Alcatraz Challenge this May - First Time Open Water
Former Member
Hey all,
Just registered for an 1.5 mile open water swim in May - part of me thinks I'm nuts, but part of me is excited as hell for this.
Had a few questions for more experienced open water swimmers out there...
1) Open water swimming - How does it differ from closed pool swimming? I've read a number of people mention "sighting", which is where I assume you look where you're going, but unsure how to incorporate that into normal breathing (where I look to side).
2) Open water training - I was a state / varsity level swimmer in high school, but afterwards have only sparingly swam. So, I don't think I could swim the full distance easily right now. My plan is to build up to 3 miles in a closed pool over next 2 months, then start training in open water over next 2 months. I found some plans (below), but what training programs have other people used? I have about 4 months to prepare...
100swimmingworkouts.com/
3) Wetsuit - what do you look for in a wetsuit? Where do you normally find these? Besides the "who knows where this has been" factor (which presumably could be fixed with a wash), is there anything wrong with used wetsuits (seem significantly cheaper)?
Thanks!
How does it differ from closed pool swimming? I've read a number of people mention "sighting", which is where I assume you look where you're going, but unsure how to incorporate that into normal breathing (where I look to side).
For me, the biggest hurdle with OW is not being able to stop and put your feet down to rest, so it takes some mental toughness to prepare yourself for the race (and tell yourself that you won't look like this: :drowning:).
The cold water is also different and will surprise you - sounds silly but after I get out of my pool workout and shower, I will crank up the cold water for a progressive periods of time. You'll notice the same thing that you'll feel when you hop into the Bay - you can't breathe! It just takes getting used to and trying to control your breathing in the cold water.
For sighting :eek:, practice the Tarzan drill over in the OW workout forum (swimming head's up like a water polo player does). Since I alternate breathing during the swim, I swim in a pretty straight line, so I will pick up my head for a quick look before breathing to my right side - eyes up for a look then turn my head. There should be folks at the race that can give you an idea of what things to look at in the distance (a tall tree or building, some sort of focal point) then you just compensate the tide pushing you around with your swimming to keep heading in that direction. sfbayswimmer should be able to give you a lot of advice.
About wetsuits, I agree with MikeT Then there is all the problems with skin rubbing ... I have one that I borrowed from a friend and wore it once in a race - looked like someone tried to hang me from the marks around my neck. I've done the Peaks to Portland 2.4 mile swim twice - 62 degree water in Maine feels cold with or without a wetsuit, and after 35 minutes of swimming in I was overheating with the suit the first time. Cold is cold, you just have to get used to it.
Oh, and congrats on taking the Challenge. :applaud: You will have a great time :D
How does it differ from closed pool swimming? I've read a number of people mention "sighting", which is where I assume you look where you're going, but unsure how to incorporate that into normal breathing (where I look to side).
For me, the biggest hurdle with OW is not being able to stop and put your feet down to rest, so it takes some mental toughness to prepare yourself for the race (and tell yourself that you won't look like this: :drowning:).
The cold water is also different and will surprise you - sounds silly but after I get out of my pool workout and shower, I will crank up the cold water for a progressive periods of time. You'll notice the same thing that you'll feel when you hop into the Bay - you can't breathe! It just takes getting used to and trying to control your breathing in the cold water.
For sighting :eek:, practice the Tarzan drill over in the OW workout forum (swimming head's up like a water polo player does). Since I alternate breathing during the swim, I swim in a pretty straight line, so I will pick up my head for a quick look before breathing to my right side - eyes up for a look then turn my head. There should be folks at the race that can give you an idea of what things to look at in the distance (a tall tree or building, some sort of focal point) then you just compensate the tide pushing you around with your swimming to keep heading in that direction. sfbayswimmer should be able to give you a lot of advice.
About wetsuits, I agree with MikeT Then there is all the problems with skin rubbing ... I have one that I borrowed from a friend and wore it once in a race - looked like someone tried to hang me from the marks around my neck. I've done the Peaks to Portland 2.4 mile swim twice - 62 degree water in Maine feels cold with or without a wetsuit, and after 35 minutes of swimming in I was overheating with the suit the first time. Cold is cold, you just have to get used to it.
Oh, and congrats on taking the Challenge. :applaud: You will have a great time :D
