How do I overcome the fear of open water swim?

 

Practice Bi-lateral breathing in training!  Breathing to the right AND left is tough for some swimmers.  Most of us have learned to breathe to one side only.  But what if all the buoys are on your non-breathing side?  How can we keep an eye on people to the right and left if we can't see in both directions?  A portion, if not all, of your training should include bilateral breathing.

Don't panic if you see a creature.  One of the bonuses of open-water swimming is there's so much interesting stuff to check out while you're churning up the H₂O...the sunrise or sunset, cloud formations, lightning, horse-shoe crabs, and those pesky jelly fish!

Practice in open water with a Life Guard Buoy tied around your waist and let 10 ft of rope out.  If you get a bit panicky just grab the buoy.

Race day: Get in the water before the event and warm up for 10 to 15 min.  Get the "feel of the water" (waves,warm,cold etc.).   It is a must do for a panic stricken swimmers.  Line up to the outside and somewhat to the back.  Stay to the outside because the next wave will be coming....especially on turns.

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How far do I have to swim?

Swim distance varies by event.   A sprint is typically  400 yards (1/4 mile).  An olympic is 800 yards (about 1/2 mile).  A half Ironman is 1.2 miles.  An Ironman is 2.4 miles.

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What type of wet suit should I get?

Borrow one from a member and try it.  This allows you to get the feeling of a wet suit.  There are so many on the market and the costs vary.

Buy used...Many "hardcore" Triathletes purchase the newest, fastest wet suit pretty often.  It is a good bet you can get their old one at a bargain price! 

Fit is critical.  Some are tight in the chest.  This is no good when you have to breathe.  Many companies have a policy you can try the wet suit out for 30 days (for example http://xterrawetsuits.com/).

Full suit  vs. short suit?  This is personal choice.  Many feel the full suit keeps you more buoyant while the short gives you more flexibility in the arms and keeps you cooler.

Is there an easy way to put it on?  Put your feet/legs in plastic garbage bags.  This makes getting in easy.  Put your hands in socks.  Just don't forget to remove the bags and socks prior to the swim!

Getting out of it in a hurry?  Some athletes use a spray made for quick removal.   Others have resorted to Pam Cooking Spray and even dish soap on the inside to make the wet suit easier to remove.  It is a great sport when you have a choice to leave an oil slick or bubbles in the water!

FYI...Not all wet suit are triathlon specific.   Starting your triathlon in a wet suit designed for triathletes offers you a great advantage.  You will float better, stay warmer, and finish the swim faster than you would without the wet suit.  Maybe the biggest bonus - you will have more energy left for the bike and run.  The triathlon specific wet suits offer features such as extra stretchy neoprene, quick release zippers, and panels to help you grab more water on your pull.  Most are available with or without sleeves; but for maximum speed sleeved models seem to be the best.

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How do I keep my goggles from fogging up?

Good question!   Welcome to swimming. This is the time for a personal opinion...Anti- fog goggles do not exist on earth. OK!

For those of you who do not believe the above:
1)  Try spiting on the inside of your goggles before the event...OR
2)  Waiting for your wave to start and you are fogging up... OR
3)  A quick dip in the water of the inside of the goggles 20 secs before the start of your wave may work.

Get two pair of goggles.  Keep one pair for racing only. Old goggles seem to fog easy.

Getting out of the pool...Rinse the goggles with tap water and dry them off.  Put them in a case.  Do this every time to help your goggle last longer.

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