General Discussion Triathlon Talk » flip turns during race? Rss Feed  
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2013-01-09 2:31 PM

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Subject: flip turns during race?

I have a "beginner" question. I have run only one tri so far and it was open water swim. I am registered for my first pool swim tri in March, and have never watched one. Is the generally accepted method of turning in the pool a flip turn or simply a push off? I just wanted to know what to use during training as I get closer to the race.

Thanks!



2013-01-09 2:35 PM
in reply to: #4570468

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?
Check the race rules. Some don't allow it, but the one I do does.
2013-01-09 2:37 PM
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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?

brigby1 - 2013-01-09 3:35 PM Check the race rules. Some don't allow it, but the one I do does.

Also, if flip turns are allowed, be ready to exercise good judgment.  Flip turns aren't the safest with crowded walls.

 

2013-01-09 2:37 PM
in reply to: #4570468

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?

Some races do not allow them.... Pool swim races get crowded quick though depending on your swim speed so keep that in mind.

2013-01-09 2:37 PM
in reply to: #4570468

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?

I have done a few pool tris, and unless you are the first swimmer, it gets pretty crowded at the walls. It is hard to do a flip turn when there are people resting at the wall.

 

Like he said above, check to see if it is even allowed!

2013-01-09 2:38 PM
in reply to: #4570468

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?
Both types of turns are accepted. Flip turns are typically (almost always) faster but take a bit of practice.

One thing to look at is how they set up the swim. My guess is that they will incorporate some sort of circle swim which means you don't just turn around but instead transition to the other side of the lane on each turn. I've seen some people really struggle with the wall turn because they are used to turning around clockwise at the wall which kind of gets weird when doing a circle swim.

Find someone and find out how the chose lanes and whether they split lanes or circle swim. Then do a bit of practice both using flip or open turns.


2013-01-09 2:58 PM
in reply to: #4570482

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?
Goosedog - 2013-01-09 1:37 PM
Also, if flip turns are allowed, be ready to exercise good judgment.  Flip turns aren't the safest with crowded walls.

 



This ^^^
Be aware of the racers all round you. I flip-turn whenever safe and have yet to complete a tri having fip-turned at all the walls.
2013-01-09 3:36 PM
in reply to: #4570486

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Subject: RE: flip turns during race?
jford2309 - 2013-01-09 2:37 PM

I have done a few pool tris, and unless you are the first swimmer, it gets pretty crowded at the walls. It is hard to do a flip turn when there are people resting at the wall.

 

Like he said above, check to see if it is even allowed!

 

If you push off someone's gut, is it cutting the course?Tongue out

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