You are reading a single comment by @ewanmac and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@ewanmac
Is it a pool or an OW swim?
Pool based sprint tris are often fairly relaxed and there wouldn't be a big problem with pausing between lengths so long as you keep to the side of the lane and don't obstruct anyone. If open water, wearing a wetsuit makes keeping your body position in the water MUCH easier - specific Tri wetsuits (especially the entry level ones) are deigned to make you float in the correct position then all you have to do is wave your arms about and kick like hell.
In terms of improving your swimming more generally, join a masters swim club. There will be plenty of people there who can give you pointers and coaching and they are usually very friendly. Other than that I hear "swim for Tri" in london are a good coaching service. better to get some coaching early on rather than ingrain bad habits. Swimming is 90% technique, 10% grunt which is why both my baby sisters are still faster than me despite both of them giving up any form of training over 5 years ago.