Open Water Do's by Coach Kara
1. SWIM WITH A GROUP
Join a team, find a buddy. If you need to, take a few lessons from a reputable swim coach so you can correct your form for increased endurance. Always swim with someone in the open water. (Of course we'd love you to swim with Swim Las Vegas, but if our schedules don't mix, be sure to ask your "coach" if they are trained in lifesaving techniques, have a permit to provide workouts at the lake and ask for references!)
2. BE PREPARED
Swim in the open water whenever possible! A key ingredient to your success is to be able to swim at least a third longer in the pool than the distance you choose to race in open water. (For example, if you do an 800 m sprint triathlon, be able to swim at least 1,100 m comfortably in the pool).
3. GET YOUR GEAR TOGETHER
It may sound simple, but many people get so nervous about race day that they forget a few important things.
4. BRING A BUDDY
Most events will allow you to have your own support kayaker as long as they don’t aid you in forward movement. Ask the race director in advance and be be sure your buddy know how to kayak.
5. NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!
Plan ahead. If you're wearing a wetsuit, try it on a few weeks before your event in training. If you need a new swim suit or goggles, break them in!
6. KNOW THE COURSE!
Nothing eats time in the water like missing a turn buoy or zig zagging all over the place. Read the maps prior to your event. Pre-swim the course if possible and visualize where to go and when to turn. Practicing your sitting prior to race day is also extremely helpful.
7. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, ASK!
Ask volunteers or the Race Director any questions you may have before, during or after the event.
Join a team, find a buddy. If you need to, take a few lessons from a reputable swim coach so you can correct your form for increased endurance. Always swim with someone in the open water. (Of course we'd love you to swim with Swim Las Vegas, but if our schedules don't mix, be sure to ask your "coach" if they are trained in lifesaving techniques, have a permit to provide workouts at the lake and ask for references!)
2. BE PREPARED
Swim in the open water whenever possible! A key ingredient to your success is to be able to swim at least a third longer in the pool than the distance you choose to race in open water. (For example, if you do an 800 m sprint triathlon, be able to swim at least 1,100 m comfortably in the pool).
3. GET YOUR GEAR TOGETHER
It may sound simple, but many people get so nervous about race day that they forget a few important things.
- GOGGLES: Always bring a second pair of goggles Tinted goggles for sunny, cloudy, low visibility conditions, etc.
- BODY GLIDE OR TRISLIDE: To help avoid chaffing.
- MISCELLANEOUS: An extra swim suit? What about after the race? Do you need a towel? A bag?
4. BRING A BUDDY
Most events will allow you to have your own support kayaker as long as they don’t aid you in forward movement. Ask the race director in advance and be be sure your buddy know how to kayak.
5. NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY!
Plan ahead. If you're wearing a wetsuit, try it on a few weeks before your event in training. If you need a new swim suit or goggles, break them in!
6. KNOW THE COURSE!
Nothing eats time in the water like missing a turn buoy or zig zagging all over the place. Read the maps prior to your event. Pre-swim the course if possible and visualize where to go and when to turn. Practicing your sitting prior to race day is also extremely helpful.
7. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, ASK!
Ask volunteers or the Race Director any questions you may have before, during or after the event.
