Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

Montana, known as the Big Sky Country, offers some excellent blue water open water swims.

The LAKE Monsters and Mission Valley Aquatics are hosting the inaugural Lakeside Lighthouse Loop, a two-race open water competition held on the western shore of Flathead Lake on July 12th.

Two courses are offered: a 1.5- and 2.4-mile loops. Race director Mark Johnston explains, “The course starts with an in-water start from Volunteer Park in Lakeside. Swimmers head south along the lake’s western shore toward a 30-foot lighthouse approximately ¾-mile from the park. Participants round a buoy and return to the park. For the 2.4-mile Ironman distance, athletes will make a second half-loop on the same course.

The Lakeside Lighthouse Loop is sanctioned by the World Open Water Swimming Association that also sanctions the Water Daze in Polson Bay on the southern shore of Flathead Lake.

At 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is the largest natural fresh water lake west of the Mississippi River. This picturesque lake is located in northwest Montana at the base of Glacier National Park. “The water ranges in depth from 0-30 feet and has a temperature of 65-70°F in mid-July. Local air temperature in July averages 75°F. The water quality is considered the best in the country.”

LAKE Monsters also hosts the Water Daze competition in Flathead Lake in August.

Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association