Hosted by Swim Las Vegas, Slam the Dam is a great example of the growing global reach of open water swimming around the world. The scenic multi-event Slam the Dam will be held in Lake Mead in Nevada, a state of sweeping deserts dotted by casino-laden cities and oases like Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Participants can enter an 8K long-distance swim in Lake Mead or focus on the triathlon-oriented 1.2-mile or 2.4-mile swims. But, like a game of poker, swimmers can up the ante and do the Grand Slam event (swimming both the 8K and 1.2-mile race) or the Super Slam event (swimming both the 2.4-mile and 1.2-mile races). The point-to-point races start at the Sunset View Overlook inside Lake Mead and finish at Boulder Beach.

If racing was not enough incentive, the organizers require that the Grand Slam participants complete their 8K first leg within 15 minutes of the 1.2-mile race start and the Super Slam participants to complete their 2.4-mile first leg within 15 minutes of the 1.2-mile race start.

With an anticipated water temperature of 72-78°F, wetsuits will be allowed, but those athletes will not be eligible for awards.

Copyright © 2010 by Steven Munatones