How do I get out of the pool?

Jahmmy - 2012-04-24 7:25 PM I have a pool tri coming up in a few weeks.  I was reading a race report and someone posted about how she had trouble getting out of the pool.  My arms are going to be tired and if I'm in the deep end there is no way I will be able to hike myself on to the pool deck.  I PM'd the author of the report but she hasn't been on in a while.  Anyone have any graceful tips for an Athena to get out of a pool without using a ladder? 

It will likely end at or near a ladder

Grab the edge of the pool, submerge yourslelf vertically until your fingers are just barely holding on then shoot up kicking with your legs and pulling with your arms. Do a little twist once you clear the edge so you your rear catches the edge, then just swing your legs out and your good. 

Do practice once or twice before the race.

I would definitely work on trying to get yourself out in the next few weeks, you might surprise yourself!  I know it's harder when it's in the deep end.  There might be a ledge to help you out.  Sometimes in the deep end, if the water is low (depending on gutters, etc) this is not as easy.   I am sure you can find your way to a ladder if need be.

Have a great race!

That makes me think about this guy, how did he get out of this pool??

P.S.  This is israel kamakawiwo'ole One the most beautiful Hawaiian voices ever.  He died at about 720 lbs..

(IZ.jpg)

Oh yeah, the graceful pool exit. I remember having a sore knee and at some point I think I rolled away from the pool.  It happens so fast. Make sure you practice getting out before hand. I also remember hearing my name over the load speakers. "There is TJ Templeton on his way to transition, it's his first tri so cheer him on." I was at that point in the rolling phase of my knee assisted tuck and roll pool exit. I'm just glad nobody yelled "Free Willy!" I was sure thinking it.

Good times.

That is a dilemma.  I would have trouble with that too.  Do you know if they have "Helpers" like at an outdoor tri where people help you unzip your wetsuit?

If it was me, I would do the knee-up beached whale roll..

Also, when does the clock stop?  Is it when you are out of the pool, or when you touch the wall.  Do you go right into T1 time?

I guess I'm asking if they time you getting out of the pool?  

Oh, I would definitely use the shelf for my foot as I am coming up.  Since you can stand, just take a good hard jump and go for it.  It's very much mind over matter.  But just let your lane mate go first (if they are also there) so you can use the whole area.

I have an e-mail into the race director.  We got the Athlete's packet and it ignores it.  There are two people at the end of each lane (volunteers are counting laps).  Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone.

No helpers.  Since there were no lane assignments, I got lane 2 and just used the ladder to get out.  I did practice before hand and could get out, but figured I would be tired after the swim and not sure I would make it.

They timed until you hit the transition area outside the pool building so my swim time was way slower than I thought. 

Thanks for your help everyone.

Abby - keep swimming!  That's how you will eventually hop yourself out of the pool!  And you will, believe it!!  It ain't easy, but it's worth every minute. 

Stay with it kid...quitting is no option for this problem.  You'll do it.

Also.....kiddo....make note that this thread is 6 years old.....you are far from alone....and the problem will be here 6 years from now.  BUT....you don't have to still have the problem 6 years from now.  You can be the one telling someone how to get over it....and your advice will be the same...."keep at it".

Oh....and the person that yelled at you for using the ladder while you get there.....throw a pull buoy at them....they earned it.