Open Water Swims

With chop, get ready to swallow water... and don't freak out when you do. Also be prepared to try to take a breath, but not be able to. Again, don't freak out. Just accept it and keep swimming.

I also use my powerful kick when there is choppy water... helps motor through the waves.

Howdy, we met at T's the night before the race. I'm glad that you enjoyed your time up here and plan to return.

Sounds like you have two issues with the swim

1. Visibility
2. Swimming in chop.

For visibility, nothing beats a boat following you. I have seen swimmers tow a inflatable toy behind them for increased visibility. However, it does increase the 'what the heck is that?' factor and boats may buzz you to check it out. I just ordered a divers float and flag to tow. Boaters should know what that flag means and stay away. I'll tell you how it works out.

As for chop, I find I do best when I just relax and roll with it.

There is my advice, worth what you paid for it.

Edited by photonic 2009-06-28 10:32 PM

Biggest thing I can say is STAY CALM. Especially when you swallow water or get hit by other swimmers. I stay calm by closing my eyes and finding my rhythm. At the start of a race, I usually breathe every stroke just to settle down. That calms me. Don't fight the waves if you are in a wetsuit. Swim like you normally swim. Your wetsuit makes sure you stay afloat.

As far as visibility, invest in a bright pink or high vis green swim cap. My husband led me out in a kayak at the lake house in Worley so I could practice. Kayaker serves as warning to boaters, and is a great thing to practice sighting. Worst case scenario, you can grab hold while you calm down from a panic attack.

You can do it, Shannon! Anyone who can spend that much time on her feet in those miserable conditions at CdA can handle a lake swim Thanks for volunteering last Sunday. If you do swallow water, at least Lake Coeur d'Alene is clean!

BTW, before CdA, I did one HIM and 2 OWS practice sessions at home. That was it besides swimming in Idaho on Friday and Saturday. Rest of the training was in a pool. You can do it!

Pam

Relaxation is the key to everything else:  stroke, breathing, working through chop.  So try to avoid attacking the swim too much (this is as much true for a training swim as a race).  Less adrenaline = more control = more connected to what's going on with the swim moment-to-moment.

I find with OWS that I delay just a fraction of a second after turning my head to breathe before actually inhaling (vs. my timing in the pool)...minimizes chances of taking in a mouthful of water.  In general, though, you probably just have to get used to taking in some water at least once a swim...seems to go that way for me.