Which goggles would you recommend for Alcatraz? I've been looking at the aquasphere mask type goggles. Would you recommend this type of goggle for the swim? I was told that larger goggles with a lot of plastic would pop off and not seal in cold water swims. Any hints on how to keep my goggles from fogging up?
Any other recommendations for Alcatraz would be greatly appreciated!
I don't think you need any special goggles. Whatever you normally use should work. I did the Alcatraz Sharkfest twice and used the same goggles I used in the pool - Tyr Racetech one year and Speedo the second year. Whatever you decide on, make sure that you use them a few times to get used to them.
I would recommend getting a clear pair and a tinted pair and break them both in. Then you can pick the pair that matches the race day conditions. I had good weather both times and used the tinted pair, but if it is gray or foggy you may want to have te clear pair available.
I`ve swam Alcatraz twice and I wore an Aqua Sphere Swim Mask,..great wide field view. Get the ones with the tinted lense..the first swim I did I wore clear and the Sun was right in my eyes as a breath to the left,..when I rotated my head after a breath, I had an image of the sun on my retna,..pretty weird,..seeing the Sun as I looked into the green depths.
Thanks for the recommendations. I'm not really 100% happy with my current goggles. Which is why I thought about using the aqua sphere instead. I still have a few weeks to try them out!
Any other Alcatraz hints?
From hard experience, I'd just use whatever you normally use in the pool. Don't try experimenting with new styles.
I always invest in a new pair for a big race to avoid the fog problem. I like new goggles for a race. I know they'll fit fine because I just buy the same type as I'm used to. Always take a spare pair just in case,though.
Also,..be one of the last off the Ferry...........this way you do not tread water for 15 minutes.
Good tip Ron. I did this by accident and not by design!
Pay attention to the pre-race briefing on tides. The first year I swam it they told us to come in to the left of the Aquatic park entrance. I did, and when I got there I go swept to the middle by the current. I saw a fair number of people caught up in the right side of the pier fight the current to get in the entrance.
Talk to some of the veterans on the ferry for tips on sighting. I got some good advice there.
Most important - have fun. Stop at least once and look at the awesome view!
Thursday evenings "Water World" has a practice in Aquatic Park. It is a great time to swim within the Park and get a feel for what you are about to undergo.
Also,..be one of the last off the Ferry...........this way you do not tread water for 15 minutes.
I second the "stop part way across and enjoy the view"
As far as your goggles as said what works for you in the pool will work at Alcatraz. What ever you decide to go with make sure you use it in the pool or train with it before the swim to avoid surprises on the day of the swim and that includes using any insulated caps you may use with your goggles before hand. You will be given a yellow race cap most likely as the Coast guard perfers yellow there . You will wear that on the outside of any other insulated cap if you use a insulated cap. Simulate all caps and goggles in swims prior to your race. The Aquasphere Seal Mask is a very popular goggle, but it does not work for everyone.
All that said for info on cold water Alcatraz type caps:
see www.geocities.com/.../coldwatercaps.html
I thought the race started when you jumped off the boat? The Escape from Alcatraz isn't a deep water start is it?
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Miles
I have only done the "Sharkfest." That race starts when everyone "assembles" along a "line" established by kayakers. We finished in Aquatic Park. I have heard that in some events,.swimmers wear a chip that records their time when they cross a specific point near the island. When you hit the water ,..your anxieties will dissolve.
Here`s the deal...........have the time of your life,..you will remember this swim forever,..and like someone else said,,,,STOP,,,part way accross and enjoy the view,..enjoy the moment.:applaud:
