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.
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 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.
