have been trying to locate a rule book for open water swimming but figure I would just post my question... its been about 3 years since my last open water swim and I remember that it is totally legal to run as far as you can into the water to start and even do dolphin dives if possible.
My question is: if for some reason there is a point on the course where we can touch, is it legal to touch the bottom and even do some dolphin dives?
(i know some of you might see this as cheating but i really just want to know if its legal according to USMS).
The current rules are here:
www.usms.org/.../part3.pdf
I only had time to scan it quickly but I don't see anything that prohibits "dolphin dives." There are general prohibitions against violating race rules (ie set by the race director) and receiving "unauthorized assistance."
I would definitely check with the race director beforehand. Possibly with a copy of the rule book in hand, because sometimes the race directors are wrong...I went to a race last year where we were told to remove our watches even though Rule 303.6.6 clearly states that they may be worn in OW competition.
The current rules are here:
www.usms.org/.../part3.pdf
I only had time to scan it quickly but I don't see anything that prohibits "dolphin dives." There are general prohibitions against violating race rules (ie set by the race director) and receiving "unauthorized assistance."
I would definitely check with the race director beforehand. Possibly with a copy of the rule book in hand, because sometimes the race directors are wrong...I went to a race last year where we were told to remove our watches even though Rule 303.6.6 clearly states that they may be worn in OW competition.
