
From the Organizer
The Long Bridge Swim is the Northwest's Premier open water swimming event! A beautiful 1.76 mile swim from the south end of Sandpoint's historic Long Bridge to the North end. Founded by local swimming enthusiast Eric Ridgway in 1995, the Long Bridge Swim has grown from the first group of 78 friends swimming across Lake Pend O'Reille to over 800 swimmers in 2025. The Long Bridge Swim is always held the first Saturday in August. Spectators can easily watch their swimmers progress as they make their way across Lake Pend O'Reille.
Since 2010, the Long Bridge Swim has raised funds to support swim lessons for children and adults in the greater Sandpoint Area. We want everyone to be able to safely enjoy our beautiful Lake Pend O'Reille!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
85°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
14%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Sandpoint Exp Stn, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
1,456
as of 2023
Elevation
2,130 ft
Nearest Airport
GEG
Spokane International Airport · 67 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Long Bridge Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Open Water Swim Clinics
830 miles away
Swim the Bear
973 miles away
Portland Bridge Swim
348 miles away
Shark Attack Open Water Swim 2026
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Long Bridge Swim
Aug 1, 2026