic Life Saving Station built in 1894 still stand as a reminder of the area’s long-standing dedication to coastal rescue. The surrounding landscape, once described in 1878 as the most heavily wooded beach on the coast, has evolved into a mix of salt marsh and human-built infrastructure. While you navigate the middle of the 21st Street bridge, remember that your focus on the environment—from the pilings to the red finish flag marking the Yacht Club—is essential for a clean and successful exit from the water.