This may be opening a can of worms here, but I'm having an argument with someone in my group. If someone is drafting off of you in a pool set (like 4x200 SCY), does it hurt your effort? Does the lead swimmer have to work harder or experience some other negative benefit?
I've read a bit about aerodynamics and it would seem that in car racing, the lead car actually gets a positive benefit, but I'm not sure if that's true in swimming.
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I don't believe the draftee is forced to work harder. But the drafter does not have to work as hard. This gives the drafter a little extra gas in their tank at the end of a set (or open water race) and allows them to finish stronger.
I try not to get angry with drafters during my open water swims. That is a proven waste of mental energy which is better spent on focusing on the race ahead and planning a strategy for how not to let the drafter pass you at the end.
I don't believe the draftee is forced to work harder. But the drafter does not have to work as hard. This gives the drafter a little extra gas in their tank at the end of a set (or open water race) and allows them to finish stronger.
I try not to get angry with drafters during my open water swims. That is a proven waste of mental energy which is better spent on focusing on the race ahead and planning a strategy for how not to let the drafter pass you at the end.
