FEATURES

Stuff that Heather Already Knows...

Wednesday, 09 December 2015 00:10

Swim Etiquette

By Deanna Pomfret (usatriathlon.org)
Cool Photo by Rich Cruse

The triathlon swim is usually the leg people talk and worry about the most. I’ve heard things like “I just need to get through the swim,” “I’m fine once the swim is over” and “I’d do a triathlon except I’m afraid of the swim.” The fact that fear for the swim can stop someone from trying this excellent sport makes me as a swim coach pause and think why and what can I do to make it less intimidating? ...

Only we as a group can make this sport more swim friendly. You don’t have to stop kicking or stop doing the breaststroke, but you can do things to make our sport and specifically the swim leg less intimidating. Here are six simple rules of swim etiquette to keep in mind for your next race.

1. No sudden moves. Keep calm and relaxed, and focus on your swim. The swimmers in close proximity will either slip by or find a spot that offers both of you space.

2. Don’t get too close to the buoys if you are a nervous swimmer. Swim a wide circle around the buoy. That is where the aids are should you need one and you will avoid the more assertive swimmers. You will likely swim better without the stress of buoy traffic.

3. Swim with the other swimmers, not against. Look at the other swimmers as your personal advantage. Learn how to draft. Practice this in the open water with your swim mates.

4. Do this drill. In the pool or the open water, get three to four swimmers. Have all the swimmers except for one take off and swim very slowly, very close to each other. The swimmer left behind sprints through the line to pass through the pack of swimmers. The swimmer that is passing through practices getting very long in the water and slipping gently through the pack. This teaches the swimmers in the line how to navigate a more assertive swimmer and get used to contact in the water and this teaches the passing swimmer to do it gently.  READ MORE