New to open water swimming

emmab0902

Hi everyone. I have (probably foolishly) agreed to do the swim leg for a team in a half ironman in early January. I am a former competitive swimmer and could likely swim 3-4km any day in a pool, but have never done open water swimming. Does anyone have good tips on a 3 month panic training regime?? The swim is 2km and it will be mid summer here at that time. I am only just getting back into exercise after a slack *kitten* few months!

jacksonpt

I doubt technique will be much of a problem/concern for you, so really it just comes down to getting comfortable in open water... Only way to do that is to get in and swim it.

Will you be wearing a wetsuit? Depending on the water, buoyancy/head position is a bit more important. Also, sighting your line/the course can be difficult when looking into a low rising sun. Other than that, the mass start can be a little chaotic, but the crowd thins out fairly quickly.

EnduranceGirl2

Yes, going out and trying it is the only way. Doing a sprint race or an open water swim race would also help. Especially near the start and around buoys, people tend to crowd and swim into each other. Shortening and speeding up your stroke will also help you cut through chop. Although the swim is my weakest leg, I enjoy the occasionally surreal and unpredictable aspects of the whole experience.

scott091501

Practice in the open water if at all possible. Work on sighting and drafting. If that isn't possible get 2 people in a lane with you and work on congested swimming that way.

Drudoo

Look out for sharks...