An item that may be of interest to those interested in the longer open water swims:
Rules of Marathon Swimming - Marathon Swimmers Federation
This document was written by four well-established marathon swimmers, three of whom are USMS members. MSF Rules are intended as guidance for swimmers wishing to attempt a standard, traditional marathon swim in bodies of water where there is no local governing body.
They are also intended as a clear statement about the "spirit" of the sport which underlies these rules, so any popular media who report on marathon swimming in the future will not be confused or misled on this issue.
MSF Rules have been endorsed by an impressive (and growing) list of marathon swimmers and aspiring marathon swimmers. For further info, please see the ongoing discussion at the Marathon Swimmers Forum, and the coverage by Swimming World and SwimSwam.
Happy swimming,
Evan Morrison
Co-Author of MSF Rules (with Elaine Howley, Andrew Malinak, and Donal Buckley)
Co-Founder, Marathon Swimmers Federation and Forum.
Hi Evan,
Good document and information. Thanks for sharing. Questions...
1. Is wearing two swim caps (either one laytex and one silicone or two of each) considered a way to "retain or increase warmth?"
2. Under Physical Contact it states "The swimmer may not make intentional supportive contact with any vessel, object, or support personnel at any time during the swim." But, what about the bottom of the body of water? Is standing on the bottom acceptable during a feeding for example? I know walking on the bottom is not allowed, but wondered about standing in one place if the water is very shallow?
Hi Evan,
Good document and information. Thanks for sharing. Questions...
1. Is wearing two swim caps (either one laytex and one silicone or two of each) considered a way to "retain or increase warmth?"
2. Under Physical Contact it states "The swimmer may not make intentional supportive contact with any vessel, object, or support personnel at any time during the swim." But, what about the bottom of the body of water? Is standing on the bottom acceptable during a feeding for example? I know walking on the bottom is not allowed, but wondered about standing in one place if the water is very shallow?
