Open Water Swim · Porters Cove
Feel more at home in open water
Take your swimming beyond the pool. Practice for your next triathlon, build confidence in the lake, or make open-water swimming part of your summer.
Most Mondays, 5–7 p.m.
May 10–September 27, 2027.
No sessions on Monday holidays.
2027 registration is not open yet.
Make the most of your time in the water
Get comfortable beyond the pool
Practice swimming in a lake and become more familiar with the open-water experience.
Prepare for your next race
Put open-water practice into your preparation for an upcoming triathlon.
Keep your summer moving
Make swimming part of your summer, whether or not a race is on your calendar.
Your first visit
- Come to the Porters Cove Boat Ramp for a Monday session, 5–7 p.m.
- Have your GFF waiver signed and a current USA Triathlon membership before you swim.
- Swim with the group. Lifeguards are at each session. Contact us ahead if you want a coach scheduled.
- Stay with a pace that feels right for you. You can pause and start again.
Plan your swim
When we swim
Most Mondays, 5–7 p.m.
May 10–September 27, 2027.
No sessions on Monday holidays.
Where we meet
Porters Cove Boat Ramp
Moraine State Park
Portersville, PA 16051
- From I-79, take the Portersville exit.
- Go east on Portersville Road.
- Take an immediate left onto Badger Hill Road.
- Follow Badger Hill Road to the cove. The road turns to dirt as you get closer.
USA Triathlon membership
USA Triathlon membership is required to participate because it is part of Get Fit Families’ insurance requirements for these sessions. Membership is separate from your OWS session fee. If you already have a current membership, check that it will remain valid for the sessions you attend.
| Membership | Who it is for | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Silver | Adults | $69.99 | Annual |
| Young Adult | Ages 18–23 | $40 | Annual |
| Youth Digital | Ages 17 and younger | $10 | Annual |
Youth Premier is an optional membership at $30, valid until the athlete’s 18th birthday. These are current USA Triathlon prices. Check USA Triathlon for current pricing before purchasing.
Waiver
Sign the GFF athlete waiver before you swim. A USA Triathlon waiver is also required.
What to bring
Come ready to swim. If you are unsure about gear, ask us before the session.
Staying up to date
For updates on whether a session will happen, visit Joella’s Facebook page. Rain does not cancel a session. She usually cancels only when the water is unsafe for swimmers.
Put your practice toward your next race
These swims can make a triathlon swim more familiar. They are also for people who are not entering a race.
Mighty Moraine Spring
May 15–16, 2027, at Moraine State Park.
Event details
Mighty Moraine Fall
August 14–15, 2027, at Moraine State Park.
Event details
Beaver County Tri Cup
Brady’s Run Park.
Event details
Jenny Lee Tri Cup
Brady’s Run Park.
Event detailsCommon questions
When are sessions held?
Most Mondays, 5–7 p.m., from May 10 through September 27, 2027.
Are there sessions on holidays?
No. There are no sessions on Monday holidays.
Do I need to be training for a triathlon?
No. Race practice is one reason to come. A summer of lake swimming is enough.
I swim in a pool but am new to open water. Is this for me?
Yes, if you can already swim. The new part is the lake. This is not a class for someone who cannot swim yet.
Why do I need USA Triathlon membership?
Membership is required because it is part of Get Fit Families’ insurance requirements for these sessions. It is separate from the session fee. See membership options.
Do I need another membership if I already have one?
No, if your current membership stays valid for the Mondays you attend. Check the dates before you buy another one.
How do I register?
2027 registration is not open yet. When it opens, use Register for OWS on this page.
What should I bring?
Come ready to swim, with your waiver signed and your USA Triathlon membership current. Ask us if you are unsure about gear.
Where do we meet?
Porters Cove Boat Ramp, Moraine State Park, Portersville, PA 16051. Get directions.
Come swim with us
Most Mondays, 5–7 p.m., May 10–September 27, 2027. No sessions on Monday holidays.
2027 registration is not open yet.