Swim
Frequently asked questions from triathletes about the swim leg of triathlons:
1. Should I wear a wetsuit?
It depends. Are wetsuits allowed in the race? Most age group races allow wetsuits. In this case, use a wetsuit! With a wetsuit you will be able to withstand cold water and will also be more buoyant - this will make it a lot easier to get through the swim.
It depends. Are wetsuits allowed in the race? Most age group races allow wetsuits. In this case, use a wetsuit! With a wetsuit you will be able to withstand cold water and will also be more buoyant - this will make it a lot easier to get through the swim.
2. May I swim another stroke besides freestyle?
Yes. Although freestyle is the fastest and most common stroke used in a triathlon, beginner or novice swimmers and triathletes may benefit from a few strokes of backstroke or breast stroke to regain their breath.
Yes. Although freestyle is the fastest and most common stroke used in a triathlon, beginner or novice swimmers and triathletes may benefit from a few strokes of backstroke or breast stroke to regain their breath.
3. It's my first race. Where should I line up at the beginning of the race?
Stay towards the back and to the outside (away from the first course buoy or turn). If you start in the pack, you will get bashed, and likely lose more energy fighting against the conditions than if you get some cleaner water and take the first swim buoy a little wider.
Stay towards the back and to the outside (away from the first course buoy or turn). If you start in the pack, you will get bashed, and likely lose more energy fighting against the conditions than if you get some cleaner water and take the first swim buoy a little wider.
4. Should I use a heart rate monitor?
If you are used to using a heart rate monitor when you train, it may help you during a triathlon at certain points, like transitions, to keep your heart rate stable. However, for the swim, it will be impossible to look at your watch and keep track of your heart rate while you swim and try to see where you're going at the same time. You might have it on your wrist, but you won't look at it.
If you are used to using a heart rate monitor when you train, it may help you during a triathlon at certain points, like transitions, to keep your heart rate stable. However, for the swim, it will be impossible to look at your watch and keep track of your heart rate while you swim and try to see where you're going at the same time. You might have it on your wrist, but you won't look at it.
5. How often should I "sight"?
First of all, find out how many buoys there are and learn the course before your race. This will limit the number of times you need to pop your head up to see where you are. Ideally you can find an object, like the swimmer in front of you, or the next buoy, to focus on when you lift your head up. Otherwise, taking a peek every 6-8 arm cycles should be adequate. Also, wear goggles with clear lenses for optimum vision during your race, and don't forget to use an anti-fog treatment if needed.
First of all, find out how many buoys there are and learn the course before your race. This will limit the number of times you need to pop your head up to see where you are. Ideally you can find an object, like the swimmer in front of you, or the next buoy, to focus on when you lift your head up. Otherwise, taking a peek every 6-8 arm cycles should be adequate. Also, wear goggles with clear lenses for optimum vision during your race, and don't forget to use an anti-fog treatment if needed.
6. How often should I breathe during a race swim?
If this is your first race, don't get hung up on this. Breathe when you need air, even if that means every 2 strokes. Aim to learn bilateral breathing as your swimming skill progresses and take a breath every 3 strokes. This will help with navigation and keep you in more of a straight line.
If this is your first race, don't get hung up on this. Breathe when you need air, even if that means every 2 strokes. Aim to learn bilateral breathing as your swimming skill progresses and take a breath every 3 strokes. This will help with navigation and keep you in more of a straight line.
