I'd like to know if any of you open water swimmers ever schedule a long ocean swim (over 5 miles) during a neap tide as it is known to help a swimmer during that swim. Or, do many of you do pre-scheduled open water swims that are sanctioned by other swim clubs and have to swim at their scheduled race times? And do any clubs who sponsor long ocean swims, ever schedule their races during neap tides?
Donna
Parents
Former Member
Rob,
I am glad to hear that race coordinators are well-informed about the tide changes in their regions. I never doubted they were. Then I suppose the neap tide situation would not be a concern, especially in swims that are close to land (unless it were to be in Canada).
I live not too far from the equator, well closer than you do, so even though swimming during a neap tide is of some benefit, it would be less for me this close to the equator than others. Plus, my water depth is 24,000 feet between Roatan and Utila so the winds will create some of my biggest challenges (wind+current=waves). But there will be two places in my swim whereby swimming at neap will help: starting out I will have two currents going in opposite directions, and about 10 miles out, I will encounter another two currents going opposite directions.
I am just very glad to know that race coordinators try to do their swim races during ebb or flood tides; that is also a very good time depending on the geography of the swim.
I just thought this subject might be interesting to open water swimmers, especially if they are like me and hunting for that very best time to do them, because I always need all the help I can get. :rofl:
Donna
Rob,
I am glad to hear that race coordinators are well-informed about the tide changes in their regions. I never doubted they were. Then I suppose the neap tide situation would not be a concern, especially in swims that are close to land (unless it were to be in Canada).
I live not too far from the equator, well closer than you do, so even though swimming during a neap tide is of some benefit, it would be less for me this close to the equator than others. Plus, my water depth is 24,000 feet between Roatan and Utila so the winds will create some of my biggest challenges (wind+current=waves). But there will be two places in my swim whereby swimming at neap will help: starting out I will have two currents going in opposite directions, and about 10 miles out, I will encounter another two currents going opposite directions.
I am just very glad to know that race coordinators try to do their swim races during ebb or flood tides; that is also a very good time depending on the geography of the swim.
I just thought this subject might be interesting to open water swimmers, especially if they are like me and hunting for that very best time to do them, because I always need all the help I can get. :rofl:
Donna
