Primarily, safety, kayakers are within a few feet of a swimmer and can spot trouble early. It's pretty frequent, especially in a short, intense swim like a triathlon, that a kayaker needs to talk a panicky swimmer down so they can finish the swim portion. Some just need a pool noodle tossed, or few minutes rest on the bow of the kayak to recover. On longer swims, we can easily provide nutrition and encouragement without diesel fumes. I think the most important role on long swims is to help the swimmer to not have to sight as often. If the kayaker is always pointing in the desired direction, the swimmer only needs to keep themselves oriented to the kayak.
Primarily, safety, kayakers are within a few feet of a swimmer and can spot trouble early. It's pretty frequent, especially in a short, intense swim like a triathlon, that a kayaker needs to talk a panicky swimmer down so they can finish the swim portion. Some just need a pool noodle tossed, or few minutes rest on the bow of the kayak to recover. On longer swims, we can easily provide nutrition and encouragement without diesel fumes. I think the most important role on long swims is to help the swimmer to not have to sight as often. If the kayaker is always pointing in the desired direction, the swimmer only needs to keep themselves oriented to the kayak.
