The 2025 Egg Rock Scramble is SOLD OUT!

Thank you for your interest.

Egg Rock Scramble

 
 

Overview

In 2024, the MOWSA team revived another historical swim, the Egg Rock Scramble, an approximately 3.8-mile swim that launches from Short Beach in Nahant and follows a straight line course out and around Egg Rock and back. Like the Boston Light, Egg Rock was a landmark out at sea that swimmers in the 1930s and 1980s (and quite likely in between) ventured to reach from the shores of Nahant.

We’re excited to host this beautiful swim as a small group excursion for swimmers to test their skills navigating a wild, magical land known almost exclusively to birds, fish and local boaters.

date and location

The 2025 Egg Rock Scramble will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Short Beach, Nahant, near the Nahant Lifesaving Station at 96 Nahant Rd, Nahant, MA 01908.

The COURSE

Starting from Short Beach in Nahant, the course is simple: swim out to Egg Rock, turn around the backside, and swim back to the buoys on the beach marking the finish.

The direction - clockwise or counter-clockwise - depends on the wind direction at the date and time of the swim, but our initial two excursions traversed the approximately 3.8mi distance clockwise around the rock.

While the only buoys are marking the start/finish, motorized boats with swimmer flags will be in the water to make sure swimmers stay on course.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Nahant conditions vary depending on the time of the swim. In September, the average water temperature is 64F.

Sea Temperatures of past swims:

  • June 7, 2025: 61F

  • September 14, 2025: 65F

All swimmers will be supported by motorized boats, with a maximum of 1 boat per 4 swimmers who will watch for craft and be available to assist a swimmer (or kayaker!), as needed.

swimmer requirements

  1. Swimmers are required to be able to swim a mile in 45 minutes or less, and have cold water training experience.

  2. Swimmers will need to either a) bring a support kayaker, or b) swim the course with a brightly colored tow float. Swimmers who will be more comfortable swimming for 2.5hrs in cool water with feeds should opt to bring a kayaker. (MOWSA boat support will be focusing on safety and not be able to administer feeds.)

  3. All support kayakers must wear a PFD for the duration of the event.

Kayakers and swimmers around the backside of the rock, June 2024.

Registration

The swim is $275 per swimmer, and includes boat support, a commemorative t-shirt, MOWSA swim cap, and limited snacks at the finish.

Registration for the 2025 swim is here and is limited to 12 swimmers.

Swimmers getting ready at the start in front of the Nahant Life Saving Station, September 2024.

results and course records

Results and course records can be found here.

scramble History

Willard, Starrett Egg Rock Scramble 1984

Article from Aug 29, 1984 The Daily Item (Lynn, Massachusetts)

FAQs

  1. Is there a cut off time for this swim? - No, there is no official cut off time for this swim. However, MOWSA reserves the right to remove a swimmer from the course who is not making forward progress due to fatigue, current, or wind, or in any unsafe conditions.

  2. Is there a current that makes this swim easier or harder? - Not that we have seen. Our experience so far has been a pleasant, tide-independent swim that can be challenging on a windy day, but otherwise no real “tricky” spots on the journey. We’ll plan to swim in the direction that is most favorable, depending on the wind direction.

  3. Do I need my own kayaker? - While we originally ran this swim with a kayaker for each swimmer, we have instead added a greater number of safety boats and visibility aids (personal swim buoys) to manage watercraft in the area and provide support in any issue. If you are particularly navigation challenged, would like to feed during your swim, just like the company, or would like to test the strength of your relationship, please come with your own support kayaker and craft.

  4. Will you provide a kayak if I bring a yacker? - MOWSA and friends of MOWSA have a very limited number of kayaks that may be able to be borrowed for the event, but we cannot guarantee a vessel for you. Paddle Boston and other local outfitters offer off-site kayak rentals for the day.

  5. Where can I park for the swim? - Parking is limited and resident only in this part of Nahant. Our friends at the Nahant Lifesaving Station have graciously allowed us to load and unload in their private lot and either park there or move our cars to their overflow lot. MOWSA will instruct swimmers where to park for the duration of the event to avoid ticket or tow. Carpooling with other swimmers or kayakers is recommended.

  6. Is this swim timed? - Yes! Take a look at our results page for past race times.

  7. Is there somewhere I can rinse off after the event? - Yes! There is a public outdoor shower and restroom on the beach. While the restroom is roomy enough to change, please be mindful that there is only a single men’s and single women’s stall for public use.

  8. Who can I contact for more info? - For more information on this race, email us at scramble@massowsa.org.