I have my first ever open water swim coming up next month, the Alcatraz Sharkfest. It's not too long, about a mile and a half, but the water is pretty cold (60) and the currents are strong. I got a wetsuit for the swim, but am not going to be able to test it in salt water until the day before the swim.
As a 56 year old novice swimmer, I can't swim that far using continuous freestyle, so I thought I would alternate freestyle and breaststroke, doing maybe 70 - 80 strokes of free (equal to 200 meters in the pool), then 20 - 40 strokes of *** to rest.
I've read a few posts from people saying that they were unable to swim *** in a wetsuit because it made them too bouyant. But I've also read a couple of other posts referring to people alternating strokes just like I'm planning to do.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has some experience with this. If the breaststroke is not going to be workable, what other techniques do you use for resting in the open water?
Thanks.
Parents
Former Member
I can't say much regarding the wetsuit stuff, as I've never worn one; but I have done the Alcatraz swim a couple of times, and going for my third at the end of the month.
When I did my first swim (August 2004), I would swim freestyle for the most part, alternating with short stretches of breaststroke. The second time (last weekend), I was able to swim exclusive freestyle. I found that the key is simply to relax. Don't think about where you are swimming, except to marvel at the fact that you are looking at the Golden Gate Bridge when you breathe.
I can't say much regarding the wetsuit stuff, as I've never worn one; but I have done the Alcatraz swim a couple of times, and going for my third at the end of the month.
When I did my first swim (August 2004), I would swim freestyle for the most part, alternating with short stretches of breaststroke. The second time (last weekend), I was able to swim exclusive freestyle. I found that the key is simply to relax. Don't think about where you are swimming, except to marvel at the fact that you are looking at the Golden Gate Bridge when you breathe.
