Thanks to Kara Robertson and Slam the Dam, I’m gearing up for a fun day of racing  in October. I first met Kara in person last year at the Global Open Water Conference, and have been really impressed with the work that she and others are doing over at Swim Las Vegas. Swim Las Vegas is a (gasp) formal open water swim club, something that is extremely rare. Usually us open water swimmers are regarded as an awkward maifestation of a pool swimmer and generally find each other through chance and organize ourselves through sarcastic and chatty email chains. Kara is one of the coaches for SLV and Race Director for the second year race Slam the Dam, which in itself is an interesting concept.

Slam the Dam takes place in my namesake, Lake Mead (ever heard of the Hoover Dam? Yeah, its THAT Dam) and includes a 1.2 mile, 2.4 mile, and an 8k race. Then, as if that isn’t enough choices, you can also choose to sign up for the Grand Slam (1.2 AND the 2.4) or the Super Slam (1.2 and 8k), which makes five different ways to compete. Of course I signed up for the Super Slam, which will require I bring my sprinting game!

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Slam the Dam from those who participated last year, and I am looking forward to treking it out to Las Vegas for the event. While I’m there I’m planning on scoping out SLV a bit to find out how they operate. Imagine, an Open Water Swimming Club! I also heard on the grapevine that SLV has got some exciting stuff planned for 2013, so keep your ears peeled.

If you are interested in Slam the Dam HERE is the registration form. You can save $10 on mail-in registrations received by September 15 and $5 on an online registration through Active.com using this code: SLV0511.