I signed up for my first 2 tri's this past summer. I couldn't finish either swim. The first was due to a dislocated shoulder about 100 meters into the swim from a well placed kick and the other was an anxiety attack, hyperventilating and the whole bit. I have done up to 2000 yards in a pool but not much open water swimming. I know that it is different but is that what is causing all this? I have to think this can be beaten. I guess it relevant to add that I just learned to swim this year. Thanks in advance, I don't want this to be the reason I don't do tri's.
Swimming in the open water with all those people is definitely scary. Here's what I do - stay waaaay on the outside of all that mess - you'll swim a little further, but it's worth the peace of mind until you get more comfortable with the big group swim.
i can definitely relate to your anxiety in the open water as i too just learned to swim about 6 months ago.
maybe you should consider starting with a sprint rather than an oly? my first open water swim was a quick 500 meter swim in the LI sound and it was warm and beautiful. i started way over to the left side and got acouple of kicks and grabs but nothing major. actually the swim was the easiest of the three legs that day.
also, maybe you could get some preliminary practice swims in the open water before your actual race date? that helps to alleviate the anxiety.
i also found that warming up in the water before the race starts helps to lessen the panic attacks during the race.
good luck... YOU CAN BEAT THIS!!!!!
Thanks for the info. I think I will sign up for a sprint in early Sep. and see where it goes. To be continued.
Would, or should I ask is a wetsuit necessary? Does it help at all for a newbie swimmer?
There are definitely more pros than cons in the wetsuit question! It makes you swim faster and takes away a lot of the fear of drowning. You float way higher in the water.
Open water swims are a must! I freaked out when the water suddenly became darker, I were not able to see the groung and that scared me. By now im am used to it and feel comfortable but as everything tri-related it takes time!! I hope you will make it and enjoy your next tri
As for wetsuit, I'd say it depends on the distance and how far you are from the transition.... it does take time to get them off, and so for sprints I think I've always skipped it.
If you can wear a wetsuit. it will give you buoyancy and help get your body in a correct position.
It will give you a little confidence since you know you won't sink like a stone.
Try and practice in open water. even swimming only a few yards out parallel to the shoreline.
When it comes to event time as previously posted, go to the outside,
and to avoid collisions, walk in and take your time starting.
Let everybody go and have a whole lot of space. Do that until you are comfortable.
Good Luck!!
I feel a lot more comfortable swimming in open water with all those people thrashing around me when I'm wearing a wetsuit - you will definitely like the bouyancy it gives you,.