Swim technique is different for triathlons?

I practice sighting each week. Its an integral part of open water swimming success IMHO. First time out I was so off course I didn't know where I was...

By the way 250 bonus points for the online moniker, "Trogdor comes in the NIIIIGHT!"

Eric J

You should practice it in the pool.  I don't worry about it at this time of year but as a race nears I definitely practice lifting my head up to sight.  Sometimes I even close my eyes as my face is in the water to practice sighting and swimming in a straight path so to not be so reliant on the black lane line.

I might be a little different...  Most of the time I don't practice sighting at all.  However, a couple weeks before a race, I may through a couple drills in to practice and do it for a long swim.

Also, think about drafting off of someone in the race.  If you can find a good person to follow, you don't HAVE to sight!

I practice it on occasion the closer I get to race day.  Like others have said, I will swim with my eyes closed sometimes to see how badly I drift to one side or another.

A good drill is to use a water bottle and place it at each end of your pool and use it for sighting.  If you have a good relationship with your lifeguard, have him/her move it from the center to the left or right of the lane every once in a while. 

Swim in a busy pool.  I look up al the time, ever since I was "cannon-balled" by a couple of people who thought it might be a good time to enter the pool with me about ten feet from the end of the lane.  This teaches you how to sight and swim in rough water.