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.
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Former Member
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.
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.
