Hardest Pool Event?

Does this have to be a sanctioned event in meets? I’m more of a long distance (open water) swimmer, and not much of a meet swimmer. But I have trained myself in butterfly, and do have to say that the 400 IM is one tough mother. A few times…just for s4!ts and giggles…I’ve done a 1600m IM. Pretty much done after that. I’ve done the 1-hour ePostal numerous times. I think it’s easier than the 400 IM.

Dan

Good question, though - what do you think of as the hardest open water event, or what open water events (venues, distances) would you consider most challenging?  (or have been most challenging for you)

Badger that question deserves its own new thread. And the definition of hardest could be hardest to complete because of length, temperature, conditions, or sea life... or, hardest could be the most painful. 

There are definitely more variables out in the wild waves.  Of course, with technology these days, meet organizers could always release a school or two of small robotic fish to liven things up.

"Extreme" swimming with an obstacle course and robotic fish. I would watch it!

"Extreme" swimming with an obstacle course and robotic fish. I would watch it!

One of the towns that is (or was, at least) in the league I swam in as a kid used to hold their summer-season meets at their pond - based on my recollection the dock they set up for summers could basically be separated into 6 lanes of 25 yards, et voila, a "pool".  But it was absolutely interesting to be placed in a lane and find yourself looking eyeball to eyeball with a school of perch or sunfish and there were some startling encounters for sure!