Triathlon Open Water Swimming

There are two different ways to look at Open Water Swimming, to some it may be very intimidating, and to others it is an exciting experience as well as an invigorating challenge. To compare open water swimming, to swimming in a pool, the two are worlds apart. There is a certain freedom as well as challenge in open water swimming, as well as beautiful surroundings that one will never find by only swimming in a pool.
When racing in open water it can be a very different atmosphere. Not only will you not have to worry about land dividers, you also don’t have to worry about challenging flip turns. On the other hand, while open water racing, your stroke technique, strategy, and muscular ability play a large part of your speed and weather or not you are able to win.

Wet Suits

As a precaution, always wear a wet suit for an open water swim if it is possible to do so. This may actually be a tool that helps novice swimmers, since wet suits can promote buoyancy and body position. As a result, they could be up to 10% faster with the wetsuit than without. Most triathlon events do have a rule that requires that you use a wetsuit in your race, so bring your suit along just in case the rule does apply.

Shopping for a wet suit really does depend on your own personal preference. There are many different styles, from full sleeve, to no sleeves, or even full body Lycra suits. The full body Lycra suits are definitely more expensive, despite that fact; they usually don’t last as long as others.

Once you purchase your wetsuit, teach yourself to get used to it and swim in it before the race. Wet suits are made to be very fitting, with the zipper in the back. This suit will probably feel very tight until you get into the water and let it loosen up. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable, but it will also break in the suit. Another trick is to use cooking-oil spray to help remove the suit quickly.

Triathlon Open Water Race Tips

Position: If you don’t find yourself to be a strong swimmer, then don’t position yourself right in the front, or even in the middle of the pack. Especially if you are new, it is advised that you start more towards the back, and possibly off to the side, which will prevent you from being in the way of others, and possibly getting hurt.

Know the course: It is important to know the course before you go into your race. Study the map of the course to know which direction you will be swimming in at all times. Also, if you happen to know someone that has done this race before, they may be helpful in giving small tips or advice on the course. If you arrive early enough, it’s always a good idea to take someone with you and try the course at least once before the race so that you have a feel for where you are going to be.

Sighting Practice: It is useful if you have worked with this practice in sighting a chair or some other object when practicing in the pool, and have worked on balancing your stroke. This will come in handy when you may need to stress one arm strokes, or also to compensate for the currents you may come across in the open water.

Stay Relaxed: You will more than likely find that the water may be very cold. Try your hardest to relax while your body adjusts to water temperature. Make sure that you concentrate on breathing deeply, and remember you technique.

Drafting: After the race starts, the swimmers will break up into different phases. The experienced swimmers will follow behind another swimmer to take advantage of drafting. When trying this technique, make sure that you stay behind a swimmer who is slightly faster that you are. The best place to gain from drafting is either at the swimmers feet, and also about 45 degrees on either side of their feet.

Commonly, swimmers will work themselves as hard and as fast as they can in the very beginning of the race so that they can get ahead. If the swimmer that you are following starts to fall behind, either pull back or move to the side so that you are out of their way. You will need to decide to stay with this person, or if you need to move around and find someone else to draft behind. If you are put into the position that you need to find a need lead person, make sure that this person knows where they are going. One of the most horrible mistakes that can be made is that you are to choose someone who doesn’t know where the buoys are, this may cost you even more time.

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