Ohio River Swimming

I just signed up myself and was wondering the same.  I'm an ok swimmer as in I don't try to push the envolope, rather I easily pace myself through the swim.

I don't think it would be a drastic difference as it looks like the upstream portion is in a bit of a protected harbor by the looks of the map.  Even if there is a current, I don't think you would notice a huge difference.  When I was in college in Portsmouth, I swam across the river and went straight over, I wasn't carried down river at all by the current.

I raced IM Louisville in 2008 & 2009.  Going back again in 2011.  The current is not bad at all.  You swim against the current the first 3rd of the race and then with the current the last 2/3rds.  I really couldn't tell much of a difference since the current is so weak. 

The upstream part is no factor. The swim starts out behind Towhead Island and IF there is a current behind the island I didn't notice it. Once you pass the island there may a slight current for a few hundred yards. Then you hit the 180* turn around and fly downstream.

ETA: I've faced much tougher currents at Deer Creek and Alum Creek.

Edited by David tri's 2011-01-02 11:07 AM

OK, cool. Thanks so much for the feedback, everyone!