
From the Organizer
The YMCA’s Pier-2 Pier Race, in memory of Ryan Young, is an open water ocean swimming event held at beautiful Wrightsville Beach, NC. The swim is approximately 2 miles point-to-point between Johnnie Mercers and Crystal Piers with prevailing current.
This unique event creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in the swimming community and highlights the Y’s commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. All proceeds from the Pier-2-Pier race benefit the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program, a free water safety and swim course available to the community each spring, summer and fall.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Swimming events drop you into something that demands navigation, feel, and focus all at once. It's a sport that rewards the quietly competitive — the ones who do the work in the water before anyone's watching.
Open water races from 1 mile to marathon distance. Just you, the water, and whatever you've got left.
Coming Up
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
YMCA Pier-2-Pier Swim
Sep 19, 2026