10 Tips for Open Water Swimming

The transition from swimming in a pool to swimming in open water can be a daunting one for some people.  Once you get into open water, you no longer have lane ropes or a nice line down the centre of the lane to keep you swimming straight.  Those of you that can only breathe to one side probably find that you tend not to go straight but instead veer to one side.  There are many factors to consider; below I have listed 10 tips to help you with this transition.

1. Always swim with a buddy, if you get into trouble its good to have someone there to help, plus you can work on techniques like drafting and open water starts.
2. Be aware of the temperature of the water, do not spend too much time in very cold water, you can get disorientated and your swim stroke will no longer be effective.   
3. Check for visible signs of water currents and rips before entering, also be wary of dangerous conditions such as crashing or high waves. 
4. Warm up on shore by swinging your arms around.  When you enter the water its a good idea to let the wetsuit fill up with water before you swim.  The wetsuit is designed to work with water between you and the wetsuit to provide warmth and also to suck the wetsuit to your body ensuring a tight fit.
5. Use non-petroleum based products such as body glide for lubrication (these do not damage the wetsuit), apply to the back of your neck to prevent chaffing and also to the top of your feet and ankles to aid in wetsuit removal.
6. Breathing in open water is different to that in the pool, in the pool you should look to the side, but in open water you need to be looking to the sky.
7. Bilateral breathing has a number of benefits so start doing it!  Not only will it help you to swim straighter but when you have waves crashing in on your left or right side you have the ability to breathe away from the waves.  Breathing into the waves is not a good idea, you either get a mouthful of water or are unable to take a breath!
8. Sighting is important, practice, practice, practice!  Sight regularly in a race so you can adjust your direction of swimming.  I’ve seen a lot of people waste energy zig zagging on a course.  Look for landmarks behind the buoy, this makes sighting much easier.
9. Drafting behind someone is the most efficient however be weary that not all swimmers swim straight.  So although you are getting a great draft they could be going off course.  Always sight while drafting, if they are off course then drop them and try another swimmer.
10. Race preparation is vital, make sure you know the entry and exit points and the course, look for landmarks that you can use for sighting.  For the start of the race make sure you position yourself in the right place, do not start at the front if you are not a strong swimmer.  If you are unsure start at the outside.

Use your time wisely in the open water, practice the techniques you will need for racing and get use to swimming in a wetsuit.  The more people you can get together the better, swim as a tight group so you get use to having other swimmers around you.  Most importantly smile, there is nothing better than swimming in the sea!

I'll be doing an open water session at Pegasus Sunday 27th March, contact if you are interested in joining.

Mountain Run to Lake Lilian

My first Christmas at home for nine years was a very special one shared with my family, but the fun had only just begun as I was heading out to Glenthorne Station , Lake Coleridge that night with a few friends. We were staying in the middle of nowhere at the shearers quarters in the upper Glenthorne Station. Surrounded by glorious mountains, trees, bellbirds and horses, it was a great place to chill out for a few days, and get into some outdoor activities! Boxing Day we climbed 1100m to The Spurs at 1760m, it was a nice climb and we worked hard to get there but the views and serenity were well worth it.

Monday morning we decided to go for a mountain run from the shearer’s quarters through the Gargarus Saddle to Lake Lilian. There was a blustery Nor West wind with some horizontal rain at times, but Sully, Jimmy and I braved the elements and went for it. Despite the wind and rain it was very warm and once we were in the tree line the wind and rain was non-existent. The run up to the saddle was certainly tough; following along the mustering tracks we made steady progress without too much drama, but it was difficult to get into a rhythm and we had to walk here and there. After 50mins of running up hill we were at the saddle and it was fantastic. Some great undulating running with tremendous mountain views all around, and an easy rhythm. Unfortunately my hamstring was not right and I strained it blasting down the first descent, that slowed me down and I had to follow behind Sully and Jimmy so as not to hold them back! There were a few Canadian geese and hares out there but not much else.

Lilian creak provided a few small river crossings and then we got into some tussock bog lands which made things interesting. Jumping from tussock to tussock and running through some boggy areas made things challenging, but also fun. The run around the side of Mt Fitzwilliam was tricky with a few slippery rocks and narrow sheep tracks, but luckily no further injuries. We arrived at Lilian lake after 1 ½ hours and I went into the lake the soak my hamstring. The water was lovely and I was tempted to go for a swim but didn’t want to get too cold as the rain and wind was a little more predominant by the lake. Luckily our support crew arrived and we had a short walk to the car for a 4WD ride out of The Retreat along the Harper River. A good day out followed by hot showers and cold beers.  

Become a fan of Tri-Planet New Zealand on Facebook and check out the photos from the run.

Triathlon Festival Pegasus Bay

The triathlon festival held out at Pegasus Bay on 19th December was a fantastic day.  With around 400 competitors and a range of races that catered for all levels including children, beginner, intermediate and elite triathletes this certainly was one event I couldn't miss out on...

Only recently returned from 2 weeks in Denmark at temperatures well below 0 degrees I had 4 days to acclimatise and also recover from jet lag.  I did manage to get a few swim sessions and running sessions done while away but my fitness levels were not great.  Still this would be my first race in New Zealand and not far from my home town, so I couldn't say no.  The day before the race temperatures soared to the mid 30s and I had visions of the Barcelona Half Challenge where we had high temperatures and I got heat stroke (managed to finish that race though).  Luckily on the day the temperature was cool and perfect for racing. 

I cycled out to the race and set up in transition, talking to some of my fellow competitors.  Everyone seemed to be donning their wetsuits even though the water was warm enough to swim without one.  So it looked like I was going to have to wait a while longer to do my first non-wetsuit triathlon.  Having entered in the Pegasus Classic I was in the first wave so we were the first event of the day.  Beach start and a short run into the water and then the chaos of an open water swim began.  Settling into a good rhythm I managed to get a draft off a few people but my swimming was sluggish and well below my best.  Still I was racing and loving it.  Out of the water and a short run to the transition area.  This is where the fun began; I didn’t quite get my foot out of my wetsuit and did a sort of wetsuit dance nearly tripping over myself as I tried to kick my foot out again. At least I didn’t hit my head on the bar holding my bike up like I did in the Dublin City Triathlon one year! Helmet on, out of transition and then there is the jump on the bike and then fumbling my feet into the bike shoes as I cycle away. The bike course was a fast 3 laps and was very enjoyable, a good surface and some great marshalling keep it safe on the unclosed roads.  Keeping my cadence up and my legs pumping I flew around the course. Some of the other races had started so there were a few people starting on their first lap as I was about to finish my last. So it was feet out of the shoes and then off the bike, and into transition. No drama this time so a quick transition and out on to the run course.  Unfortunately I had strained my hamstring training in Denmark so I knew my run was going to be slow (well that’s my excuse anyway!).  I focused on keeping a good tempo and maintained that throughout the two laps around the lake.  Felt good but knew I couldn't push myself like I normally would, it was very difficult to resist chasing anyone that passed me.  Finished the race (without a sprint finish) and was happy with my overall performance.

A job well done by the race organisers, they really put on a great event. There were plenty of supporters and sponsors there selling products and you could even buy a fresh coffee!  Congratulations to all the athletes that finished the Try a Triathlon race for beginners, perhaps I can tempt you to join our boot camp and learn some valuable techniques and build your fitness?? Anyone that braved the rain and waited for the Elite race was in for a treat as Tony Dodds and Andrea Hewitt showed everyone how to race. A definite race for next season’s calendar.