La Jolla Rough Water - Paddler?

I did the Gatorman last year for the 1st time and had no paddler and no problems. I did generally lose my pack on the return leg, but there were still plenty of swimmers to sight from. I actually found the Gatorman a much easier swim for sighting/drafting than the 1 mile (which I've done the last 3 years). Do the Gatorman. It's a fun and beautiful swim.

I've done the race 5-times, if you’re a mid pack swimmer it's unlikely you will need a paddler, if you’re a contender you might want one. The outbound leg towards the Scripp's pier is not a issue just follow the pack. However there is usually a bit of swimmer separation on the return leg back to the cove. You can site the hotel and palm trees above the cove; they have a strobe and some bright colored balloons at the finish however I generally can't get a bead on that until about 1/2 mile out. Many times other swimmers with paddlers are around so you can you hitch a draft with them.

Thanks Ken. That's pretty much in-line with what I was thinking.

A paddler is great to follow in the Gatorman and those of us who do not bring one are very thankful for those who do. Sighting is so much easier with a paddler, just follow them. See you there!

Patrick, Thanks for the great replies. Any thoughts on suits? I've seen pictures of the La Jolla race with a few people in tech suits, but not many. I've got a FS-Pro Full Body that looks like it's headed to the dustbin of history. Should I take it out for one last spin? Would this be considered "bad form" in this race? Do people avoid them because of chafing issues in the salt water?

Any thoughts on suits? I've seen pictures of the La Jolla race with a few people in tech suits, but not many. I've got a FS-Pro Full Body that looks like it's headed to the dustbin of history. Should I take it out for one last spin? Would this be considered "bad form" in this race? Do people avoid them because of chafing issues in the salt water? You're right. Though the race is so large, you'll see any and all kinds of suits. I'll wear lycra leggings this year, but I'm sure there will be people in body suits.

1. I’m concerned about getting stuck in the mass start and would like to position myself as well as possible. I’ve heard that being on the far right (as you’re looking out towards the pier) has advantages. I’m thinking of starting here and staying on the right for a couple of hundred meters. Good idea? I've done the 1 mile race the last 3 years and also did the Gatorman last year. Someone gave the same advice re: lining up and it has served me well. Definitely avoid the middle. Now, the more challenging point about lining up is where in the depth of the lineup you stand. I get in the very front, but I'm able to hang with/sprint with those guys. If you can build sufficient speed (think maybe 2:00 pace for the 1st 200 yards), jump to the front and you'll avoid the worst of the scrum. 2. I’d like to do some race specific training to mimic the fast start. I’m thinking of doing sets like: 4 x (200m hard + 400m cruise). Does this sound right? Yes. You might want to plan on something like a 200m FAST, 200m slightly less fast, then a 200 at your target cruise pace. 3. Is there an opportunity to do an in-water warm-up right before the race? Not a sufficient time in the race course on the event day. Once they start the kids events in the morning, the course is packed with races. If you get down the stairs early, you'll have some time to splash around in the water to cool off. However, there is another beach just around the point where everyone goes to warmup. You'll have access to that all morning and there will be plenty of people out there; kids and teens (& some adults) body surfing near to shore and others swimming further out. 4. Any other advice? You don't need a paddler. Find a pack slightly faster than your target pace and try to draft as much as possible, saving yourself some sighting and other energy. If you want a great seat for watching the races, spring for a sponsorship for the best seats in the house; do the $100 sponsorship (mostly tax deductible) and you also get a great parking spot plus 4 seats. PS: I'm planning on swimming at the cove on Saturday (the day before the race) and would welcome the chance to swim with anybody else that wants to do this. This is a great time. If you do the Saturday check-in and then walk down to the cove, you'll find people swimming, chatting, lounging there pretty much all day.

June 20 I did the 2.5 k Pier to the Cove swim and wore my rash guard top and didn`t get chaffed/chapped from it , BUT Aug 2 I did the 5 mile Tour of the Buoys and my left armpit got rubbed raw from a seam and I`ve a raw spot on my neck from the collar. Go nekkid!

Thought I'd resurrect this thread as I have a few more questions as the race approaches... (I’m a first-timer in this race and hope to be relatively competitive. I’ve looked at past results and hope to place somewhere in the top 100 men.) 1. I’m concerned about getting stuck in the mass start and would like to position myself as well as possible. I’ve heard that being on the far right (as you’re looking out towards the pier) has advantages. I’m thinking of starting here and staying on the right for a couple of hundred meters. Good idea? 2008 Start: YouTube - La Jolla In Water 2008 2007 Start: YouTube - Gator Start 2. I’d like to do some race specific training to mimic the fast start. I’m thinking of doing sets like: 4 x (200m hard + 400m cruise). Does this sound right? 3. Is there an opportunity to do an in-water warm-up right before the race? 4. Any other advice? Thanks PS: I'm planning on swimming at the cove on Saturday (the day before the race) and would welcome the chance to swim with anybody else that wants to do this.

Patrick, Thanks for the great replies. Any thoughts on suits? I've seen pictures of the La Jolla race with a few people in tech suits, but not many. I've got a FS-Pro Full Body that looks like it's headed to the dustbin of history. Should I take it out for one last spin? Would this be considered "bad form" in this race? Do people avoid them because of chafing issues in the salt water? Swimmer's Attire ALL EVENTS The use of Flotation and / or propulsion aids of any kind are prohibited, including wet suits, neoprene suits, swim fins (any kind) and hand paddles. LJRWS acceptable attire includes one or two swim suits (standard porous type), neoprene caps (one), standard swim caps (one or two) and grease. This suggests no Blue 70, Jaked, LZR etc., but a FS Pro is probably is acceptable. www.ljrws.com/.../blue.pdf