different swim styles during races?...

For some triathletes the swim is just about survival to get to the bike and the run. At every tri I've ever done, I've seen various swim strokes...back...breast...doggy paddle. I'll flip onto my back once in a while, too...sometimes to fix my goggles, other times for a quick breather. Whatever it takes to stay in forward motion!

You can do whatever you like - please consider those around you and don't kick them!

Freestyle is the fastest for most people, but heck it can be nice to flip over on my back ever so often to use some different muscles and peek at the people behind me =)

When I did my first and only thus far, I was so freaked out on the OWS, that I completely forgot everything I had learned.  I did freestyle, backstroke, side, some kind of frog move...anything just to get through the 1/2 mile. 

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That's the LAST time I let you pass me!

Probably ok if wearing wet suit ;-)

I would challenge anyone who can't swim freestyle... to get a coach and to learn how. It's the fastest stroke to use in a race.

Yes, it's all about finishing... but having the basic skill set is important... especially in an open water swim. It's about being safe.

With that said, I know that some people can swim freestyle just fine.. but are faster at other strokes. But unless they were a competitive swimmer most people are just faster at back or breast stroke because they haven't learned how to properly swim freestyle.

But hey, do what you can when you start tri's... and then start working on learning how to swim proper freestyle.

Dang you alittle nasty McNugget(just kidding). Haha I can see the person behind you thinking wow I hit a warm spot  and taking a sip of water too  lolololol. Our sport is somethingless hahahaha

x2 breaststroke kicks leads to serious problems for your fellow swimmers...if you need to rest, please swim on your back