Hello!
I've never swam in the open waters before, but I've had some folks in my masters program who have and love it. I'm thinking of doing a swim across america open water event. But have some questions:
Is this considered a race or more of a relaxed charity event where you can go as slow as you want? I tried doing a 2k non-stop in the pool, but my pace was really terrible.
I don't have any opportunities to swim in the open water as practice, how will I know whether a wet suit is required?
What should I bring for such an event?
I've heard that I need to learn how to do a "sighting", and since I breathe on my right, to stay on the left end so I can "look" at people and the direction they are going. Any other tips?
My 2 main fears of open water: taking in water while breathing and getting kicked in the face. :afraid:
Hi!
I did sign up for the event, but it was cancelled due to the weather. I ended up being really disappointed because I was really looking forward to it.
I am going to do it this year as well.
I did however go to other open water events, 1 mile + 2k. The first open water experience was great. Couldn't even see my hands in front of me while I was in the water, the buoys were huge and bright orange, so I could easily see it. I also memorized the map in advance. I was wearing my regular swim suit, and the water was so cold when I first went in, but with the anxiety, I forgot about the cold quickly. I think about 15 min, I broke away from the crowd and was going on a regular pace and it was great. No currents, no waves.
The second open water experience however was terrible. Lots of waves, they didn't have a course map, I could barely see the buoys. I wasn't going to do the third open water, but it was for charity (not SAA), but it was much better than the second one. I ended up going side by side with a guy from the fast lane at masters. I looked at him to guide me around, though I did a few sightings just to make sure he is going the right way.
Hi!
I did sign up for the event, but it was cancelled due to the weather. I ended up being really disappointed because I was really looking forward to it.
I am going to do it this year as well.
I did however go to other open water events, 1 mile + 2k. The first open water experience was great. Couldn't even see my hands in front of me while I was in the water, the buoys were huge and bright orange, so I could easily see it. I also memorized the map in advance. I was wearing my regular swim suit, and the water was so cold when I first went in, but with the anxiety, I forgot about the cold quickly. I think about 15 min, I broke away from the crowd and was going on a regular pace and it was great. No currents, no waves.
The second open water experience however was terrible. Lots of waves, they didn't have a course map, I could barely see the buoys. I wasn't going to do the third open water, but it was for charity (not SAA), but it was much better than the second one. I ended up going side by side with a guy from the fast lane at masters. I looked at him to guide me around, though I did a few sightings just to make sure he is going the right way.
