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?
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
