So open water swimmers can now hold the boat to rest?

Doesn't the logic of having a separate wetsuit division mean there should be a separate holding-on-to-the-boat division? I'd wondered about that myself - but for it to work as intended, it'd have to be a post race categorization - I'd assume most swimmers do not start thinking "I'm going to grab onto the third green kayak after my hamstring cramps".

I'd wondered about that myself - but for it to work as intended, it'd have to be a post race categorization - I'd assume most swimmers do not start thinking "I'm going to grab onto the third green kayak after my hamstring cramps". Perhaps the rule should have been written for races where swimmers have dedicated kayaks? That would be logistically possible. Shorter races that have 1 kayaker per a # of swimmers would be difficult to allow boat-holding. :2cents:

Doesn't the logic of having a separate wetsuit division mean there should be a separate holding-on-to-the-boat division? interesting in bicycling is there a division for stopping and putting a foot down? in running is there a division for stopping and leaning against a tree or fence or some other object?

interesting in bicycling is there a division for stopping and putting a foot down? in running is there a division for stopping and leaning against a tree or fence or some other object?Kidding aside, though, a runner can technically even stop in a coffee shop for a latte during a marathon and then continue on without a DQ--not that I'd recommend this if the runner has a time limit and isn't going too fast to begin with. A DQ would, however, result if said runner, upon leaving the coffee shop, boarded a subway to the finish and crossed the finish line. In the first instance, the rest didn't result in forward progress; in the second, it did. I've volunteered at ultramarathon aid stations, and runners can pause for as long as they need to (again bearing time limits in mind). I'm not sure, but I think they can have physical contact w volunteers (such as massages). They can perhaps rest in a car as long as the car doesn't move and take them to the finish. Point being not to say there shouldn't be a rule against touching a boat, but only that marathon swimming isn't necessarily akin to other sports in how it rules re rest stops. One might say it's more bad-a $$ than many other sports. :) Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Kidding aside, though, a runner can technically even stop in a coffee shop for a latte during a marathon and then continue on without a DQ--not that I'd recommend this if the runner has a time limit and isn't going too fast to begin with. A DQ would, however, result if said runner, upon leaving the coffee shop, boarded a subway to the finish and crossed the finish line. In the first instance, the rest didn't result in forward progress; in the second, it did. I've volunteered at ultramarathon aid stations, and runners can pause for as long as they need to (again bearing time limits in mind). I'm not sure, but I think they can have physical contact w volunteers (such as massages). They can perhaps rest in a car as long as the car doesn't move and take them to the finish. Point being not to say there shouldn't be a rule against touching a boat, but only that marathon swimming isn't necessarily akin to other sports in how it rules re rest stops. One might say it's more bad-a $$ than many other sports. :) Sent from my SM-N910V using TapatalkNot 100 percent sure, but I think in the more elite events such as the Olympics or Olympic Trials have more stringent rules, such as not accepting aid from outside the race (such as a latte), but those runners aren't likely to stop at Starbucks during a race anyway. ;) Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

I've volunteered at ultramarathon aid stations, and runners can pause for as long as they need to OTOH swimmers can, too. You just can't touch a boat. You can tread water, float on your back, whatever.

OTOH swimmers can, too. You just can't touch a boat. You can tread water, float on your back, whatever.Well, true, although there are no boats to touch in marathons/ultras. :) Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

in bicycling is there a division for stopping and putting a foot down? Open water swimming is a different sport than bicycling. in running is there a division for stopping and leaning against a tree or fence or some other object? Open water swimming is a different sport than running. It would seem that any swimmer who had to stop and rest on the boat would probably not be a contender for the podium or even top ten placement Perhaps I misunderstand... are you saying cheating is OK as long as it's not for a podium finish?

It would seem that any swimmer who had to stop and rest on the boat would probably not be a contender for the podium or even top ten placement so it probably doesn't really matter for rankings. Where I live, people just rely on their wetsuit buoyancy for a rest break.

Agree with flystorms 1000%.