At the USA Swimming National 5K and 10K Open Water Swimming Championships and the Open Water Pursuit races in Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California from June 4 – 6, Spectator Boats will be available.

Mike O’Toole, owner of Gondola Getaway will have his authentic Italian-style gondolas, piloted by experienced gondoliers in authentic garb, available to open water fans.

The gondolas will be positioned along the course, moving in parallel with the lead packs of both the 5K and 10K races.

For the first time, coaches, parents, friends, reporters and fans can watch up close America’s and Canada’s best open water swimmers vie for spots on their respective national teams at the 2010 World Open Water Swimming Championships.

Up until now, the only people who have had the pleasure to watch these great athletes go shoulder-to-shoulder over the 5K and 10K races have been race officials and water safety personnel. Now, coaches, parents and fans can see how packs form, when yellow cards are given, who makes a surge and the final sprint. Take photos, cheer on your swimmers and enjoy the action like never before.

The cost is $20 per person. Signups will be on Active.com and will open later this week.

Just do not ask the gondoliers to sing.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones