This was the first time for this event. The guy who sponsored it is from the tri club and hosts OWS practice at this venue throughout the summer. He penned off a few of the tri club swims as race days, was well organized with sponsors and timing chips. He had plenty of kayak and paddle board support on the course.

I started off feeling pretty decent then quickly found my breathing go downhill. So within the first third of the course I had rolled onto my back and backstroked a bit to settle down. Jay (event organizer/ race director) kept paddling his kayak over to me cause I had veered too far out so I settled my azz down and started to freestyle again.

Then Laurie paddles over to me cause I am not sighting well (heads out into the sun and even with dark goggles the glare kills me). I treaded a second to get my breath and bearings then continued on. I was doing pretty well, finally getting into a bit of a groove by 2/3 of the way out but some of the fast swimmers collided with me knocking my goggles off. I had to pause again to reset my goggles. The kayaker there asked if I was okay. Yes, fine. Just resetting the goggles since I have contacts in and need to see to drive home!

It seemed once I got past that part I really settled into my groove, slow.....but steadily moving and sighting pretty well. Finally turned the bouy (NEVER thought I would get to the damn thing!) and headed back with the current. By this time I am thinking I am alone in the river with the exception of the kayakers and paddle board guys. Felt fine passing the yellow bouys, nice to count them off knowing I was almost done. Had to turn around the last bouy and swim cross current to the boat ramp. I did swim until my hands hit the mucky bottom at least.

Jay called out to me to run up the ramp as I was exiting the water. I answered not a chance with my gastrocs issues. I really thought I was DFL, then I sas a guy still swimming who finished at least 10 minutes after me.



I am historically not a good swimmer. I am a bit disappointed in my time, but this is my first OWS since the Rockett's Landing race last July. We've had a pretty rainy spring and the river has been high so no real chance to get in until tonight.

I need more time to get comfortable in OWS, should have forced myself to do more of a warm up.

I forgot my ear plugs so the current was a little disorienting, but not a huge factor.

walked up the ramp, grabbed some pineapple & a bottle of water


Myself. I didn't settle into my swim until almost 2/3 of the way out


This was the first time for this race. He had at least 4 kayaks and 3 paddle boards out on the course. It was well marked with the bouys. He could use a bull horn to be a bit louder, but it was very well organized. I felt safe and unthreatened by the other swimmers.....even though I got beaned! I am looking forward to seeing how I do over the series this summer!