I agree that the atmosphere at Open Water swims is terrific. My family loves going with me, which was not so much the case when I was racing triathlon. Not trying to be snobby about it--it's just the reality we've found.
I do the St. Croix 5-mile swim whenever I can make it there, and the swimmers hang together regardless of ability and experience. The day before, most swimmers take a snorkeling trip together and I love the fact that those who are strictly middle of the pack--ie. ME--get to enjoy and spend time with, and learn from swimmers whose abilities and accomplishments far outstrip what I can comprehend. Everyone does training swims right from the hotel beach and people who'd never be in the same lane indoors swim together for the good company.
We've made some great friends there and there's no sense that anyone is better than anyone else, just that we're there to see whatever wildlife we can, swim safely, and have a great time. People taking 5 hours get the same kind of cheers as those doing under 2 hours.
There's no wetsuits, since you'd suffocate, but also no sense of judgment.
Can't wait to get back there in October...
I agree that the atmosphere at Open Water swims is terrific. My family loves going with me, which was not so much the case when I was racing triathlon. Not trying to be snobby about it--it's just the reality we've found.
I do the St. Croix 5-mile swim whenever I can make it there, and the swimmers hang together regardless of ability and experience. The day before, most swimmers take a snorkeling trip together and I love the fact that those who are strictly middle of the pack--ie. ME--get to enjoy and spend time with, and learn from swimmers whose abilities and accomplishments far outstrip what I can comprehend. Everyone does training swims right from the hotel beach and people who'd never be in the same lane indoors swim together for the good company.
We've made some great friends there and there's no sense that anyone is better than anyone else, just that we're there to see whatever wildlife we can, swim safely, and have a great time. People taking 5 hours get the same kind of cheers as those doing under 2 hours.
There's no wetsuits, since you'd suffocate, but also no sense of judgment.
Can't wait to get back there in October...
