Anytime I see an article that begins with: "The Secrets of...", I grab on to my wallet and my common sense for dear life. Though it has a lousy title most of the information is very good. I do disagree with the "draft off another swimmer" concept. Having placed very well at the Alcatraz Sharkfest swims I can tell you that drafting is dangerous.Ocean water, albeit a lake or a sea, is usually murky. By drafting you have the potential to swim your nose or throat into a vicious kick if the swimmer in front of you stops to spot and then kicks to regain momentum. Also, does the swimmer in front know where he/she is going? Drafting works well in a pool but not a ocean race.
Secrets of Open Water Swimming by Coach Jared Burg [Link]
My swim club has Open Water Clinics coming up. Check this page often for either free clinics, open water, or otherwise [Link]
2 comments:
Actually, drafting is an essential skill in open water swimming. It is true that you need to make sure that you are swimming with a group that is not directionally challenged, but it is much faster(and easier) to swim in a pack and to draft when compared to swimming by yourself.
I still think it is a bad idea for the reasons I mentioned but I respect your opinion
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