swimming under bridges

There will be kayaks with lifeguards acting as "buoys" to make a channel for the swimmers.  Just stay between the kayaks (IE follow everyone else) and you will be fine.  You wont be anywhere near the bridge supports.  The swim goes under the Columbus Ave bridge, out the other side, makes a right turn around a large inflatable buoy, and then another right turn around another buoy before going back under the bridge.  Again there will be lifeguards on kayaks making sure everyone is funneled into the safe part of the channel. 

There will be very little current at this time of year, even under the bridges. 

Its not known 100% but is surmised that last year's tragedy happened there under the bridge and they will be certain to have plenty of lifeguard/kayak support in that area.

In the SheRox race last year, they shortened the swim and had everyone turn around before the bridge (making it a 600m swim) because of this.

Dude, relax!!!!!!! Taper madness has you by the short hairs my friend. There is plenty of room under that bridge.

I was there as a volunteer last year and it wsa awful. I volunteered Sunday too and it was hot with the swim cancelled. Saw a number of friends really hurting coming out from T2. As far as current goes, now they are calling for thunderstorms this afternoon, which I assume will increase flow in the river. I just hope it doesn't was a lot of garbage in with it. Best case is it cools it down a couple degrees as we're on the edge of wetsuit/no wetsuit.

Oh completely! I did a core workout, swam 2k yards, took my wheels over to be trued, ran 5k, and bike shopped. My last meeting today ends at 1pm, what the hell am I going to do? Going to the expo will only make it worse

No, the river is off limits for swimming except for events. Plus it's icky

X2 ...Stay well clear of the pilings (supports). Currents are strange there as well.

I am really hoping its a no-wetsuit race.  In my mind I planned for it to be warm... my "mental" prep has me doing this no-wetsuit.  But if its legal, Im going to have to wear it.  I dont think I can justify not wearing it... and thats going to throw me off a smidge...

the few races I've done that have gone under bridges had one thing in common.   It seemed to take forever to go under them, I kept thinking that I should be out from under this bridge. it was a little mind game. 

also they were W I D E bridges,  at least 4 lanes of traffice type bridges, plus walk ways on the bridge.  Not sure why that bothered me at the time.. but it did

Yeah, that reminds me; don't be surprised by the shadows both on the surface and below the water. It can get dark under the bridge. Also be aware of the way sounds bounce around when you're under those are arches. You'll notice the environment change a bit so just be aware so you're not surprised by it.

I'll second this.  Its creepy under that bridge...

A man drowned during the swim for the sprint triathlon. Pretty tragic story, first triathlon, son and wife were there waiting to see him come out. They had to cancel the Oly swim on Sunday because they hadn't found his body. No cause of death was ever released, as far as i could find out. Sunday was seriously hot and humid, too.

And I'm the opposite, I'm mentally prepared to wear the wetsuit. Been practicing at Wenonah. I want to wear it!

No matter what is lurking under the bridge it can’t be as creepy
as the weeds at the Trinona swim.

JoePetto - 2011-06-24 8:30 PM You could drive two trucks under the Columbia Bridge. Worry more about swimming up current. You will be fine. Swam in the wave with the swimmer we lost - I think about him every time I do an ows. There is a story in today's Inqy about his family and the support his family received from the tri community. Swim well, race safe.

Sent you a PM. Looking forward to tomorrow. After that I want to do an Oly in later July or early August. After that it's marathon season

In case anyone wants to read the article here it is.

Beware of trolls.  Especially the grumpy ones.  You should be prepared to solve riddles.

Nice call.  I don't like trolls.

Didn't see any trolls, but my head was facing down and I think they prefer the kayakers

The bridge was no big deal in the end, just different.