WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR ENTRY FEE:
You’ll have the option to choose between a boco Gear technical trucker hat or cozy gender specific t-shirt. Register by June 14th for a personalized race bib. (New This Year) All races will be professionally chip timed by RaceWire, an award ceremony at the post race party, free parking, a donation to HUMANS FOR OCEANS and most importantly a KILLER boost to your ego!!

SWIMMERS LONG COURSE: 3 mile
Overall - Top 3 Male and Female
Age Group - 1st M/F for 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,70+ plus.
1st place M/F Overall Non Wetsuit
(All other wetsuit/non-wetsuit will be combined in the award categories)
*No Double Dipping

SWIMMERS SHORT COURSE: 1.5 mile (a.k.a. LITTLE MISERY)
Overall - Top 3 Male and Female
Age Group - 1st M/F for 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,70+ plus.
1st place M/F Overall Non Wetsuit
(All other wetsuit/non-wetsuit will be combined in the award categories)
*No Double Dipping

SINGLE KAYAK: (4 mile)
Overall 1st M/F
Age Group: 1st Place M/F over 45 and Under 45

Double Kayak: (4 mile)
Overall 1st M/F
Age Group: 1st Place M/F over 45 and Under 45

Surfskis and other small fixed-seat boats are allowed, but NOT eligible for awards unless we have 5 or more entries. 

ROWERS: (4 mile)
Overall 1st M/F
Age Group: 1st Place M/F over 45 & Under 45 
Double Shell Category will be 1st place ONLY 
No Quads allowed. 

SUP’s: (4 mile)
1st place M/F for 12'6 board 
1st place M/F for 14' boards
1st Place M/F for 12'0 and under boards

EXPERIENCE/SAFETY PARAMETERS:
Although this event can be competitive as well as casual, safety is our top priority. For our long distance swim course, experienced is required. Upon registration you must prove that you have the ability to handle the open water conditions and variables associated with the ocean. This proof will be in the form of ONE of the following:  1. race results involving a swim of .9 miles or greater 2. A letter from a certified swim/triathlete coach attesting to an individual’s ability to handle open water conditions 3. Membership of US Masters Swimming or USA Swimming. 

In addition, all racers will be required to sign a waiver attesting to their understanding and ability to control their craft. They must provide equipment that meets USCG requirements (see below).

AGE REQUIREMENT:
Long course swimmers must be at least 15 yrs. old on race day. 13 is the minimum age for all other race divisions. We ask that parents/guardians for those 15 and under be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

WETSUITS:
Wetsuits are HIGHLY encouraged in both the long and short course races. Please review the guidelines below provided by FINA’s.

Water Temperature Guidelines:

FINA’s Open Water Swim rules tell us that the lower limit for water temperature (measured 1 m below the surface) is 60.8 F. If water temperature is lower, the event may be shortened. This figure of (60.8 F) is based on the fact that both male and female swimmers will not experience dangerous declines in body temperature in water temperatures of (60.8 F) or higher when swimming at typical open water race speeds.

• At temperatures less than 53.6 degrees F the swim will be cancelled.

PADDLER/KAYAK/ROWER PFD  
All SUP’s will be required to have PFD's on their person or secured to their boards. Leashes are strongly recommended. KAYAKERS & ROWERS: Must have PFD's secured in their boat (1 per person). Emergency whistles are recommended for all participants in these categories.

TIME PARAMETERS
Participants will have 2 hours from your starting time to complete your challenge.
This is the allotted amount of time the harbormaster and USCG has implemented for our race. Any of those unable to complete in the allotted time will be removed from course if not nearing the finish line.

FREE PARKING AND PARK ADMISSION:
We HIGHLY encourage carpooling. There is limited room for parking at Tucks Point so please help us out in any way by respecting the volunteers who will be assisting in parking. Please be aware that there will be folks enjoying that park that are not part of the event. Please respect the use of this wonderful shared space. 

Restrooms will be available through the Park's facilities as well as portable toilets. 

PARKING FOR Swimmers: Due to ever growing event participant numbers, parking for swimmers will be available at TWO different locations. Please see below.

1. BROOKWOOD SCHOOL:
ALL SWIMMERS must park at this location -  1 Brookwood Rd. Manchester, MA. This will be a very short bus ride running before and after racing (provided by Misery Challenge) to the registration site. 

2. TUCK'S POINT PARKING LOT: 
ALL KAYAKERS/SUPS/ROWERS park on site with their gear. 17 Tuck's Point Rd. Manchester, MA 

FOOD:
We encourage you to bring your own pre-race fuel and hydration. Bananas, bars, water and Gatorade and other treats will be provided post-race. Vendors on site will be providing coffee, beer and more. Don’t forget to bring some cash for a few of our local community vendors who will be serving up an assortment of delicious items.

WEATHER DATE AND CANCELLATION:  
Unforeseen weather may force alteration of the course to allow racing to occur on the given Saturday race-day. If conditions, are deemed to be unsafe by HarborMaster and USCG, the event will be cancelled and rescheduled for the following day. If for some reason, the race is unable to take place on Sunday, partial refunds and/or deferrals will be offered. Events of this nature have a lot of up front costs. For this reason we simply cannot offer full refunds. If you do wish to receive a partial refund, you will be able to pick up your race swag. Deferrals will transfer to 2021.

*The Misery Challenge reserves the right to refuse to register any individual or boat. Misery Challenge may also expel or refuse any participant or boat before or during the event for lack of required equipment, unsafe operation, disregard for event rules, or unsporting behavior.

REGISTER HERE

“I was inspired to swim to Misery Island and back 15 years ago, and recruited my dad who accompanied me in a kayak. After years of competitive training, starting as a world champion rower and continuing as an Ironman and pro adventure racer, Misery showed me a challenge that anyone could accomplish with focus and some guts - an adventure for families or competitive athletes. Destination racing invites nature to the start and finish line - it’s my favorite way to train, compete and appreciate New England.“

- Josh Crosby Race Dir. and Reincarnated Fish

Josh Crosby is a former professional ultra-endurance athlete, Ironman World Champion competitor and World Champion rower. Today, he uses his world class athletic pedigree to coach and inspire others as an international fitness presenter, program/product consultant, race director and co-creator of fitness programs Indo-Row and ShockWave launched in over 400 clubs internationally. Most recently he has created an indoor rowing workout video series viewed by millions and acts as a rowing advisor to Orange Theory Fitness.

THE "CREW"

My "team" shown below, plus dozens of amazing volunteers and friends, make the Misery Challenge a truly unique, community building, misery-able at times, fun event. Come spend the morning with us on the water or the land cheering on your favorite Challenger!

NEW ENGLAND OPEN WATER SWIMMING ASSOCIATION