Tips for swimming in open water
One of the most difficult things to assimilate of a triathlete is to swim in open water, as we are used to swimming in a pool, where everyone comes and goes in addition to maintaining a certain order and respect in each street.
In open waters this is not the case, everyone comes out at once, and wants to get the best position to better turn the buoys and swim at full speed without stopping to observe the people next to them, that's why there are blows, kicks, flying glasses, subsidence, etc.
Our advice, is that if it is your first participation in a triathlon, let everyone go first, and gradually get your rhythm of swimming to avoid that bad experience of the blows, and water hazards that may happen to you
Here we leave you a series of useful tips when facing swimming in open waters.
- Before going out to swim, take a own swimming cap Apart from the one that gives you the organization, put on your hat, then the glasses and finally the organization's hat, so you will avoid losing your glasses if an incident occurs.
- The first, look for your rhythm, try to be comfortable and visualize participants of your same level.
- In the pool, Try to breathe on both sides, since sometimes, in open waters you will be forced to breathe from one side or another, for example at sea. Because if the waves always come to the side that you are used to breathing, it will be very difficult not to swallow water.
- Once you're located and comfortable, plan the rest of the swim, and try if you can accelerate the pace to get out of the water as soon as possible.
- Remember to orientate yourself, and every 3-6 strokes he pops his head to see if you are going in the right direction, if you go in a group, it will be easier for you since you will be able to feel the triathlete who is in front and you will not need to orient yourself every so often, that yes, you will have to be well oriented.
- During your pool workouts, enter the simulation of Orient each 5 stroke, so the situation in the competition will not be unknown to you.
- If you ever swallow water, you feel the choking sensation, etc., stop or swim breaststroke / backstroke for a while and catch your breath, you will quickly feel good again and be able to swim normally again.
- Take into account one thing, you will always be monitored by the organization / officers / civil protection. If you have some mishap, and you can not continue, raise your arm to see you and they will quickly come after you. Sometimes it is best to stop swimming, float a little, recover and go back to swimming slowly.
- If you take Neoprene, you will realize that you have a lot more buoyancy, so you can recover without losing much energy.
Moncada Angel
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