I'll be swimming my first LJRWS Gatorman (3 mile) this September and I'm wondering if I should use a paddler. The event info says the following about paddlers...
"Of the five LJRWS events, the Gatorman is by far the most technical. Tides, currents and navigation play major roles in successfully executing the Gatorman course. For this reason, board paddlers are recommended and a definite technical advantage."
My concern is that I'm a mid-pack swimmer and I doubt whether my paddler could even find me in the large pack. As far as navigation, I'm hoping to draft in a suitable pack and don't see the advantage of a paddler in that situation.
Can someone with race experience offer their insights?
Thanks
PS - I did a practice swim at The Cove this past weekend and those of you that get to swim there regularly have the world beat.
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
