Swimming in the gulf?

The depth of the water during a race depends both on how the course is laid out and the tide.

A swim that goes parallel to the beach is generally going to in shallower water than one going out and back from the beach.

I'd say it would be unusual to have a race where you could touch bottom the entire way.  At the Engelwood sprint last year the last leg back to beach was in very shallow water.  It caused a lot of congestion when some folks tried to walk in chest deep water while others were still trying to swim.

If swimming in deep water is a concern, then I'd suggest doing more OWS to get used to it. 

Mad Dogs are a great club.  I'm sure they would love to hear from you.

Mark

I don't live in the area that you are talking about, but I do live in Key West and when we have tri's down here part of the swim you can touch, but much of it you cannot. I would agree with practice, practice, practice. That is really the only way you get over the boogey man in your head. I used to have issues with the OWS and one time almost quit because I was panicking (wet suit too tight). But I have overcome that. From a safety standpoint, there should always be kayaks or surfboards not too far from you if you need ultimately need to stop and hold on to something.

Anyway, if you are trained, then you just keep telling yourself that you know you can do it.

Hi,

Good question.  I know exactly where you are coming from.  It can be very unsettling not to be able to touch the bottom especially when you add the anxiety of the race into the mix.  Of course, practice practice practice.    There are a few that I've done in the Tampa area and was able to touch the bottom  for portions of the race.  I'm 6'10" though, so that helps.   Just kidding      I'm 5'11"

Good luck and try to check out a couple of the races as a spectator too as that will help.  Florida Race Place Magazine has an online version and lists a ton of the local tris. 

Top Gun Tri - Ft. Desoto

Tarpon Springs Tri - Fred Howard Park

Dunedin Tri - Honeymoon Island

I don't think there are many races in Florida that maintain a shallow enough swim for you to touch at any given point.  However, I like to do OWS at Clearwater beach by the pier.  It is great for many reasons.  You have great points of reference (the pier, pilings for guidance, landmarks to help guide you), and if you go parallel to the beach you can adjust your swim so that you can always touch the bottom if you want.    Plus, if you do get into trouble there are lifeguards posted at various parts along the way. 

I did Suncoast at Ft. Desoto a few years ago, if I remember correctly, you could walk most of the way out to the first buoy where you made a sharp left and then swam parallel to the shore.  I would say we were 30-40 yards off shore for most of the swim.  I'm sure it was over my head but I doubt it was that deep.  At St. Anthony's the start was in the water ~50 meters off shore and it was definitely over my head out there, we all had to tread water.

Nevertheless, depth is irrelevant.

Not sure I would say that