My first open water race is coming up next month. I've practiced sighting simulations in the pool, but the practice buoy is only at the other side of the pool. I assume the real thing will be much more distant. I do not have access to open water to practice before my race and am worried about whether I will be able to see the buoy. Just how far away is customary? The swim in question is the Oxford-Bellevue Sharkfest, a 1500 m across the Tred-Avon River in Maryland. It is a straight line, not a triangle. Since this is my first such event, my goal is just to finish safely within the 40 minute DQ cut-off.
For Masters practice I have been wearing Speedo Vanquisher -2.00 strength optical goggles in order to read the whiteboard. (I can read the digital clock fine without magnification). I find these goggles uncomfortable after about 500 yards. When not at formal practice, I usually wear Aqua Sphere Lady Kaiman. They fit me great and are much more comfortable, but aren't available as optical goggles. I haven't found any optical goggles that fit like the Aquasphere or are open water style.
So my question is do I wear the comfortable goggles that compromise my vision or the uncomfortable ones that let me see better?
+1 for tinted lenses. Huge difference on sunny days.
Adolph Kiefer also makes optical goggles. You can try those for a more comfortable fit. May work better for you.
Another tip is to look at the course pre-race and see if you can find a larger object that lines up with the buoy to sight on.
A lot easier to see a building or large tree, etc than the buoy. once you get closer you can sight off the buoy.
If you are not in the first group you can also get a pretty good idea by watching the caps in front of you.
Hope you have fun in the race. I have done the Alcatraz Sharkfest and it was well organized and fun.
+1 for tinted lenses. Huge difference on sunny days.
Adolph Kiefer also makes optical goggles. You can try those for a more comfortable fit. May work better for you.
Another tip is to look at the course pre-race and see if you can find a larger object that lines up with the buoy to sight on.
A lot easier to see a building or large tree, etc than the buoy. once you get closer you can sight off the buoy.
If you are not in the first group you can also get a pretty good idea by watching the caps in front of you.
Hope you have fun in the race. I have done the Alcatraz Sharkfest and it was well organized and fun.
