August 15th – A one mile open water swim across the East River

WHARF TO WHARF SWIM

Saturday, August 15, 2026
Williams Wharf Landing
Registration Cost is $50/swimmer
Registration closes Friday, August 14 at Noon

Participant Information

• Waves start at 10am with the initial Tuna wave. Waves will start in 3 minute intervals with a maximum of 20 swimmers per wave. Waves are seated by earliest registration.

• All waves are timed. Awards will be distributed based on fastest time, not wave start.

• Wetsuits are NOT prohibited, however, water temperatures in August are typically warm enough that wetsuits are not necessary. 

• All swimmers registered by August 1 will receive a custom W2W Beach Towel (extra towels may be available for post-August 1 registrants.)

• Water Support – the US Coast Guard, USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 66, along with local paddlers, will be along the course throughout the race to provide water safety support.

Swimmer Categories – all waves will be divided into the following categories:

TUNA

Tunas will not use swim aids. You are a capable swimmer and know you can complete the one mile swim without any swim aid, including swim fins. You can wear a swimsuit, cap (provided by W2W officials) & goggles. TUNA will be the earliest waves.

PUFFERFISH 

Pufferfish use swim aids/swim fins/flotation device. You’re not a strong swimmer OR just want to relax in the water and will feel much more comfortable completing the one-mile distance if you use a swim aid, such as fins, a vest or even a floaty raft. PUFFERFISH will follow TUNA waves. You will also receive a cap from the W2W officials.

Post Event Celebration

There will be an After-Party for participants and spectators under the Williams Wharf Pavillion. Food will be provided by Mathews Family YMCA Advisory Committee, specialty drinks by One Man Liquor Stand and music. An awards ceremony will be held after the finish of the final swimmer.

The Wharf to Wharf Swim is a tribute to the late L. Wayne Hudgins who was a Mathews native, Williams Wharf enthusiast and long-time member of the Mathews Land Conservancy’s board.