Which is harder?
I figured flipturns are necessary for training to compensate for the continuous swimming in open water, especially in choppy conditions. But I finally came to the realization that I just can't handle it beyond about a mile as the cumulative effect of flipturns take a toll and leave me gasping for air. Yet I've done several one hour open water swims (about 2 miles for me) without problem. I don't know how much of this is because I am just relaxed without a pace clock.
I'm not convinced that training with flip turns vs. open turns makes a difference in training for open water swimming unless its mental. The biggest difference in open water swimming is that my shoulders never get a rest on the turn, but that is mitigated by the more regular breathing and rhythm I get when there are no turns. I'd do whatever turns you feel comfortable with. . . and if, like me, pool training is your only option, swimming long course makes for better open water preparation.
I'm not convinced that training with flip turns vs. open turns makes a difference in training for open water swimming unless its mental. The biggest difference in open water swimming is that my shoulders never get a rest on the turn, but that is mitigated by the more regular breathing and rhythm I get when there are no turns. I'd do whatever turns you feel comfortable with. . . and if, like me, pool training is your only option, swimming long course makes for better open water preparation.
