In open water events that have numerous start waves/groups…is it common practice to start the faster/stronger swimmers first, and subsequent groups being slower/weaker swimmers?
Here’s why I ask — There is an event that I participate in annually…this year will be my 24th time swimming in it. About decade ago, the sponsoring organization’s current events director began consulting with me about some of the aspects of the event. It’s a 2-mile swim, across a shipping channel, that obviously is affected by tidal currents. Usually there are 400+ participants. The start is always right at slack tide (low or high), with the faster/stronger swimmers starting first, and usually four or five groups starting at five-minute intervals. Even in perfect conditions, by the time the last group starts, and gets into the channel, the tidal flow has begun. Last year, the start was delayed by 25-30 due to fog. And when we did start, due to time constraints dictated by the USCG, they sent everyone off at the same time. By the time even the lead swimmers got across the channel, the tidal flow had gotten significant. Everyone had difficulty. The slower/weaker swimmers were forced way off course (but not really dangerously as they are accompanied with individual kayakers). So, my suggestion for this year…and going forward…is that they start the groups in reverse order to get the weaker swimmers across the channel before any tidal flow. They like the idea, except that they think all the kayaks on the course will disrupt the faster/stronger swimmers who are permitted to swim without a kayak escort. Thoughts? — Dan