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?
I have a Freestyle waterproof mp3 player, and it's really fantastic for the gym pool (it cuts down on hearing the annoying kids on the other side of the pool). I don't know if I'd actually use it in the open water, but that's mostly because I like the quiet of the outdoors (maybe not so much in the ocean, but definitely in a lake).
I'd have to second the person who mentioned that the sound is louder in the water than out of it. It took a bit of adjusting before I got the volume just right. That being said, I don't think I can do laps at the gym without it, now!
I have a Freestyle waterproof mp3 player, and it's really fantastic for the gym pool (it cuts down on hearing the annoying kids on the other side of the pool). I don't know if I'd actually use it in the open water, but that's mostly because I like the quiet of the outdoors (maybe not so much in the ocean, but definitely in a lake).
I'd have to second the person who mentioned that the sound is louder in the water than out of it. It took a bit of adjusting before I got the volume just right. That being said, I don't think I can do laps at the gym without it, now!
