Most triathletes come from a running or biking background, so it's no surprise that the swim is usually the part of the race triathletes like least. Pool swimming generally poses few problems but taking to the open water is another matter. There
the midline more than the other). ➽ It becomes harder to achieve good rolling from the hips.➽ It can lead to shoulder injury because the shoulder twists more than it should.➽ It's a less stable position. In rough open-water conditions you will be tossed around
training from the pool to the open water. The chop, waves and general instability of coastal waters can pose quite a challenge for those new to the environment. The key areas for you to think about are the entry, navigation and exit techniques with sea
.com), which offers open-water swimming and coaching camps, and holidays, in the UK and overseas. He is a qualified swim coach and an experienced swimmer, with a solo crossing of the English Channel to his name. He is passionate about introducing open-water
legs aren’t up other swimmers are more likely to swim over you as they only have your head and shoulders to climb over. Practice this start position in open water and swimming pools so you are used to it.A final technique is to keep your head up
're attempting.Improved catch (force exerted against water with maximum surface area and power): this means grabbing the water using the hand and forearm, and accelerating rearwards before feathering (turning the hand out of the water) at the end
. Test swimPrepare by doing race simulation in the pool and in open water. “During the start of the swim there is so much mayhem,” says former Olympic swimmer Chris Hauth, now a triathlete and coach (aimpcoaching.com). “If you start off by pushing harder
.Test SwimPrepare by doing race simulation in the pool and in open water. "During the start of the swim there is so much mayhem," says former Olympic swimmer Chris Hauth, now a triathlete and coach (aimpcoaching.com). "If you start off by pushing harder
and abilities, need a different style of training and technique to pro swimmers. For example, Phelps is 6'4" and compared to your penguin-like wing span his 2m one propels him through the water like a nitro-fuelled speedboat. He is also able to put in 45 miles
be advantageous to some because any 'dead spot' (a point at which no power is produced against the water) can be addressed. But this requires good technique and high levels of fitness.Finally, don't compare yourself with others: body size, injury, physical
