Ocean Swims

[Chad A. Burdette]

I am a first season triathlete and will be doing my second race on Sept 21.

I am a strong swimmer but was looking for tips for swimming in the ocean (my first race was in a lake)

I have a wetsuit just looking for some tips

thanks...

[Mike Llerandi]

A couple of questions:
- what kind of wetsuit are you using? full suit, sleeveless, long john?
- which ocean, what type of water? warm, cold, choppy, protected bay?
- how many years have you been swimming in a pool? at what level?

These answers would help me hone in on any specific advice or suggestions that I would give...

Thanks-
-Mike

[Chad A. Burdette]

I am using a Nineteen full suit wetsuit

Alantic Ocean on the coast just outside of Boston...was pretty choppy when I was there this weekend. My race the week is in a protected bay I believe

Been swimming competetively since I was 5. Not expert swimmer but above a middle of the road. I do swim with the MAster Swimmers at the local Y

[Mike Llerandi]

Cool - that's pretty easy, then...a couple of suggestions:

- the wetsuit might be a little tight in the shoulders, so relax the turnover (slightly slower cadence)
- extend out in front of you a bit longer before initiating the catch (longer glide)
- good rotation in the hips & shoulders delivers even bigger benefits in a wetsuit, since you're already on top of the water

Just think of it as paddling on a surfboard - there's a lot of benefit from leveraging the glide from each pull.

You should smoke that swim - have fun with it!

Mike

[Mike Whaley]

After getting kicked in the gut in my first open water swim, I panicked because I could not breathe. It took a long time, but I've found that practicing regularly in the open water and in the gear that you will be using is extremely beneficial. It also makes me noticeably faster in the pool.

And probably just as important, if you tend to swallow water when you swim, you should be aware that saltwater can cause GI distress.

[Rob Chance]

Check out www.10kswim.com it is the open water swim site. Lots of good info there.

[Aaron Essner]

Chad,

Even though it's a protected bay, it could still be a touch choppy if there is a significant wind. If you can breathe to either side (bilaterally) it can be helpful. If it's not protected and it's a beach start, that adds the fun of getting past the break. Dolphin/porpose diving is helpfull and on the way in you can "body surf" the waves in (at the break).

If you have a long beach crossing to T1, you'll probably pick up a bi of sand on your feet. Sometimes race organizers have arranged for hosing/washing this off (cross through a water container) sometimes not. So some people bring a "pail" and leave it near transition to quickly dunk sandy feet in.

Good luck,

Aaron