RE: open water (solo) swimming

Rob Copeland — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 04:18:36 GMT

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.

RE: open water (solo) swimming

swim53 — Mon, 12 Apr 2004 01:31:25 GMT

Hi Jerrycat, I don't do much open water but a little. When I started, a fellow swimmer advised me not to do it alone...always have a friend with you. Good advice, I think. Cinci is filled full of swimmers. Some of them must be open water people. You'll find a buddy. Must be warmer down there in May than it is up here. Burrrrrr. Have fun. Be safe.