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
Originally posted by geochuck
No we would not do that but in the Capri to Napoli swim the official in the boat offered to sell swim finns during the race. I guess that is better than a string.
This sounds like something Abouheif would do:)
Former Member
No we would not do that but in the Capri to Napoli swim the official in the boat offered to sell swim finns during the race. I guess that is better than a string.
Former Member
I bought my ginger capsules today!!
Hopefully I won't be leaving any more puke in my wake! ;)
Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions, advice and wisedom!!
Mary
Former Member
OK, I'm basically a pool swimmer. Anything I have done outdoors (actually only one swim) was short and part of a tri. Way to short to need food/water during the swim. Sooooo, I must ask. What is a feed stick.:confused:
Former Member
Waterbottles or camelbacks on a rope are very easy for kayak or canoe crew to use. plus crew in bigger powered boats. When it is rough I have had a degree of difficulty getting close enough to a boat to get the food, and then trying to refuel, then give it back. The catch and release method is better!!
In the English Channel, you may not have the rope taught, if you do you will be DQ'd as it is considered getting a tow. Plus the waterbottle must be above the water when drinking. I should imagine my camelback would not be allowed there.
Check with the race officials what is allowed, and train on that method.
Good Luck.
Kiwi
Former Member
Originally posted by Scansy
OK, I'm basically a pool swimmer. Anything I have done outdoors (actually only one swim) was short and part of a tri. Way to short to need food/water during the swim. Sooooo, I must ask. What is a feed stick.:confused:
A feed stick is something that allows your crew to pass you your water bottle/food/whatever without you having to go right up to the boat - especially if it's rough and getting clobbered by the boat is a possibility. They hold it out, you get your drink bottle and when done, you put it back. Typically, it is a long pole (like a pool cleaning pole) with some sort of basket attached. Often the bottles/containers are attached to the basket by rope so that you can just drop the bottle when done without worrying about getting it into the basket.
In this case (MIMS), Rob's idea of using bottles on ropes makes more sense since a kayaker can ferry the bottles from the boat to swimmer more readily than trying to line up the boat and swimmer.
-LBJ
Former Member
Hmmmm.... I hadn't thought about getting clobbered by the boat in rough water.... but I can see it happening. Ouch.
Former Member
Ever thought of jamming one or two gel packs in the rump part of the suit or sewing pockets in the back like bikers shirts.
For the bay swim I wore a wet suit and was prepared to put one in each leg just in case. I wish I had becuase by the time I got to the fourth mile I was running on EEEEEEEe.
My friend did and he felt better than I did by the end.
Kiwi,
When I swam the Channel in 2000, I was fed by a water bottle on a string. And I was never warned of any potential problems by either the official observer or the captain. While I wasn’t towed by a taut (or taught) string, I did give it some thought. And I can see that the observer would warn or disqualify the swimmer for such an offense.
“Plus the water bottle must be above the water when drinking.” How could one drink with the water bottle under the water?:)
“Check with the race officials what is allowed, and train on that method” is excellent advice!
Former Member
Rob,
Yeah, sounds funny, water bottle under water!!
What that means is that your entire water bottle must be above the water. So you can't have it partially submerged, or lying on the surface. It is not allowed in some swims. You must have the whole thing clear of water when drinking from it. (which when wavves break over your face, this takes extreme leg work... especially when not used for kicking,... which can result in horendous leg cramps!! which are difficult to stretch out in deep wavy water)
If anyone wants a nice 'break the ice' swim on the West Coast, I have 2, July 17th a 10km beautiful 74 degree swim in a crystal clear lake, and on Aug 12th 26.2kms, which you cna do as a solo or as a relay (up to 4 members). Interested in trying an Open Water swim?
Email: iamkiwi2004@yahoo.ca.
Only 3 days left for deadline of 10km (6.2 miles).
3 weeks deadline for 26.2km or 16.2 miles.
It is a wonderful experience to swim these fabulous swims!!
\Happy training.
Kiwi
