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.
Do what works for you but keep an eye on currents. You want to avoid losing any ground when you are easing up. On some occaisions when I have done Alcatraz, I have ended up to the "left" of the entrance to Aquatic Park(left while swimming towards it). I have noticed a current along the Aquatic Park breakwater that I have to swim against when that happens.
You want to schedule any breaks in your rhythm or change to *** for times when you aren't in that situation. After you round the entrance at Aquatic Park is a perfect time to switch up if you feel a need. Good luck. Its a fun swim.
Do what works for you but keep an eye on currents. You want to avoid losing any ground when you are easing up. On some occaisions when I have done Alcatraz, I have ended up to the "left" of the entrance to Aquatic Park(left while swimming towards it). I have noticed a current along the Aquatic Park breakwater that I have to swim against when that happens.
You want to schedule any breaks in your rhythm or change to *** for times when you aren't in that situation. After you round the entrance at Aquatic Park is a perfect time to switch up if you feel a need. Good luck. Its a fun swim.
