Bridge to Bridge 10k Swim Escort: Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge

The Bridge to Bridge 10k

About 6 miles along the San Francisco waterfront between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, with a private escort boat beside or behind you the whole way. The swim is marketed as a 10k (6.2 miles).

• Direction: usually Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge, on the flood. Captain Molly plans the direction and the start time from the current on your date.
• Time: depends on the current and your pace. One Bay swim organizer says most swimmers finish the flood-tide version in 1.5 to 2 hours. The boat is booked for 3 hours.
• Price: $700 for the escort boat, not per swimmer, with up to 6 aboard.

What the escort boat does

• Stays beside or behind you, never in front, so you can sight on it while it keeps your line.
• Watches ship and ferry traffic on AIS and radar along the waterfront.
• Carries your coach, an official observer, feeds and family, within the 6 aboard.
• Has a heated cabin for warming up after the swim.
• A kayaker can join at extra cost; ask for the price.

Miss Molly is a 27-foot Shamrock Mackinaw 270 with a heated cabin and a private bathroom, radar, a FLIR thermal camera, AIS and an EPIRB. Captain Molly holds a U.S. Coast Guard Master license (100 GRT, Near Coastal) with a Radar Observer endorsement, and is trained in First Aid and CPR.

Who it's for

Swimmers who have done open-water swims in cold water and want a longer one. Captain Molly asks if you've swum open water in the Bay or only in a pool, and if you're experienced in cold water. If you haven't swum from Alcatraz yet, the Alcatraz crossing is a good first Bay swim.

Wetsuit and gear

Wear what you normally wear for a cold-water swim, broken in. Know your equipment, and bring your feeds if you use them over this distance.

When to swim

The swim is timed to the flood current. Check the current on /jumptime and book a date. Captain Molly confirms the start time with you in writing.

Per boat, not per swimmer

The price is for the whole boat and captain. Up to 6 people come aboard in any mix: swimmers, a coach, an official observer, family or a kayaker. Share the boat with training partners and split the cost however you like.

Booking, weather and cancellation

• Book online and pay in full at booking. There is no deposit.
• Plan the tide: check jump times on /jumptime, which works from NOAA current predictions, and pick a date that suits your swim.
• Weather: Captain Molly makes the call on the day: fog, wind and chop, smoky air or heavy ship traffic can move, shorten or cancel a swim. If she cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a new date.
• Cancellation: free up to 7 days before the swim. Within 7 days there is no refund.
• Questions? Use the Ask Molly button; she replies in writing within 24 hours.

See all swim escort routes, the swim around Angel Island, or marathon training blocks.