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tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS
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 2009-07-30 4:25 PM |
Veteran  351  |  Subject: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWSSo for my tri (first one) I'm in the 13th of 15 waves. They are 5 min apart. My swim sucks - I'm like 3:45/100 yards! So, in ordered to not get clobbered (or get as little clobbered as possible), I'm trying to come up with a strategy. Should I wait 1-2 min after my wave starts? Should I get as far to the outer edge as possible (3 side "box"")? Any other ideas? I'm terrified that if someone grabs my heel or swims over me or something that I'm gonna freak and lose control of myself... Luckily I've got 2 OWS practices between now and then (haven't done any yet) |
| 2009-07-30 4:30 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Champion 34263   Chicago | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Start at the back of your wave, wait a few seconds after they blow the whistle and go. Don't wait too long or the next wave will catch you. Just remember to relax and focus on technique and you'll be fine. |
| 2009-07-30 4:30 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Pro 6011 Camp Hill, Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Line up in the back row at one end or the other, and start right away with everyone else. Being in the back and at the side will give you plenty of room to avoid the washing machine. You'll do great!! |
| 2009-07-30 4:35 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Member 74 | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS BAH! just get clobbered! thats half the fun! haha... Ive found now that since i have become so comfortable in open water, I like the craziness of the swim... Ill be laughing my head off as people smash into me, kicking hands, grabbing feet! Really makes you feel alive! |
| 2009-07-30 4:44 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Pro 4360 Baton Rouge area | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS +1 on what everyone stated. Start off at the back but don't wait. At a 3:45/100 yrd the washing machine group will pull away pretty quickly leaving the slower less dangerous swimmers to contend with. What distance? |
| 2009-07-30 4:48 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Champion 19812 MA | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS In addition to what others have said you may look into if they have a newbie wave usually the last wave. If so starting at the back will mean no one will be swimming after you. I used to start the swim facing the beach waving at my family as I let everyone go a little before I start. Now I start at the gun but start at the back. |
| 2009-07-30 4:50 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Master 2287 Calgary, Alberta | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Yep - start towards the outside and back. Bumping doesn't always happen but it's part of the sport and normally not that bad. If you do get bumped - try to keep your head about you and continue swimming. Don't forget to sight to make sure you are keeping to your line. Wish you a great race! |
| 2009-07-30 5:01 PM in reply to: #2318262 |
Champion 8540 the colony texas | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS look at the bright side there are only two wave behind you (14th and 15th) so not that many people will be passing you.. even though there is a lot of threads lately about the water polo aspect of the swims, the better swimmers will be going around you.. just relax, and dont' psych yourself out about it. Swim your race !!! |
| 2009-07-30 5:55 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Member 180 Kayak Point, WA | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Agree, Start at the back on the outside. Other things that have not been mentioned: 1. Wear a wetsuit if you have a choice, the flotation will make you feel much safer. 2. Forget about the whole swim, just get to the first bouy, then just get to the second bouy, then just get to the shore. 3. Relax and enjoy yourself during the swim, just let it all happen and enjoy the peace once the washingmachine has left the shore. Michael |
| 2009-07-30 6:16 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Member 103 | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS It sounds like your plan is stay as far away from other swimmers as is possible...but just in case, put your goggles on under your swim cap so if you do get jostled you won't lose them. relax and have fun. |
| 2009-07-30 6:38 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Pro 4507 Simpsonville, SC | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Just wanted to add that most congestion once you are underway occurs at the turn buoys. Look out for traffic here and give them a wide berth if lots of swimmers are hugging the buoys. Good luck and have fun!! The swim is the shortest part  Pam |
| 2009-07-31 8:24 AM in reply to: #2318394 |
Master 2426 Central Indiana | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS barqhead - 2009-07-30 7:38 PM Just wanted to add that most congestion once you are underway occurs at the turn buoys. Look out for traffic here and give them a wide berth if lots of swimmers are hugging the buoys. Good luck and have fun!! The swim is the shortest part Pam+1. Did my 1st OWS this month- sprint with 600 athletes staggered start. Went off around last quarter. Stayed center to 1st buoy no trouble. Sighted well (every 6 strokes) & stayed on my (slow) pace (2:30-45/100M). Going to 2nd buoy I deviated from plan I went for the buoy to try cutting some distance. MISTAKE!!! Got into the washing machine- bumped, kicked, & ankle grabbed. Got disoriented almost 180 degrees & swam lots of extra distance. Would have been MUCH better off staying a bit wide of buoy but staying on course. |
| 2009-07-31 9:44 AM in reply to: #2318208 |
Master 3127 Sunny Southern Cal | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS Swim fast. |
| 2009-07-31 1:32 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Expert 2547 The Woodlands, TX | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS All the above advice,plus I would grab a couple of friends and head to the pool before race day. Let them run you over and clobber you so can learn the best ways to get out of it and not be so freaked out on race day. (By the way, I liked the "enjoy it" comment. You make a great point. The mosh pit that is the swim sure does make you feel alive!) |
| 2009-07-31 6:59 PM in reply to: #2318208 |
Elite 3471 Evergreen, CO | Subject: RE: tips for not getting clobbered during an OWS There's a good side to being in the middle of the melee: you get pulled along by all the other swimmers. When the next wave catches up to you try to draft as they pass you, too. Don't assume you will be the slowest in your wave. I usually assume that, start at the back, then have to deal with people just stopping or cutting across in front of me. |
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