to picking the perfect triathlon that suits your level of experience:Small races - forA pool swim is a great first step to build confidence before the open water.A relaxed atmosphere will help as you start to iron out kit and transition area organisation. All
, saw more beginners doing their event in 2012 than ever before and explain how by breaking down common misconceptions in the sport, they are seeing 83% beginners doing their races.Not all triathlons take place in open water, many local events
headstart when removing the suit.Q. How can I conquer my fear of open-water swimming?A. It's perfectly natural to feel apprehensive about swimming in open water, particularly if you're new to swimming or triathlon. It is, after all, totally different from
The flailing arms and feet, churned-up water and apparent absence of all decorum that mark the beginning of an open-water swim can put new triathletes off.It's been a problem for newcomers to the sport for a long time, but race organisers have begun
reasonable budget and you’ll soon discover it’s easier than you think to make cost-effective kit choices.First things first, a basic suit, cap and goggles are essential for the swim leg. Of course, if you’re planning to race in open water, you’ll also need a
offers in relation to your ability.Some clubs are better than others at breaking down perceptions, particularly in the way they market and organise their sessions. Many triathlon clubs put on beginner-specific sessions, or split groups to maintain even
that you can see where you are going and aim for visual targets such as the finish line or the turning buoys. Most open-water triathlons in Great Britain require you to wear a wetsuit. This may feel strange but it can help your swim. Wetsuits help buoyancy
. 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
stroke – is it technically correct and comfortable, and are you able to change your pace? If you address these areas during winter and then continue them into open water in the spring and early summer, you will reap the benefits as you start to race
, ‘ideally by a video analysis with a swim coach’, says Sam Hale of the Triathlon Centre in Peterborough (advanceperformance.co.uk). Avoid common mistakes, as identified by Lerwill above.Chop and change‘You need to get used to crowded, choppy water,’ says
