Hi everyone: I have a triathlon coming up on June 7th. It is a sprint distance race with a .25 mile swim in San Pablo Bay (north of San Francisco Bay). The water depth will be 4-8 feet and the race will take place at high tide. Wetsuits are allowed as the water temp will probably be in the 60s. Visibility will be poor, maybe a few feet. It could be choppy since it is an afternoon race but it should be OK. I believe the course will be a semi-circle with the finish a few hundred yards down the beach from the start.
I'm a new swimmer but I'm confident I'll be able to cover the distance without too much distress. Aside from staying calm and starting to the back and outside, is there anything else I should do??
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Former Member
It sounds like you're pretty prepared. if there is current, just note where it is going and start accordingly. and yes, don't get caught up too much on the inside or around a buoy. Use body glide not to chafe, and most importantly, swim your own swim, not anyone elses. If you're fast enough to draft, do so but make sure they're going the correct way! personally i don't like drafting but it decreases your effort. But again, this is your swim, do your best and smile when you come out of the water! Oh and have fun, that's why we do this :) right?
Former Member
Yes George I see what you mean. I wore my wetsuit for a little swim in the bay yesterday and it felt like my feet were sticking up out of the water! I usually have the opposite problem.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I really love swimming now, I love making those little improvements and learning new things. To be able to finally swim is a beautiful thing. It is quickly becoming my favorite sport...
J
Former Member
If you carry your head slightly higher the legs will stay in the water. But when the head is raised a little too high this will also make your legs come out higher.
Oh contrare to some others views.
If you have not already practiced swimming in your wetsuit, make sure you do so. The first triathlon I did with a wetsuit, I wasn't used the choking feeling and it was quite distressing. Once you get used to how it feels around your neck, it's no problem, but even if you can't wear it in open water, try it in a pool. It's a heck of a lot different than when you are just standing in it.
Good luck and have fun!
Sydne
Former Member
Don't over kick and try not to kick above the waterline, a common fault when wearing a wet suit. I had to reduce my kick when in salt water even without a wetsuit. Quater mile is a short swim about the same as 400m. When you stand up to come out you will still feel strange maybe even dizzy if the water is rough, so make sure you have your balance.
