What's the proper lane etiquette for the following scenario:
You're swimming during common lap swim with two other people who are your speed. The three of you are doing a set workout on specific intervals. You arrived early so you could get a lane. Most other lanes have 2 people in them and are being split.
A fourth person who you do not know (but have seen swim before) wants to join your lane since the other lanes are filled with non-competitive swimmer types. This person is quite a bit faster than the three of you are. The three of you still want to do your workout.
Do you:
a) abandon the workout in order to stay out of this faster guy's way
b) tell him he's welcome to join the workout but that he can lead since he's faster (but you still pick the interval)
c) tell him he's welcome to join the workout, and try to keep up with him in vain when he swims intervals that are impossible for you to keep.
I think B is the best course of action, but I also think the newbie is entitled to do whatever he wants if he so chooses. He should try to not interfere with your workout, but he isn't really under any obligation to join you.
Option B - 1st come, first served
If it were me, I'd go with option D. All start swimming full stroke fly - no one arm when you pass eachother (two laps should be enough). That will usually keep anyone out - that goes double if it's your best or worst stroke.
:rofl:
Ah, but if newbie joins us and doesn't want to swim the workout, am I obliged to mess up OUR workout in order to stay out of his way? Because that is the inevitable outcome.
Say we're leaving every 1:40 and he keeps coming in such that we have to leave at 2:00 one time, 1:30 the next time, etc. instead, lest we keep cutting him off. That's what usually happens in these situations.
Option C is the best. I want to swim faster and someone must force my rhythm for this. But eventually it will turn to option B after a couple of lengths.
Ah, but if newbie joins us and doesn't want to swim the workout, am I obliged to mess up OUR workout in order to stay out of his way? Because that is the inevitable outcome.
Say we're leaving every 1:40 and he keeps coming in such that we have to leave at 2:00 one time, 1:30 the next time, etc. instead, lest we keep cutting him off. That's what usually happens in these situations.
Eh, as I mentioned in my earlier post, if you got there first, you have squatter's rights for what you are doing in that lane, be it circle/split, the workout, etc. I still say stick with your intervals and cut him off if that is the way it has to be. He can pass you and your lanemates or get into another lane. It sounds like you told him you guys were doing an interval workout and he still agreed to be in your lane.
If he gives you some grief, smile and remind him of what you are doing and re-invite him to lead your lane. If he still doesn't like it, well then I think it is time to ask him to find a new lane.
Option B works. However, I am with Kristina on doing the butterfly. I have been known to do that now and then. That being said, I only do the fly if I do not know who the person is.
What really bothers me is when during normal lap swim there is one person in each lane then another comes to swim. You would think the person would get in a lane with same ability however I have found this is not always the case.
Full offensive fly is near and dear to my heart. It's really too bad I'm not strong enough to do it with paddles. Usually that keeps the people who want to keep their hair-dos pretty out of my lane. What really stinks is when you're doing a kick set and some doof thinks that means you're slow. And gets in doing head up *** stroke.
This is why you should never do kick sets or drills during rec swim.
But you're right, some people just can't tell/don't know/don't care(?) what lane is appropriate for them.
Sydney, I vote for option B.
I think that gives everyone the best outcome. You guys got there first and have squatting rights on what is going on with your lane, and get to swim your workout. The 4th dude gets to swim with swimmers and not noodlers.
I think what is going to happen is you guys are going to try to keep up with him anyways and get a great workout! Maybe when it is all said and done, you guys have a 4th member of your crew (and a new friend!). :banana:
Definitely B... Muppet said it perfectly. It's fair for everyone.
He can always move over when a noodler gets out if he doesn't want to do your guys set.
