Can we talk about this rule (303.3 I think)? Anyone who was there, whether you voted yea or nay, can you please explain your thinking?
At first blush, I don't like that it passed. But I'd like to know what it really means for the future of OWS in USMS events.
I had something similar occur, FindingMyInnerFish, in a triathlete-organized 4k open water swim some years ago. It was a 4-loop course, and on one leg of the loop there was a sandbar that was at about mid-thigh level. Definitely swimmable, but many of the triathletes (self-identified at the start) just got up and jump-ran through that section, which was of a significant length. No DQ by the RD.
Mid-thigh, I'd keep swimming. The section I encountered was more like mid-calf or less. It would be the depth where if I was close to finishing would be my signal to stand up and walk/run in. Usual instruction from coach: swim until your hand touches sand.--which pretty much happened in this particular sandbar. So I must confess, I did walk until I had swimmable water, as I was aware that the race rules didn't prohibit contact w ground or kayak escort.
Walking in swimmable water actually seems counterproductive, b/c unless we're talking puddles on the road, water slows a person down (even running in puddles makes for waterlogged shoes which slows the pace). I couldn't wait for it to deepen enough for swimming. I like running and swimming--each in its own venue. :)
I had something similar occur, FindingMyInnerFish, in a triathlete-organized 4k open water swim some years ago. It was a 4-loop course, and on one leg of the loop there was a sandbar that was at about mid-thigh level. Definitely swimmable, but many of the triathletes (self-identified at the start) just got up and jump-ran through that section, which was of a significant length. No DQ by the RD.
Mid-thigh, I'd keep swimming. The section I encountered was more like mid-calf or less. It would be the depth where if I was close to finishing would be my signal to stand up and walk/run in. Usual instruction from coach: swim until your hand touches sand.--which pretty much happened in this particular sandbar. So I must confess, I did walk until I had swimmable water, as I was aware that the race rules didn't prohibit contact w ground or kayak escort.
Walking in swimmable water actually seems counterproductive, b/c unless we're talking puddles on the road, water slows a person down (even running in puddles makes for waterlogged shoes which slows the pace). I couldn't wait for it to deepen enough for swimming. I like running and swimming--each in its own venue. :)
