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Post by Brandon on Jul 9, 2007 12:27:49 GMT -5
At the NCN tri yesterday I had my first experience in the lake with some chops. I don't yet have a wetsuit and probably would not have worn it for a sprint anyways. My experience yesterday found me all out of sync. My form sucked. I kept drinking lake water. We were going against the current and the only way I could get good breathes (due to the chop)was to pop my head way up and shoot down all the focus on form I've been doing for the last 6 months. I suppose one thing I could do is try and time the swell so that I'm taking breathes on top. Any other suggestions for getting in a good rythm in choppy water?
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Post by MarkD on Jul 9, 2007 13:40:53 GMT -5
I'm no great swimmer, but, I'm guessing that the conditions yesterday are something you just have to deal with in the most efficient manner possible. I rarely swallow water and yesterday I certainly took my fair share of gulps. It started rough for me too, but the way I got in rhythm was to make sure to take a breath after each big chop. The big ones were coming in waves of 2 - 3. When the first one would hit, I snapped my head around to take a breath then swim until the next one hit. After 4 strokes, I knew there wouldn't be another one coming for a bit - then I'd go back to normal breathing until the next big one. The key was reading the course and developing a pattern. Of course, that may be tough to do when you're concerned about possibly slammin' into the rocks on the left side of your body !!
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Post by Steve Yutzy on Jul 9, 2007 14:14:35 GMT -5
Ahh, the joys of open water swimming
The easiest advice is of course breathe away from the waves (although that doesn't help if they're coming head-on
If you can, come to some of the open water swim practices (GCT, Columbia, Munroe Falls). Not only will you get more confident swimming in waves, but there are plenty of great swimmers around that can help you learn to breathe without completely lifting your head and dropping your hips
I'd be willing to help at Columbia or the GCT session, and I know others would as well
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Post by Brandon on Jul 9, 2007 14:43:29 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice. Indeed, I need more time in the lake. I swim and Monroe Falls regularly (I'll be there tonite). Monroe Falls or a calm lake and I'm fine. Sunday though......different story. Around the first bouy it wasn't so bad.....then once I saw the breakwall on my left it seemed the swells grew, and grew. I had 2 things on my mind 1) get air/don't swallow any more water and 2) keep moving foreward after accomplishing #1!!! Typically, I focus on long smooth strokes and don't need to pop my head up much. I suppose practice finding the rhythm of the chops will be very helpful. I welcome any and all swimming tips :-)
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Post by elliotreed on Aug 28, 2007 13:13:40 GMT -5
I'm curious if you were able to overcome this problem and focus on long strokes with choppy water? I have been taking TI lessons in the pool and have been really focused on form. Yesterday was my first open-water swim at Columbia Park and I had the same experience you described. I quickly ditched any form I had and was focused on breathing.
Let me know if you found anything in particular that was beneficial.
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