Next month I will be swimming Lake Tahoe with a relay. Expected conditions are 55 - 60 F and wind and chop, with no wetsuits allowed. Fortunately we will be swimming only 1/2 hour shifts separated by 2.5 hr (6 person relay.) Also, there will be a boat that I hope is big enough to see with by bad eyes and close enough to pull my frozen carcass out of the water.
But I am very nervous. I am a pool swimmer who likes his water 79 +/- 2 degrees, and this will be my first serious open water experience (without fins, mask, and snorkle in the Carribean). Is there a chance of cardiac arrest if I don't prepare correctly? Will it help if I hop in the Pacific ocean a couple of times (the temperature is comparable right now, I think.)? Or will I only be making myself uncomfortable? Am I better off not knowing what I will get into?
I know (in theory) about earplugs and cap, but what is the grease that I hear people talking about? What kind and where should it go? I don't have a lot of insulation. Will those big(ish) mask/goggles keep my face warmer?
Is it better for the boat to hang on my breathing side, where I can see it, or well ahead of me where I can lift my head up to sight it (no drafting allowed, of course). I know I wander if there is no line under me while I swim.
My brain tells me that an in-shape swimmer will not become (seriously) hypothermic after only 30 minutes, but I would like someone with experience tell me that, too.
Hi Phil,
You've received some great advice from a couple "veteran" and expert long distance swimmers. I'd like to give you some advice from a Trans-Tahoe "veteran".
Don't get too stressed! I've swum that race many times and don't recall the temperature ever getting to 55 degrees. There was the year it snowed . . . but wisely the Olympic Club canceled the swim. In 1997 there was wind coming from the East (a "Tonapah") at the crack of dawn. It made getting to the race start unpleasant but the race went well for most once it was started.
If it's below 60, you'll get a bit of a "face freeze" that lasts a few minutes. The scenery, competition, excitement is so invigorating you'll get through the 30 minute leg and love it! Watch out for that team that likes to "swim naked".
Be sure someone has a lap counter on board so they can indicate how many minutes you've swum. That makes it easier on the 1st leg. Remember, your 2nd, 3rd (how slow is your team?) swims are for shorter durations. When you change swimmers, usually the boat pulls forward so the swimmer can get in, warm the water (unless you have a deluxe boat with a head), get the goggles set. A tag must take place so start swimming JUST before the person reaches you so they don't have to chase you (they're tired, you're freezing and invigorated).
By all means, wear a thermal cap and ear plugs. Grease only where you traditionally get rub spots. This is fresh (the freshest!) water so it's mainly a stroke or swimsuit thing. The grease is pretty messy for getting in and out of the boat and frequent clothes changes. Bring warm sweats/parka, extra towels and change suits if you can (not too important if you wear a skimpy Speedo). Also, have a thermos of hot liquid.
I remember when the course used to go from Glenbrook to Chambers Landing. That was a long swim and the slower teams (like mine in those days) swam so many 10 minute legs we lost count! Plus the afternoon wind from the West would invariably get us. The waves would make some people feel a bit "puny". The course is shorter and more protected now as it follows the North shore from Incline to Tahoe City.
Unless you have lousy weather (almost never happens at Tahoe in July!), by the time you finish your 2nd leg you'll be sunbathing and should be more concerned with your skin! Don't forget a hat to protect you from the sun! The air is pretty thin up there.
I envy you - I sure miss that race. One of these years I'll organize a Northwest team and come down for it again. Hmmmmm - maybe we should duplicate this event in Lake Washington. Now that would be fun!
Feel free to ask for more advice but I'm guessing you have plenty of "veterans" on your team who can share their experiences. You're gonna love this!
Sally Dillon
ps - if you have really low body fat my advice is to eat more! Right Rob?
Hi Phil,
You've received some great advice from a couple "veteran" and expert long distance swimmers. I'd like to give you some advice from a Trans-Tahoe "veteran".
Don't get too stressed! I've swum that race many times and don't recall the temperature ever getting to 55 degrees. There was the year it snowed . . . but wisely the Olympic Club canceled the swim. In 1997 there was wind coming from the East (a "Tonapah") at the crack of dawn. It made getting to the race start unpleasant but the race went well for most once it was started.
If it's below 60, you'll get a bit of a "face freeze" that lasts a few minutes. The scenery, competition, excitement is so invigorating you'll get through the 30 minute leg and love it! Watch out for that team that likes to "swim naked".
Be sure someone has a lap counter on board so they can indicate how many minutes you've swum. That makes it easier on the 1st leg. Remember, your 2nd, 3rd (how slow is your team?) swims are for shorter durations. When you change swimmers, usually the boat pulls forward so the swimmer can get in, warm the water (unless you have a deluxe boat with a head), get the goggles set. A tag must take place so start swimming JUST before the person reaches you so they don't have to chase you (they're tired, you're freezing and invigorated).
By all means, wear a thermal cap and ear plugs. Grease only where you traditionally get rub spots. This is fresh (the freshest!) water so it's mainly a stroke or swimsuit thing. The grease is pretty messy for getting in and out of the boat and frequent clothes changes. Bring warm sweats/parka, extra towels and change suits if you can (not too important if you wear a skimpy Speedo). Also, have a thermos of hot liquid.
I remember when the course used to go from Glenbrook to Chambers Landing. That was a long swim and the slower teams (like mine in those days) swam so many 10 minute legs we lost count! Plus the afternoon wind from the West would invariably get us. The waves would make some people feel a bit "puny". The course is shorter and more protected now as it follows the North shore from Incline to Tahoe City.
Unless you have lousy weather (almost never happens at Tahoe in July!), by the time you finish your 2nd leg you'll be sunbathing and should be more concerned with your skin! Don't forget a hat to protect you from the sun! The air is pretty thin up there.
I envy you - I sure miss that race. One of these years I'll organize a Northwest team and come down for it again. Hmmmmm - maybe we should duplicate this event in Lake Washington. Now that would be fun!
Feel free to ask for more advice but I'm guessing you have plenty of "veterans" on your team who can share their experiences. You're gonna love this!
Sally Dillon
ps - if you have really low body fat my advice is to eat more! Right Rob?
