Open water swim "assist"

RE: Open water swim "assist"

Former Member — Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:59:57 GMT

Towing inner tubes is a great way to provide a higher degree of safety in open water training (while swimming alone), along with creating extra drag. I used surfboard leg cord to attach myself to the inner tube. You can find this on the net or in any surf shop. I used commercial equipment inner tube due to the size and drag it created. I wanted extra drag on my tube, so I towed branches off the back end. Most tire shops have old worn out tubes they are happy to patch and sell. Although they can no longer be used in transportation, they are adequate for off shore swimming. If you want serious safety, buy new! Have fun and good luck….

RE: Open water swim "assist"

Former Member — Tue, 11 Nov 2003 16:30:07 GMT

Thanks Jeff, I will look at these more closely. My guess is that since these are used for rescue they do not interfere with one's stroke (except for adding some drag which may be a good thing for training. I am interested to know what a "stretch cord belt" is, and where I might look at these -- if anyone knows of a resource. Has anyone had personal experience with using any of these or other devices and anything to say about their use? Thanks, Nancy

RE: Open water swim "assist"

Former Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2003 16:09:33 GMT

HI Nancy, Not exactly sure of the item, but we use something similiar in the pools, called a rescue tube. It is made out of foam (rubber) and then dipped/coated in a rubber-plastic coating. These items can be purchased from a variety of aquatic supply vendors like: Kiefer (www.kiefer.com) Recreonics (www.recreonics.com) Lincoln equipment (www.lincolnaquatics.com) The rescue tubes have a shoulder strap - harness to use while swimming - you'll feel some resistance from dragging the tube, you can also purchase from the same suppliers a unit called a 'rescue can' same principle as the tube except its made out of hard plastic and a little more hydrodynamic (rescue cans are what you see the lifeguards using in Baywatch). Hope this helps. Jeff

RE: Open water swim "assist"

Rob Copeland — Sun, 09 Nov 2003 08:31:18 GMT

Nancy, Check out "sore mouth from open water swims" posts for a description of this sort of "thingee". I often use one of these when I am giving open water swimming lessons or when I am on a long training swim.