IM Swim start format

WTC seems to be experimenting with their starts.

Last year at IM Boulder they used a "rolling start" where you could seed yourself anywhere you wanted; we walked down a boat ramp into the water and started swimming.  It was a total disaster IMHO; the "lane" of swimmers was far too narrow and far too many people were allowed in at the same time in the confined space. Thus we had people swimming on top of each other even more than a regular in-water start.

IM 70.3 Hawaii last week had a ocean swim, and we did an in-water wave start by age-group.  Within the age-group, you could seed wherever you wanted.  This was much better.

The event guide just says "6:45 Age-Group start".  Found the answer in the FAQ section as follows:

The swim will be a rolling start.

Athletes will enter the water in a continuous stream through a controlled access point, similar to how running road races are started. An athlete’s times will start when they cross timing mats under the swim arch.

Athletes will be directed to self-seed on race morning based on their projected swim time. Volunteers and staff will be in the staging area with signs and will assist with this process. Self-seeding will not be mandatory but will be encouraged. All athletes will have access to a dedicated warm-up area in the water located adjacent to the swim start.

Athletes will begin entering the water at 6:50am. It is expected to take 10 minutes for all athletes to enter the water; we anticipate everyone will be in the water by 7am.

Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/vineman/at...

Since I will have to deal with this, I'm interested in opinions on the best way to start the swim.  I'm not super speedy (last IM swim was 1:15), so not likely to be crowding the front.  In a Marathon this happens all the time and it pays to seed yourself at a bit faster pace as there are always a bunch of folks who have no business being where they are seeding themselves and you end up spending the first couple of miles just getting around the herd.  The swim venue here is very narrow, so if I'm too far back it'll be the same thing.  Thoughts?

First of all, there is *never* a justification for swimming over someone.  Dangerous move.  I am a 28-30 minute HIM swimmer so while not "fast" faster than most.  I am capable of swimming around people ahead of me.  No one "has to" swim over anyone.....  /getting off the soapbox....

As to the question, I agree with dave.  If it's too narrow to start, you gain nothing except going anaerobic at the start fighting through the crowd.  There are enough people at IM that are faster than you, or think they are faster than you, that it will probably be very crowded there.  Unless you are vying for Kona nothing is gained by expending unnecessary energy where it isn't needed.

Victoria 70.3 a few weeks ago was rolling self seeded.  As someone mentioned, it is a disaster.  People are either ignorant, or way overestimate their ability.  I tried to move forward to get to my 'time slot' and it was way too crowded, we were packed in like sardines.  Faster swimmers behind slower swimmers with no way around is frustrating for everyone.  WTC needs to find another way, or have marshals and wider line up area.

Again, thanks for the input everyone.  However, the race just corrected "Rolling Start" to "Time Trial Start" on the race Facebook page.  No details on exactly what they mean (1 person/sec, 10 people every 5 sec, whatever - and the FAQ still says rolling), but in looking on line it seems like this is a much more gentle start method than the rolling and lends itself to seeding yourself to your true ability.  Or am I missing something?