Hi Gang!
since it's spring, I've been thinking that I'm going to try some open swimming soon--I might buy a wetsuit and go out in a month or so.
Anyway, for those of you who go out solo, how do you do it?
Do you take an innertube with you? Not swim far off of shore? swim within a certain distance (like a 50), and repeat?
The thought is a bit scary to me, but I'm doing a 1/2 ironman in August, so the practice would be particularlly useful.
And, if there are any Cincinnati, or near area, folks who are interested in meeting up, let me know!
best,
jcat
Having been an open water swimmer for 20+ years, I agree with Swim53, don’t swim alone. There’s got to be some folks in the Cincinnati area who do some open water training. Do any of the masters on your team train in open water? How about a local tri-club? Or a friend with a kayak? If you still want to go it alone, then by all means tow a rescue can or inner tube.
As to how far off shore to swim, this depends on are there currents, underwater obstacles, boat traffic, shore fishing, wild life that need to be avoided? For most of my training, I will try to parallel the shore line about 20 to 30 yards off. Moving farther out if there are people fishing, known underwater obstacles or obstinate geese (they get very territorial if you get too near their nests). And I move closer in if there are power boaters in the water.
In training for a 1/2 ironman, I start swimming a minimum 10 minutes against the current (if any) then turn and go 10 minutes back with the current (this could be closer to 3 to 8 minutes depending on the current). Then work you way up to 20 minutes each way.
Having been an open water swimmer for 20+ years, I agree with Swim53, don’t swim alone. There’s got to be some folks in the Cincinnati area who do some open water training. Do any of the masters on your team train in open water? How about a local tri-club? Or a friend with a kayak? If you still want to go it alone, then by all means tow a rescue can or inner tube.
As to how far off shore to swim, this depends on are there currents, underwater obstacles, boat traffic, shore fishing, wild life that need to be avoided? For most of my training, I will try to parallel the shore line about 20 to 30 yards off. Moving farther out if there are people fishing, known underwater obstacles or obstinate geese (they get very territorial if you get too near their nests). And I move closer in if there are power boaters in the water.
In training for a 1/2 ironman, I start swimming a minimum 10 minutes against the current (if any) then turn and go 10 minutes back with the current (this could be closer to 3 to 8 minutes depending on the current). Then work you way up to 20 minutes each way.
