...are like driving on the freeway?
Well, I have. I swim the same way I drive - I just want to be left alone. But there are the tailgaters, the leap-froggers, etc. Sometimes I will adjust my cruise control down or get in another lane just to get some open space.
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Former Member
I used to never mind the bumping and scramble at the start. But when I returned to swimming a few years ago after being out for over a decade because of a shoulder problem, I decided to steer clear. Even after my 2nd surgery last year I still try to stay clear. No reason to mess up my Dr.'s work. However, I find that in most open water swims people may swim close, but it is more like rubbing than bumping - of course there are exceptions. Experienced swimmers know that bumping only slows you down. Unless you are fighting to hold position on the feet of a specific swimmer it makes no sense. However in triathlons, they seem to think it is a winning strategy. I steer clear of those . . nuts. Even when in marginal swim shape, I could start wide and still end up in the top 10% or better overall.
I used to never mind the bumping and scramble at the start. But when I returned to swimming a few years ago after being out for over a decade because of a shoulder problem, I decided to steer clear. Even after my 2nd surgery last year I still try to stay clear. No reason to mess up my Dr.'s work. However, I find that in most open water swims people may swim close, but it is more like rubbing than bumping - of course there are exceptions. Experienced swimmers know that bumping only slows you down. Unless you are fighting to hold position on the feet of a specific swimmer it makes no sense. However in triathlons, they seem to think it is a winning strategy. I steer clear of those . . nuts. Even when in marginal swim shape, I could start wide and still end up in the top 10% or better overall.
