Does anyone have any clever ideas for the design of a feed stick for longer races? I've used a small aluminum pot on the end of a broomhandle in the past, but it's a bit short/small and not great if the water is rough.
Also, ideally I'll have my bottle(s) attached by string to the stick so I can drink from them and then drop them, but what to do about things like pills (e.g. seasickness pills)?
Any other thoughts appreciated.
-LBJ
Leonard
For the sea sickness, yes, ginger does work! You may also want to add a couple of dozen ginger snaps to you pre-race meal.
As for feeding sticks, etc… I’ve always stuck with a water bottle on a long string, no sticks. I’ve used both the screw-top bottles and sports bottles and I find I can drink more quickly from the screw-tops (provided the crew doesn’t crank down the lid). I find it easier for the crew to toss me a bottle than for them to try to negotiate the boat close enough to use a feeding stick, especially in rough seas.
As for pills, can they be crushed and added to the drink? I’ve never taken pills during a race, so I don’t know if they are palatable. The closest I come is to add a dose of Liquid Advil every 3 to 4 hours. Your crew could always tape the pill to the bottle.
For a race like MIMS, I would set up 2 water bottles on strings about 20 – 30 feet long (a primary and a back-up) and I’d have my fluids pre-mixed in gallon jugs on your main boat, and have your crew fill the water bottle up to your serving size for each feeding, passing the bottle off to your kayaker. Put a thick line on the water bottle at the fill to level with a permanent marker, so your crew knows how much to use.
And on the topic of crew and kayaker… After 6 or 7 hours you may think that they are conspiring to ruin your swim. They aren’t. Also, your kayaker and crew my get a little fatigued and grumpy after hours in the sun, as you pass under the GW Bridge, heading down the Hudson River, let them know that they are doing a great job. They may need some encouragement.
Leonard
For the sea sickness, yes, ginger does work! You may also want to add a couple of dozen ginger snaps to you pre-race meal.
As for feeding sticks, etc… I’ve always stuck with a water bottle on a long string, no sticks. I’ve used both the screw-top bottles and sports bottles and I find I can drink more quickly from the screw-tops (provided the crew doesn’t crank down the lid). I find it easier for the crew to toss me a bottle than for them to try to negotiate the boat close enough to use a feeding stick, especially in rough seas.
As for pills, can they be crushed and added to the drink? I’ve never taken pills during a race, so I don’t know if they are palatable. The closest I come is to add a dose of Liquid Advil every 3 to 4 hours. Your crew could always tape the pill to the bottle.
For a race like MIMS, I would set up 2 water bottles on strings about 20 – 30 feet long (a primary and a back-up) and I’d have my fluids pre-mixed in gallon jugs on your main boat, and have your crew fill the water bottle up to your serving size for each feeding, passing the bottle off to your kayaker. Put a thick line on the water bottle at the fill to level with a permanent marker, so your crew knows how much to use.
And on the topic of crew and kayaker… After 6 or 7 hours you may think that they are conspiring to ruin your swim. They aren’t. Also, your kayaker and crew my get a little fatigued and grumpy after hours in the sun, as you pass under the GW Bridge, heading down the Hudson River, let them know that they are doing a great job. They may need some encouragement.
