Dear Point to La Pointe Community,
Each year, we are honored and inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm for the Point to La Pointe Swim. With over 2,500 people on our interest list and just 650 race spots available, demand continues to far exceed capacity.
As our largest annual fundraiser, the swim plays a vital role in sustaining the Bayfield Rec Center’s year-round programs and services. With rising costs, we increasingly rely on the generous support of swimmers, donors, and sponsors to help us fulfill our mission.
Due to key logistical limitations, including safety resources, ferry and lodging capacity, and volunteer availability, participation must remain limited. Bayfield is a small town of just five hundred residents, and everyone contributes in some way to making this event possible. We are also deeply committed to respecting the generous support of our host family on Madeline Island.
To ensure the long-term success of the event and to better manage growing interest, we have updated our registration process. As a critical fundraiser, priority access is now being given to participants who actively support the event through fundraising or sponsorship. This change helps maximize the impact and sustainability of the swim.
We recognize that no single approach works for everyone and will continue to evaluate and improve the process. Thank you for your continued interest, support, and patience as the event evolves.
2026 Registration Timeline
Early Registration: Fundraising & Sponsorship Categories
Opens August 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Central Time)
Participants who choose to support the Bayfield Rec Center through fundraising or sponsorship will receive priority access to register.
Fundraising Category
$100 registration fee (applied toward a $500 fundraising minimum)
Fundraising must be completed by June 1, 2026, to retain your guaranteed race spot.
We understand that fundraising is not for everyone. By opening this category early, we hope to ease the pressure of general registration and offer a more manageable process for all.
For those interested in fundraising, we have created a Fundraising Guide with tools, tips, and inspiration to help you succeed and make the most of your efforts.
Sponsorship Category
Businesses and individuals who support the Bayfield Rec Center through cash sponsorships at the Gold, Platinum, or Superior levels will receive priority access to race registration as one of the key benefits of their sponsorship package.
Sponsorship not only guarantees a race entry but also provides critical funding that supports the swim and the year-round programs and services offered by the Rec Center. Sponsors are recognized through a variety of promotional opportunities before, during, and after the event offering visibility to our wide community of swimmers, spectators, and supporters.
If you or your business are interested in becoming a sponsor, we invite you to review our sponsorship levels and benefits.
Your support has a lasting impact and helps keep the Point to La Pointe Swim a vibrant and sustainable event for years to come.
General Registration Opens: August 21, 2025, at Noon
Looking Ahead: Early Access for 2027
A limited number of first access opportunities for the 2027 race will also be available.
The 2027 opportunity provides a unique, one-time-use code that allows first access to register for the 2027 swim before general registration opens.
Note: If the code is not used within the two-week, first access window before the race opens in 2027, the opportunity expires. Also, please note this fee does not count towards registration.
Whether you swam this year or are hoping to join us in the future, we are grateful for your interest in The Point to La Pointe Swim. Thank you for being part of this amazing community and stay tuned for more updates as the journey continues!
We cannot wait to welcome you!
With gratitude,
The Bayfield Rec Center Team
PS If your household uses a shared email address for multiple people, please note that only one person will receive this notification.
