I've read a couple of articles lately about Tri and running events banning the use of mp3 players citing them as competitive advantage. Of course, I haven't seen any swimmers sporting these at events yet, but I was wondering if there has been any discussion in the swimming community.
I just recently received one as a gift and use it in training, and it's great. Would it aid me in the 3K-5K OWS events? I think so. It can be a great motivator, and it would give me a bit of an advantage over those who didn't have one. I think it might even be a greater advantage in a swimming event than in a running or cycling event where greater advantages are possible through equipment (shoes and bikes). In swimming, the only advantage granted is for those who use wet suits, but they are already typically divided to another division.
What do you think? Should mp3 players be allowed or disallowed at OWS events?
For use in a pool it's one thing but wearing them in the open water is just downright dangerous when water / weather conditions can change and if a kayaker, pilot or lifeguard is trying to get your attention. Don't mean to sound like an old fart but if they really have no business being out in the open water.
I keep forgetting the absolute breadth and variety that is OWS. My questions and assumptions were based on my typical OWS experience which, thus far, has been in small lakes or controlled areas during events in which their are no kayakers, pilots, etc. I am considering doing the Pensacola Bay swim next spring. While it's no SF Bay, I would never consider wearing an mp3 player even in P'cola Bay as the conditions will likely be too choppy for me to want any distraction.
As for lake swimming in events, I am currently suing the SwiMP3 which has bone conduction speakers on the cheek bones so as soon as my ear is clear of water, I hear ambient noise and not the mp3 player. Any lifeguard wishing to get my attention would completely be able to do so.
Perhaps this is why I haven't seen specific rules forbidding the use of players as clearly stated as in Tri competitions. The use of these devices is too new and too varied.
For use in a pool it's one thing but wearing them in the open water is just downright dangerous when water / weather conditions can change and if a kayaker, pilot or lifeguard is trying to get your attention. Don't mean to sound like an old fart but if they really have no business being out in the open water.
I keep forgetting the absolute breadth and variety that is OWS. My questions and assumptions were based on my typical OWS experience which, thus far, has been in small lakes or controlled areas during events in which their are no kayakers, pilots, etc. I am considering doing the Pensacola Bay swim next spring. While it's no SF Bay, I would never consider wearing an mp3 player even in P'cola Bay as the conditions will likely be too choppy for me to want any distraction.
As for lake swimming in events, I am currently suing the SwiMP3 which has bone conduction speakers on the cheek bones so as soon as my ear is clear of water, I hear ambient noise and not the mp3 player. Any lifeguard wishing to get my attention would completely be able to do so.
Perhaps this is why I haven't seen specific rules forbidding the use of players as clearly stated as in Tri competitions. The use of these devices is too new and too varied.
