Did my first tri, was directionally challenged in the swim. help?

I think being directionally challenged might be pretty common in virign OWS voyages!

Of course, some sighting practice will help but sight too much and you put a fair amount of strain on your back and hamstrings--that'll hurt you in the run.

My suggestion....practice starting lined up on the side opposite of that you breathe.  For example, if you breathe on the right, line up on the left.  That way, every time you breathe, you have most of your wave in view.  If the masses are getting away from you, you might be going off course.  Keep them in sight, hang on to some feet, and go. 

It will come with some practice...and you'll get use to not having the black line as your navigational compass.

congrats on your first tri!

Practice swimming in OW, or in pools swim with your eyes closed, and only open them to look up out of the water to see where you're going. Practicing spotting will help you tons.  

I have two ideas for you.  In training swims, get used to sighting on something in the distance without disrupting your stroke.  I use a clock on the wall (trying once each lap to get a quick read on the time), but in a pinch you could also setup sandals or a towel . In the race, every so many strokes, take a sighting and readjust if needed.

Also, before the swim wave starts, walk the perimeter of the swim course to get an idea of how the bouys will look from different angles, so you are prepared mentally for the swim.

Thanks all, sounds like sighting is the key and those were all great ideas.

Bachorb, those hills were a lot tougher than I thought they were going to be but I had a lot left for the run so I felt good.  Wasn't expecting the running trail to be as rough either...but since it was my first I had nothing to compare it to.  

Will be back next year with hopefully a few others under my belt.

Thanks again.

This is funny because I figured this out on my last Tri by accident, but it worked like a charm!!