Bombed the swim in first Tri (Page 2)

I just did my first Sprint and did the same thing. I started at the BOP , and about halfway to the first marker I was FOP. Made the turn and was completely gased, sucking air and not breathing bi-laterally. Lesson learned.

Don't worry about the others in the swim, just worry about yourself.

Swim a pace that is comfortable at teh start and speed up as you go, if you are able to.

Also, did you get in a warm up swim beforehand?  If not, try that next time.  Just a few minutes is all you need.