I am looking at doing my first Triatholon this June. I am a good runner and cyclist. Trying to get back into swimming. I am a decent swimmer. I just started swimming again last week after a few years off. Just put up another thread in the workout thread asking for a good workout routine. Anyway I just wanted some advice on open water swimming and group swimming if anybody has any. I am pretty good in the pool but have never really swam open water or in big packs like you would in a triatholon. I believe the swim portion of the Tri will be in a fresh water lake. If anyone has any advice and knows about Triatholons feel free to offer some advice. I would appreciate it.
Parents
Former Member
As you know there are several things that make open water swimming in triathlons different from the pool. It is a good thing to get used to being close to people, swimming next to people, getting bumped, etc. which will all happen in open water. No matter what the distance, i recommend the day before, go down to the water, make sure you look at the buoys from the start area. another thing to consider is where you want to start. I am not a fast swimmer but very steady, and i generally start behind the faster people in my wave to minimize having my goggles kicked off and other bumping. So it generally makes for a more relaxed swim.
note any currents that will move you during your swim and place your swim start accordingly. I think yours is in a lake so there should not be current but if it's windy it can be choppy and move you around. There are likely waves of people starting after you and if you're slower be prepared to be swam over.
At the start, begin swimming asap, versus running into the water. swim until your arm touches the bottom of the lake and that's the time to get up and run out. if you hit a patch where the water is low, it is faster to swim than to walk through it. Also note any sharp rocks, etc. or other concerns at the exit of the swim.
As for sighting, there are several ways to sight but one of the most efficient is to look up at the end of your stroke breath and sight ab/ every 3 strokes or so. YOu can practice this in the pool. Of course there will be kayakers to make sure you stay on course and if you have any trouble it is legal to hold onto them (any non motorized craft) if necessary. If you touch the motorized craft, it's a DQ.
Good luck! Open water triathlon swimming is fun. Make sure you swim your swim and no one elses.
Reply
Former Member
As you know there are several things that make open water swimming in triathlons different from the pool. It is a good thing to get used to being close to people, swimming next to people, getting bumped, etc. which will all happen in open water. No matter what the distance, i recommend the day before, go down to the water, make sure you look at the buoys from the start area. another thing to consider is where you want to start. I am not a fast swimmer but very steady, and i generally start behind the faster people in my wave to minimize having my goggles kicked off and other bumping. So it generally makes for a more relaxed swim.
note any currents that will move you during your swim and place your swim start accordingly. I think yours is in a lake so there should not be current but if it's windy it can be choppy and move you around. There are likely waves of people starting after you and if you're slower be prepared to be swam over.
At the start, begin swimming asap, versus running into the water. swim until your arm touches the bottom of the lake and that's the time to get up and run out. if you hit a patch where the water is low, it is faster to swim than to walk through it. Also note any sharp rocks, etc. or other concerns at the exit of the swim.
As for sighting, there are several ways to sight but one of the most efficient is to look up at the end of your stroke breath and sight ab/ every 3 strokes or so. YOu can practice this in the pool. Of course there will be kayakers to make sure you stay on course and if you have any trouble it is legal to hold onto them (any non motorized craft) if necessary. If you touch the motorized craft, it's a DQ.
Good luck! Open water triathlon swimming is fun. Make sure you swim your swim and no one elses.
