The Loaring Tri - is the water swimmable?

The swim is a 250 m long and is a triangle with a beach start. The first side goes SW, the second E and parallel to the beach, and the third angles back NW. The depth varies a bit from year to year but you won't be able to touch bottom at all on the second part. You can wade a little at the start and finish, but even there it is mostly swimmable. You don't do yourself any favours by wading as it is hard on the legs, particularly if you are doing the double loop. Going swim/bike/run/swim/bike/run is definately an odd sensation.

So, mostly swimmable, unlike the silly wading course at the Windsor triathlon. It's also a very enjoyable atmosphere, with a neat mix of top triathletes and lots of complete novices.

Agree with Dave re the swim. This was my first tri- a great experience. This yr planning on doing the double...

 -Helen

 Cool ... it's getting closer and closer now.  Less then a week away.  I just swam quite a bit at Colchester Beach today.  It was really wavy out there... Hoping that is is alot calmer on Saturday.

 Paul.

-has anyone swam in the area lately?? How was the water temperature ???

-Helen

Well I did swim just down from there (Colchester Beach) on Sunday and the water was decent.  Not a real cold feeling.  It was very hot out though, but the water was warmer then I expected I guess.  I just hope it's not as choppy and rough as it was on Sunday. 

Have a great race tomorrow. Remember to drink lots, its going to be a hot afternoon.

From a recent posting on the race website:

Current water temperature is 23.5 degrees Celcius. We anticipate the water temperature to rise to 25 degrees Celcius on race day. As a result of the warm waters and hot air temperatures, wetsuits will not be allowed for both the Beginner and Double Triathlons. It is an OAT rule to not allow the use of wetsuits if the water temperature is above 22 degrees Celcius.