I've been wanting to do Gatorman for a few years now. I've swum in the Cove a few times, mostly to the Shores and back. I've also done a 2 mile pier to pier swim the last 4 years, anywhere from :51 to 1:05, and a 2.4 miler in :59 (wetsuit, fresh water).
For some reason Gatorman really freaks me out.... Maybe because it doesn't really follow the shoreline and feels like open ocean?
I think I do plently of training (9-12K /week including OWS) and could make the cutoff.
I had an incident in a 2.4 mile swim in 2008 where I had severe vertigo an had to be pulled out of the water. Docs and I are convinced it was from pre race supplements that I don't do anymore, and I took to wearing earplugs. I've since been in MUCH rougher seas, and never had another issue, but I still think about that, and get freaked out about being alone.
I know I can use a paddler, but don't know if it's necessary, or where to find one. Are there guards along the whole route or only at the start/finish?
Other swims don't make me this nervous, I have no idea why the Gatorman makes me feel this way. Something about being out there in the middle of the Cove all alone gives me the jeebies.
ETA - forgot, I've also done alcatraz twice, which would seem to be more intimidating
Can anyone allay my fears?
I've done the 1mile at LaJolla for the last 4 years, many 4K races and the Gatorman once. The only reason I haven't done the Gatorman more often has been scheduling/travel constraints with my family and my daughters swimming. Thus far, the Gatorman has been my single favorite OW swim. Part of what I really liked about it was that, because there are soooo many swimmers, you almost never swim alone. I found it easier to find a pack to swim with/draft off no matter what speed I was going. Also, with the numerous kayakers and safety support, it's a very safe race. If you're still freaked out, find a buddy who will kayak and guide you. I'm doing it again this year and am totally stoked.
Oh My GOSH! That looks so freakin' awesome!! I really hope my husband gets orders to San Diego now just so I can attend this event, even if we go to Seattle then I may make the trip down to attend the event. Oh you should totally do it, it would be a worth while experience.
I'm not sure what part of the country your located, but the best way to overcome fears is to get more experience. There are a couple of other events sponsored by the La Jolla Cove Swim Club, a different organization then the sponsors of the LJRS Gatorman. www.lajollacoveswimclub.org/UpcomingEvents.html
They have a swim from the Scripp Howards Pier to the Cover on June 19th, this is basically the second half of the Gatorman. They have another swim on August 1st called the Tour of Buoys your choice of a 1.5 or 5-mile event. I haven't done either event but I understand there bit more lower key then the Gatorman.
I have done the Gatorman six-times, what I've learned over time, conditions will vary. I have had temperatures as low as 62F up to 73F, from almost dead calm to last years big big surf. It helps to be prepared for all possibilities. Probably the most anxiety I experience is at the mass start. FYI, if your swimming to complete it as opposed to racing it you can always take your time and start in the back. Another Southern California event I've done that had a somewhat crazy mass start is the Newport Beach Pier to Pier this year on July 10th. www.newportlifeguard.org/.../oceanswims.asp Really any larger open water can help you get used to the starts, if your willing to throw yourself into the mix a little. As other's have mentioned there is many support and safety personal, they do get a bit more spread out on the return leg.
Chris -
Swim Gatorman with a friend. Commit to staying together no matter what the speed.
All the better if you have a kayaker to guide you as Patrick says...
It does feel like you are out in the wide open sea to a degree - but look up high enough and land is actually pretty close.
This swim is a total confidence builder and your life as a true open water swimmer will be re-launched!
Ken, I can't really say it's a rational fear. I live in So Cal and swim in the pacific every weekend, usually 2 miles from Hermosa to Manhattan. I've swum in big surf, heavy chop, strong currents. I've done the Dwight Crum pier to pier with 800+ swimmers on a beach start 4-5 times. I've done IM Arizona twice with 2,000 swimmers in an in water start. I've done tons of beach start tris where you gotta race the group to get to the buoy first. I used to play water polo, so the scrum doesn't bother me
I must have drowned in a prior life or something. I've got plenty of experience, and a guy I swim with does the Gman every year, and we swim the same speed.
Like I said, it's really just a feeling like I'd be in open ocean solo (I rationally know it's not really that). I think hearing that the guards are all along the course helps a bit
I saw that Scripps to the cove swim, thought it might be a good way to get over this particular fear.
Like I said, it's really just a feeling like I'd be in open ocean solo (I rationally know it's not really that).
It does feel like you are out in the wide open sea to a degree - but look up high enough and land is actually pretty close.
Chris,
Ahelee is totally right. I never lost sight of the beach on this swim. It feels no more 'solo in the ocean' than the 1 mile swim does. You've done way more ocean swimming than me, by the sounds of it. Aside from La Jolla, all of my OW swimming has been in lakes. Plus, if you've survived the muck of Tempe Town Lake, you owe it to yourself to race in the much more beautiful Pacific.
Chris -
Swim Gatorman with a friend. Commit to staying together no matter what the speed.This is a great idea. The first time my daughter swam a 4K in a lake (age 12), I paced her the whole way. It was a slow swim for me and we stopped and chatted a couple of times, but so much fun. If you just want to get this under your belt the first time, try this. Then, with your fear conquered, you can race it the next year ... and the next ... and the next.
The first time my daughter swam a 4K in a lake (age 12), I paced her the whole way. It was a slow swim for me and we stopped and chatted a couple of times, but so much fun.
:applaud::cheerleader::party2::banana:
