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
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
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
