Open water v. pool swim

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2005-03-28 10:34 PM


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Subject: Open water v. pool swim
I am sure this is a question asked often. I have been training for my first race this spring for several months. All of my swimming has been in a pool. What should I expect with the open water swim? Will I be much slower or faster? What do I need to be aware of/ready for. I have been trying to practice sighting and breathing both sides as much as possible. Also, I am swim about a 1:55/100m for 1000m in the pool. For my first open water swim, should I hang back or join the pack.

2005-03-28 10:56 PM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
Lots of good advice to be had around the web. Tri-Geek Kahuna had some good thoughts on this, http://www.trigeekdreams.com/archive/2005_03_06_trigeekdreams_archi...

Read down for his top 10 things to think about. And your speed will depend on water conditions & if you are in a wetsuit. As for hanging back v. joining the pack, that depends on how much you mind getting bumped, nudged, kicked, etc.

bts
2005-03-28 11:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
wag - 2005-03-28 7:34 PM

I am sure this is a question asked often. I have been training for my first race this spring for several months. All of my swimming has been in a pool. What should I expect with the open water swim? Will I be much slower or faster? What do I need to be aware of/ready for. I have been trying to practice sighting and breathing both sides as much as possible. Also, I am swim about a 1:55/100m for 1000m in the pool. For my first open water swim, should I hang back or join the pack.


Hang back. If you want to avoid the washing machine, start on the side.
2005-03-29 7:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
Practice sighting even in the pool, you need to be able to find the buoy out in the lake.

I never can find the line on the bottom of the lake.

As well, I would stay back or off to one side if this is your first, as others have said it can get a little rough out in the pack.

Especially when coming around the buoy every body wants to cut that as tight as possible.

Remember this is the full contact part of the sport.

And if it is possible I would go out to the lake where your tri is being held, or any lake and try swimming out there.

But remember to take somebody, you should always swim with a buddy in open water...

I hope that helps,

Roy
2005-03-29 8:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
your first open water swim may be a bit slower than you expect because of getting used to the crowd and sighting. i find that sighting frequently really slows me down. keep away from the group for a bit and when you are feeling comfortable move in closer and try to find a draft (kind of tricky and don't slap feet too much, you may get the next kick on the chin). definitely stay wide at the turns. during imoo i saw a stack of 5 people under the first buoy from everyone pinching in. be calm and keep it relaxed. have fun!
2005-03-29 10:43 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim

The speed comparison also depends on what type of turns you do in the pool - if you do flip turns, it's likely that your open water time will be a bit slower than your pool time since you don't have all the high speed push offs.

2005-03-29 11:07 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
Racing in a triathlon with an open water swim when your only swimming has been in a pool is a little like having all your biking indoors on a trainer. Pool swimming does not prepare you for open water swimming, and many first time triathletes don't enjoy their first race for this reason. Make every effort to do some open water swimming. On race day start at the back or off to the side, and just enjoy your first racing experience without getting too competitive.

DaveH
2005-03-29 11:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
Simulate the start by practicing pool starts without kicking off the wall (run the first few yards)
Start slow (and on the outside)
try to relax (coming from someone who hyperventilated twice - not fun!)

As to speed, I disagree w/ the above post. My experience is that you will go faster in the open water than you do in the pool. Minimize the anxiety, start slow, find your pace and you will more than likely get out faster than your pool training time.

Good luck!
2005-03-29 11:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim

I'm reading this thread with interest as my first tri will arrive before OW season in the rockies.  Thanks for the tips.  Nobody mentioned a wetsuit.  I just bought one and was advised to try it (even in the pool) just to be familiar with getting it on and off and to feel the change in body position due to the added bouyancy.

As for full contact - my wetsuit came with the motorcycle racer's armor attached.  So, watch out for the chrome spikes on my shoulder pads

2005-03-29 2:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
A lot of good stuff, thanks all. Speaking of wetsuits, I haven't bought one yet any advice. Also, I swim with a simple (cheap) pair of basic googles. I have heard that there may be other googles better suited for the open water.
2005-03-29 3:02 PM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
I love the Seal Mask for open water swimming. The field of vision is much larger, so it is easier to keep an eye on the swimmer next to you. It is also easier to take a peak out of the water and sight for a buoy. And I have never had a pair leak.

As far as wetsuits go, I would go to a shop with a wide selection and spend a few hours trying everything on. Take your time deciding what fits properly and then but it. If you are a mediocre swimmer you will probably pick up about 2 minutes over a 750 m course with a wetsuit, as well as expending less energy.

2005-03-29 4:39 PM
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Subject: RE: Open water v. pool swim
One other observation - regardless of whether you swim faster or slower in open water, you may find yourself expending more energy. The reason is that in a pool, you get to push off the wall and glide every 25m. You probably don't realize that you can cover about 10% of the length of the lane (2.5m, or about 8 feet) with every turn. Since you can't do that in open water, you actually end up swimming about 10% further.
2005-03-29 5:34 PM
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