OK to rest during swim?

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2011-08-01 11:17 AM

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Subject: OK to rest during swim?

Hi,

I have my first race coming up very soon.  I'm still very much struggling with the swim portion.  In fact, the swim kept me away from this sport for a long time and finally I decided to sign up for a tri to force myself to learn how to swim.

I have improved quite a bit; when I started - 50 yards was a real challenge and now I'm up to 175-200 yards.  The problem is that my swim portion is 300 yards.

Is it acceptable to take a rest during the swim as long as I get out of everyone's way?

Also, is there a proper etiquette for letting people pass during the swim?

2011-08-01 11:21 AM
in reply to: #3623750

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Chicago
Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?

Yeah, I think it's always ok to rest.

In open water, you certainly can tread water to rest if you want, or I think it's always ok to hang onto a buoy or a lifeguard boat, as long as you don't use them to propel yourself forward

It sounds like your race might be in a pool though?  I'm not sure about the rules there, I've never done one in a pool.  I doubt they'll disqualify you if you grab the side for a moment.

2011-08-01 11:23 AM
in reply to: #3623750

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Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?
Yup but I would highly recommend trying to be able to swim it all in one fell swoop.

Hang on the kayak or rope or buoy. As long as you do not make forward progress with them you're okay.

Seriously, though, don't sign up for another or sign up for one far enough away that you can be sure you can at least finish the swim at one take.

2011-08-01 11:40 AM
in reply to: #3623750

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Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?

I just completed my first tri this past saturday and rests were allowed as long as you didn't do it on the wall where people were turning. You could hang the lane line as long as you were not using it to go forward. Is it a pool swim?

I just flipped on my back and kicked lightly for my rests that way you are still moving and catching your breath.



Edited by DigitalRain 2011-08-01 11:41 AM
2011-08-01 11:52 AM
in reply to: #3623750

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Denison Texas
Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?
The tri's around here with pool swims will ask you to give an estimated time and seed you accordingly. Farther down the times you will see people walking, floating on their backs, gasping for air on the walls and ropes and all sorts of things. Try to stay out of the way and keep moving. For an open water swim all the things mentioned above apply
2011-08-01 1:04 PM
in reply to: #3623750

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Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?

yes, it's a pool swim.  Sorry for not making that clear.

Swimmers will go off with their age group in 5 second intervals.

2011-08-01 1:35 PM
in reply to: #3623750

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Subject: RE: OK to rest during swim?
Think of it as saying you can only count to 12. You certainly can count higher. You can always swim another length of the pool if you can go 200. Just do another followed by another. Swim smooth and efficient and don't try to kick up a whirlpool or paddle hard. It is fine to hang out on the wall and rest but I would try and stay out of other peoples way.
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