-
As mentioned previously, swimming wetsuits are much more supple (read thinner) than a general use/surf wettie. However, wearing a winter suit is actually excellent resistance training.
A big thing for first time cold water swimmers is Cold Water Shock. I would advise having a partner or someone on shore for the first couple of times.
One of the differences between the sea and the pool is the 'silkiness' of pool water. This is due to higher density water in the sea, so while you are slightly more buoyant, its slightly harder to move through. So I would suggest increasing your drag in the pool,
but is always busy with people walking along the promenade (lower risk of drowning)
I would have a slightly different viewpoint, in that it is slightly more likely that your calls for aid would be heard, rather than being less likely to drown.
As a water polo player, I would suggest learning to tread water using the eggbeater technique. Its a fairly easy skill to learn, and it is great for keeping your head steady above the water for a fairly low output of energy.
Apparently Edinburgh Road Club do swim sessions.
Well that felt like a scattershot post but meh.
Kurai-
As mentioned previously, swimming wetsuits are much more supple (read thinner) than a general use/surf wettie. However, wearing a winter suit is actually excellent resistance training.
Okay, good to know. Winter wetsuit seems like what I'm after. I expect the water's a good few degrees colder up here than down South so I might be okay with a winter one year-round?
A big thing for first time cold water swimmers is Cold Water Shock. I would advise having a partner or someone on shore for the first couple of times.
Yes. Hence I was thinking I'd stroll into the water after the crowds have gone in a race rather than going for a decent position. I'm in no rush either in an event or swimming myself so happy to spend a few minutes standing around in the shallows before I do any swimming.
One of the differences between the sea and the pool is the 'silkiness' of pool water. This is due to higher density water in the sea, so while you are slightly more buoyant, its slightly harder to move through. So I would suggest increasing your drag in the pool,
How does one do that? My flatmate swims with a leg float thing but that's because of a dodgy hip, whereas I would want to use my legs obviously. Wear a t-shirt?
I would have a slightly different viewpoint, in that it is slightly more likely that your calls for aid would be heard, rather than being less likely to drown.
Fair assessment, that's what I meant really. Increased chance of being noticed would hopefully translate into a slightly lower chance of drowning, either through the possibility of a passing lifeguard, someone throwing me a ring, an ambulance or doctor being nearby, etc.
As a water polo player, I would suggest learning to tread water using the eggbeater technique. Its a fairly easy skill to learn, and it is great for keeping your head steady above the water for a fairly low output of energy.
Apparently Edinburgh Road Club do swim sessions.
Great, I'll look those up. Thanks. I did see ERC do swimming but I thought it was just summer. Will check.
Edit: eggbeater looks deadly on the knees!
frankenbike
@Greenbank
Yeah, this is what I've heard. With the added stresses of people all around bashing into me and adrenaline from the start of the race I want to be extremely confident in open water before I take on a triathlon. I know people die all the time in the swim section which I'd like to avoid. I think I'd probably wait until the big rush of people has gone, then stroll in myself, do a slow/steady swim and then try to make up some time on the cycle and run (although having said that I won't be concerned about my time in the slightest). Just want to comfortably make it through.
Oh right. Was thinking I'd get a nice warm one because supposedly you can just let some cold water in through the neck if you're too hot, whereas there's nothing you can do if you're cold. The extra buoyancy and survival time if I get pulled out to sea or something mad would be a major bonus. I can deal with the discomfort if it means I'm more likely not to die.
Yeah, a) visibility, b) I can put my stuff in it rather than leave it on the beach, c) you can pop a GPS in there to record for Strava and d) if I'm drowning I could try to cling to it. Seems ideal. Again I don't care if it's uncomfortable or makes me slower.
Edinburgh. There are some lochs for open water swimming in the Pentlands which a little way South of here. But unless I'm with someone else or it's very busy there (summer) that seems dangerous. There is also Portobello beach, which doesn't have great water quality, but is always busy with people walking along the promenade (lower risk of drowning) and pretty safe for swimming I think with no significant currents etc. I'd just go back and forward along a section of beach probably. Say if I went at 8am, when there's loads of people walking/cycling to work. As you say not sure they could actually intervene but at least they could call me an ambulance...
I do have a triathlon friend so could definitely persuade him to swim with me... having said that does one friend really make a difference? If I'm drowning, aren't I just going to take him down with me if he comes near me?
@Sainsburys_Ed
Hmm, okay, I'll try in a pool first then. Just really hate the idea of paying £3 or whatever for 20 minutes of exercise (I probably won't even manage that the first few times I go).
Good shout, I'll see if there's one near me.
Alright, I won't bother with that then!
Maybe my best option is to swim over winter in a pool and then start doing open water stuff at the first sign of spring. But I think I'd like to do a shorter distance triathlon in spring in prep for a summer 70.3, so I wouldn't have as much open water experience as I'd like for the first tri I do. Either way pool swimming for a few months (starting now) seems like the best way to start.