Open Water Training.
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jonovision_man posted 10 weeks ago.
I only swim with the local tri club. For insurance they have to have two people in kayaks and one is a certified lifeguard. We have a mid-week and weekend swim, so lots of opportunities.
By yourself = bad idea... you're one cramp from swimming with the fishes...
Oh and I've swam in shallow water with my wife on the beach before, but she gets bored really fast. :)
jono
77
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186 days
KellyW posted 10 weeks ago.
I do what you're not supposed to do, I swim "alone." But I swim along the shore, which is a shallow beach where if anything goes wrong, I can just stand up and walk home, or yell for help--there is usually someone fishing or walking their dog, or else people in the houses along the beach can see/hear you and call 911 if need be. Never had a problem--once I got stung by a jellyfish, I just got out and went home.
I have also swum with my partner and son in a kayak, and that was a blast! With them paddling near me, I could go way the heck out into Long Island Sound, which was awesome.
1288
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1559 days
PJT posted 10 weeks ago.
First off, good on you for deciding to practice OW swimming. It's just plain smart.
We have an LBS that sponsors a weekly lake swim. Our tri club members pay $10 each for the summer and the LBS provides 2-3 lifeguards in kayaks around a 1/4 mile buoy loop.
I also sometimes swim along the shore both with a kayak and without a kayak (but with a buddy). Swimming without a kayak is always extra risk because a swim buddy won't necessarily see or hear you as quickly if something goes wrong.
There is some sort of rapid-inflate floatation device on the market (I'm too lazy to find a link right now), that some people use as a backup safety measure. I think it makes some sense. Especially if you swim without a wetsuit or in rough water.
Always wear the loudest, brightest swim cap you can find to remain visible to boaters. If you're in true open water, (so no buoys or anything), go at times when you are easily visible and in places where boat traffic is at a minimum. Don't swim if there is heavy fog on the water.
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SAchris posted 10 weeks ago.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the props for wanting to practice OWS, but the only reason I want to practice is because in my first tri I was the guy who had never done it before and had a panic attack on the water. It was horrible. Haha.
Chris Holohan
holohan.blogspot.com
9
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129 days
DetroitTriathlon posted 9 weeks ago.
Two safety tips:
1. Wear a brightly covered swim cap so people can see you.
2. Wear a wetsuit.
I know a lot of people that live on lakes and swim by themselves and honestly I don't think it's bad as long as they follow the above two tips. If you're wearing a modern wetsuit, you can probably stop swimming and still float. If you're a newer swimmer, just stick closer to the shore.
It would also probably be a good idea to swim with others for awhile but once you feel comfortable, I wouldn't think twice about swimming by myself in a wetsuit.
Jared
___________________
Southeast Michigan Triathlon | Detroit Iron Triathlon
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wirebook posted 9 weeks ago.
If you've had issues in the past - then I wouldn't recommend swimming alone.
For me, I generally don't swim alone, and if I do - I tend to stay along the shoreline where I can pretty much just stand up.
That said - the #1 thing to do - no matter where you're swimming - is to ensure you're wearing a bright swim cap. Also, don't swim in areas where boaters are likely to hit you (or times for that matter). And remember that certain times of the day make it really difficult to see swimmers on the water (such as around dusk).
-Ray
Tri Blog: Http://dcrainmaker.blogspot.com
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gfd posted 9 weeks ago.
I always wear a wetsuit. MY father-in-law stays in front of me with his boat. Sometimes he rows, which is nice. Other times he takes the powerboat, which means I get a serious amount of gas fumes to deal with. Beggars can't be choosers and he must have spent 10 hours out there with me this summer.
"If we help someone else up a steep hill, we get nearer to the top ourselves." ~Unknown~
~Garen~
http://baldhungariantriproject.blogspot.com/
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WFD posted 5 weeks ago.
SAChris,
Swimming in open water is definitely something everyone should do once in a while. While pool swimming is more efficient for developing speed and fitness, there is something to be said for the specificity of getting into the open water.
+1 to the recs above for wetsuit and bright cap. Also, look for a local tri or open water club to join. I find that part of what's so over-whelming about tri swimming is the sensation of having so many thrashing bodies next to you. Also, keep in mind there's a huge difference between lake, river, ocean, bay, etc and try to be as specific as possible to your event.
I've done the kayak, swim partner, solo and group sessions and always come back to solo as it suit my style more. In terms of type of workout, I like point-to-point intervals (btwn buoys, boats, etc) as opposed to out and back or longer loops, especially if you're going it alone.
Find what works and good luck!
Walter
44
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151 days
jarhead posted 5 weeks ago.
If your married or have older kids, the best thing to do is buy a cheap $2-300 canoe and get the family to row in front of you. Great family bonding!
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
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nlamphear posted 5 weeks ago.
Go to year nearest lake and swim the buoy line at the dam, there will be no boat traffic, and if you listen closely you can hear the turbines in the dam groaning! Its probably the creepiest thing I have ever been through in my life. However it is void of boat traffic, plenty of waves to practice getting mouths full of water. Hope this helps
-N
How do you guys do open water training? Do you swim by yourself? Follow the shore? Have your spouse follow in a canoe or gondala?
I've never practiced it and want to know how the vets train in open water. Thanks in advance.
Chris Holohan
holohan.blogspot.com