As part of the build up to the Metalman Swim Series we will have a weekly article which covers various aspects of sea swimming.
The first is from club member Kieran Fitzgerald. Kieran has amongst other thing swam the English Channel (21 miles!!!) and also around Manhatten Island (28.5 miles!!!). He's pictured during his Manhatten swim.
Keiran took part in last years swim series and we're pleased to have him taking part again this year along with his son Liam.
Keiran is going to address the differences between swimming in the pool vs open water. While Keiran is operating at a very high level the points he makes are valid for any level of swimmer and well worth bearing in mind in the build up to the racing season.
Thanks to Keiran for this and we wish him the best in the races getting underway from sunday.
"There is a huge difference between swimming in the pool and swimming in the sea.The obvious factors that have to be taken into account that spring to mind are temperature,safety,direction,conditions,wetsuit,siting,
THE COLD
Water temperatures in May are usually approx. 10-13 degrees which is still quite cold.Wear a wetsuit that you feel comfortable in and is not restrictive.Before you zip up it is important that you put some antichaffing stick under your arms and in the neck area.This stops friction ,soreness and cuts that can happen in these areas through friction. with the wetsuit.Also bring a towel and clean your hands thoroughly before you put your hat and goggles on.This is important as if any dirt or grease gets on your goggles,in may impere your vision while swimming.
ACCLIMATIZING
Before the swim,go into th sea immerse yourself fully in the water.While there will be an initial 'shock' of cold water,this water will warm to your body temperature,and when you hit the water at 'GO',the cold water should not be an issue.After you immerse your face into the cold water,you may get an 'ice cream pain' in your head.This normaly lasts for between 30 seconds to two minutes but will eventually go away and is caused by the cold water.In warmer waters this will not be an issue such as the summer conditions in Ireland.
DIRECTION
Before the swim starts,pick a phyical feature in line with the last bhoy to aim for .While buoys are bright and look big from out of the water,they can be hard to see from in the water if there is a swell or high waves.The yacht club is generally a good marker to pick as a guide if swimming in that direction at Rosses Point. After the start sometimes there can be a 'bottleneck' at the first buoy.If you are a slower or weaker swimmer,take the corner five meters wider to aviod the hassle.
Durning the swim, cheak your position by looking for your 'physical feature' ,normally every six to eight strokes or so to keep straight.Do not rely on someone beside you for position as it often is a case of the blind leading the blind!!!!
TRAINING IN THE SEA
Sometimes we all get a little panicky during an sea water swim. We get so used to swimming in a nice clear pool that we tend to "freak" a little when we realize we can only see a few feet in front of us! And as a result, we tend to lift our head and check our position much too often. Unfortunately, the more we look, the more disruptive we are to our own stroke and pace. This will not only physically wear you out, but it can mentally tire you out as well. RELAX and have faith in your training and your stroke. You should be able to swim 6-8 strokes before lifting your head to cite without seriously straying off course.
Practice breathing on both sides during your swim training. Also, breathing on both sides will keep your stroke in balance and allow you to swim straighter for more strokes. During your swim training, practice breathing every three strokes. This will force you to breath on both sides.
Make sure to get lots of practice in the sea now that the summer has arrived.
Swims achived to date:
English Channel 21 miles
Straits of Gibraltar 11 miles
Around Manhatten Island 28.5 miles
Rottnest Island,Australia 14 miles
