General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming? Rss Feed  
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2007-10-04 5:09 PM

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Subject: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
Does being the big fish help you not to be the one getting smacked around in OWS swim starts? I was thinking of this today (first OWS triathlon is tomorrow) and was pondering if in fact Clydesdales didn't get knocked around as much due to their size. Anyone care to elucidate?


2007-10-04 6:05 PM
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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

Actually, they get knocked around more, since they usually have a larger surface area with which to get hit.

But we all get pummeled during OWS starts--unless you start a ways off to the side and let the mass go first, which you should do if you're nervous at all about it.

Super good luck on your first OWS tri!

2007-10-04 8:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
I've found that the best preparation for OWS was playing waterpolo in college . . .
2007-10-04 9:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
2007-10-04 11:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
Wow that video is awsome and its not far from the truth .

In My experience most swimmers my speed have poor OWS navigation skills so collisions are par for the course. Usually its more annoying than anything else . Sometimes i go into breastroke for 10 seconds or so to better sight where i am going and that works well to keep people from passing too close . Start at the back if you are not sure and go a little wide of the first buoy where a lot of trashing takes place.
2007-10-05 6:45 AM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

I definetly do feel an advantage in OWSs if I am with the general population.  In most swim starts thought I start with other clydes so it is not much of an advantage. 

My ideal swim start is mass start in very rough waters.  Little guys bounce off me and the rough water pushes them around more than it does bigger guys. 



2007-10-05 8:05 AM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
I don't think it is much of an advantage.  For one most people on land would see you and try to avoid you but in the confusion of OWS you really can't tell how big someone is so they don't try to avoid hitting you.  Plus if you get kicked in the face it is going to hurt no matter how big you are.
2007-10-05 10:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

You might gain an extra :5 secs per 100m, but then you will lose 2-3:00 per mile on the run.   I'd rather be 150lbs......

 

 

2007-10-05 11:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
I've never had a problem on OWS starts. I am always right at the front of the pack and slowly trickle back through and I have yet to get hit hard enough to care.
2007-10-05 12:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
what a great you tube video.  that thing rocks!
2007-10-05 1:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
That youtube video made me laugh out loud. Very cool clip.


2007-10-05 4:01 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

kaburns1214 - 2007-10-04 6:47 PM I've found that the best preparation for OWS was playing waterpolo in college . . .

Ditto - less to do with size, it's confidence in the water and a willingnes to hold your line despite the elbows being thrown.  I've gotten (attempted) pummelings from lots of guys smaller than me.

2007-10-05 4:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
Based on the U tube video I have decided to quit tri's, just kidding. Great Video.
2007-10-05 4:46 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
ChrisM - 2007-10-05 4:01 PM

kaburns1214 - 2007-10-04 6:47 PM I've found that the best preparation for OWS was playing waterpolo in college . . .

Ditto - less to do with size, it's confidence in the water and a willingnes to hold your line despite the elbows being thrown.  I've gotten (attempted) pummelings from lots of guys smaller than me.



Ok, I will have a take no prisoners attitude tomorrow. I don't intend to start in the midst of the combat but will make it a point to firmly hold my line. Thanks for the input everybody! If any little guy in a wetsuit tries to sink me I will just use him as a floatation device .

(Ok, even a medium guy in a wetsuit, I can't afford a wetsuit yet so I just have to envy theirs).

Edited by pauldelamancha 2007-10-05 4:48 PM
2007-10-05 8:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
I got very frustrated on my last Tri because if I run in to someone I try to move around them. It seems I was the only that was trying to considerate of my fellow swimmers. After reading several post on swimming during Tri's it seem the general consensus is everybody for them selves and its all part of the game.

Well, thats fine I can play that game, especialy being a big boy like I am. But if it's ok to bump and climb over another triathlete during the swim, then shouldn't it be O.K to trade a little paint on the bike course? Or how about shoving someone out of the way during the run?

If Triathlons are going to become a contact sport, the I think us clydes/athenas just might have a small advantage.

2007-10-05 10:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
After watching the 2007 IMLP Swim Start the race "simulation" from the Clif Bar commercial doesn't seem to be far from reality :-)


2007-10-08 2:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?
A spaniard I used to sail against always put it best: "If you are in first, there is no one to crash with."
2007-10-10 8:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

When the person in front of you switches to breast stroke after you touch his or her feet and frog kicks you in the face, it hurts no matter how big you are.

2007-10-10 4:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

Best 1st triathlon advice ever.  Start on the side of your wave and way in the back.  When they say "go" or blow the horn, do not run into the water, just walk.  1st triathlon should be about having fun and more importantly surviving, not racing.  Have fun and enjoy the experience.  Good luck

2007-10-11 6:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Do Clydes have an advantage in congested swimming?

I think so.   I did a race where the clydes went with the older women and athena's at the end.  I got stuck between two big dudes and couldn't get around them for the longest time!   I swear - an opening would appear, i would sprint for it, and they would close in and make a bootygirl sandwich.

I think I fare well starting with other women because I am larger than most and stonger in the water than most.  Not that I turn it into a contact sport, but there is some contact out there.   When I catch up to the men in heats ahead of me, I notice I get totally knocked around because they are larger, and the ones I catch up to are not the strong swimmers so they are doing some zig zagging and flailing......

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