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!
Parents
Former Member
I've done three crossings, including the Challenge (actually, did the swim/run).
Re sighting - There is another twist in Alcatraz swimming, which is the tide that changes how and where you have to site. Depending on the tides the day of the swim, you will generally start sighting way north of where you actually want to go (i.e. if entering Aquatic Park) and then adjust your landmarks as you get closer. he Challenge ends at Chrissy Beach, so you generally site towards the south, then adjust as you go. I.e., Fort Mason, the piers, the palace, the yacht club, etc. They will give you specific sighting tips race morning.
As to how to do it, I just incorporate it into the stroke, sometimes it's a quick peak on a non breathing stroke, or a full on water polo stroke. You will also probably have to look 2 or 3 times due to waves.
Wetsuit - The bay is pretty cold. If it makes a difference, the majority of swimmers will have a wetsuit on. There is no shame in wearing one, although people seem to have varying degrees of passionate hate for them. I wore one for all three crossings, keep telling myself I am not going to, but then chicken out. :) I agree though that your race should not be the first time you use one. And chafing is easily avoided with Body Glide.
Just my .02, but not having a lot (or any) of open water experience, I wouldn't say jump in without a wetsuit (again, getting comfortable in it first) unless you have some experience swimming in water that cold.
I've done three crossings, including the Challenge (actually, did the swim/run).
Re sighting - There is another twist in Alcatraz swimming, which is the tide that changes how and where you have to site. Depending on the tides the day of the swim, you will generally start sighting way north of where you actually want to go (i.e. if entering Aquatic Park) and then adjust your landmarks as you get closer. he Challenge ends at Chrissy Beach, so you generally site towards the south, then adjust as you go. I.e., Fort Mason, the piers, the palace, the yacht club, etc. They will give you specific sighting tips race morning.
As to how to do it, I just incorporate it into the stroke, sometimes it's a quick peak on a non breathing stroke, or a full on water polo stroke. You will also probably have to look 2 or 3 times due to waves.
Wetsuit - The bay is pretty cold. If it makes a difference, the majority of swimmers will have a wetsuit on. There is no shame in wearing one, although people seem to have varying degrees of passionate hate for them. I wore one for all three crossings, keep telling myself I am not going to, but then chicken out. :) I agree though that your race should not be the first time you use one. And chafing is easily avoided with Body Glide.
Just my .02, but not having a lot (or any) of open water experience, I wouldn't say jump in without a wetsuit (again, getting comfortable in it first) unless you have some experience swimming in water that cold.
