I just swam my first open water event this past weekend, and have learned a few lessons the hard way.
I was wondering if anyone else has some tips or things that swimmers need to remember for an open water race.
The following is what I have so far.
1. Know exactly where the finish line is and what markings it will have.
I ended a short warm up race (500m) by swimming to the wrong boat ramp, about 20 feet away from the actual finish line. The finish line had the electronic sensors.
2. Know the course layout.
The course I swam was a rectangle with 3 large buoys on each of the long sides. For some reason during the swim I was sure there were only 2 on the back side. After the 2nd buoy, I started to cut over toward the finish line until I suspected that something was amiss. An extended look showed me my error. I hated myself for this error.
3. Don’t get kicked in the head.
If the race is sufficiently long, and you are an average racer, I think a clean start is more important than a fast start. I started to the far left of the pack, which was smart. Unfortunately, I cut in prematurely within the first 100 yards and was kicked in the goggles. I believe I really should have stayed wide and stayed safe for the first ~800 yard straight-away, angling slightly toward the last buoy.
Things I did right.
4. Make sure the ankle bracelet and timing chip are securely attached.
I had trouble removing it after the swim. A good problem.
5. Brought and wore dark goggles.
I usually swim indoors with clear goggles. The dark tint or mirror is a nice addition outside, even on an overcast day.
6. Lots of swimmers are nervous.
It helps me to know that I was not the only swim with butterflies.
What am I missing?
My next event is Labor Day weekend.
Thanks.
Lots of good advice here. I would add:
Before the race starts, ask if others have done the race before, and if they have any tips. In my experience, people are very willing to be helpful. Usually the most important piece of advice to get is what to "sight" on -- this may *not* be the finish line for most of the race, as the finish line may not be visible from the start. It could be a building or a mountain or some other landmark.
I use Vaseline on exposed areas to prevent suit rubbing and to pretend that it's keeping me warmer. (not sure that it does).
Wear a silicone cap or other cap underneath the cap they give you to keep your head warmer. But don't do what I did on Saturday and use a cap that slowly creeps off your head. :shakeshead:
Know that you're going to swallow water and miss a breath or two. No biggie.
Be prepared to change your stroke. For longer races, I find it helpful to switch periodically between longer, slower strokes and shorter, faster ones, because I think you use slightly different muscles. Waves or chop may require higher arms and shorter strokes.
Learn how to sight without interrupting your breathing.
Draft off of someone a little faster than you who seems to be swimming a good line. But be careful, because if you pick the wrong person, you may swim off course if they do or swim slower than you could be. And if you do draft, don't be a jerk and touch their feet. At all.
Be sure to have nice warm clothes waiting for you at the finish. Celebrate your job well done. Exchange your war stories with other swimmers.
Lots of good advice here. I would add:
Before the race starts, ask if others have done the race before, and if they have any tips. In my experience, people are very willing to be helpful. Usually the most important piece of advice to get is what to "sight" on -- this may *not* be the finish line for most of the race, as the finish line may not be visible from the start. It could be a building or a mountain or some other landmark.
I use Vaseline on exposed areas to prevent suit rubbing and to pretend that it's keeping me warmer. (not sure that it does).
Wear a silicone cap or other cap underneath the cap they give you to keep your head warmer. But don't do what I did on Saturday and use a cap that slowly creeps off your head. :shakeshead:
Know that you're going to swallow water and miss a breath or two. No biggie.
Be prepared to change your stroke. For longer races, I find it helpful to switch periodically between longer, slower strokes and shorter, faster ones, because I think you use slightly different muscles. Waves or chop may require higher arms and shorter strokes.
Learn how to sight without interrupting your breathing.
Draft off of someone a little faster than you who seems to be swimming a good line. But be careful, because if you pick the wrong person, you may swim off course if they do or swim slower than you could be. And if you do draft, don't be a jerk and touch their feet. At all.
Be sure to have nice warm clothes waiting for you at the finish. Celebrate your job well done. Exchange your war stories with other swimmers.
