Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line
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2013-07-17 8:37 AM |
Regular 589 Wisconsin | Subject: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. |
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2013-07-17 8:57 AM in reply to: Swimbikeron |
1159 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... |
2013-07-17 9:02 AM in reply to: austhokie |
Pro 15655 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? |
2013-07-17 9:08 AM in reply to: Left Brain |
1159 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? made them more comfortable in the water/ given them more confidence in current skills/ strengthened swim skills/ prevented them from entering a race that was beyond current capability - many different possible options... I don't know what their issue was - all I saw was a swimmer struggling, who was basically escorted into the end of the swim portion with 2 lifeguards on boards next to them - no one pulled the swimmer - and it wasn't like they struggled at the very end...you could see there were potential issues a good 400m out in the lake |
2013-07-17 9:19 AM in reply to: austhokie |
Champion 10668 Tacoma, Washington | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Left Brain made them more comfortable in the water/ given them more confidence in current skills/ strengthened swim skills/ prevented them from entering a race that was beyond current capability - many different possible options... I don't know what their issue was - all I saw was a swimmer struggling, who was basically escorted into the end of the swim portion with 2 lifeguards on boards next to them - no one pulled the swimmer - and it wasn't like they struggled at the very end...you could see there were potential issues a good 400m out in the lake Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? This is the only possibility as I see it. |
2013-07-17 9:21 AM in reply to: briderdt |
1159 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by briderdt Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Left Brain made them more comfortable in the water/ given them more confidence in current skills/ strengthened swim skills/ prevented them from entering a race that was beyond current capability - many different possible options... I don't know what their issue was - all I saw was a swimmer struggling, who was basically escorted into the end of the swim portion with 2 lifeguards on boards next to them - no one pulled the swimmer - and it wasn't like they struggled at the very end...you could see there were potential issues a good 400m out in the lake Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? This is the only possibility as I see it. the article does reference swim clinics that they do in the lead up - so that could help with skills - I don't know - i'd be interested to see what they cover...but I do agree, that the current capability would likely be the biggest kicker...sometimes you need a wake-up call as to capability (I know that I do) |
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2013-07-17 10:13 AM in reply to: austhokie |
246 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by austhokie The clinic goes through everything from entering the water, dolphin dives, how to sight, how to roll through turns, even treading water, adjusting your goggles while in the water. Pretty much everything you could encounter. They also have course buoys and kayaks. You swim in groups, swim in line, draft, etc. The clinics run each week for probably 6 weeks prior. Its a public beach area so even if you're not in the clinic, you can swim well beyond the normal swim area....no ski boats, etc. There might be 50-100 swimmers there on any given night. Also works well for just a safe practice session.Originally posted by briderdt Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Left Brain made them more comfortable in the water/ given them more confidence in current skills/ strengthened swim skills/ prevented them from entering a race that was beyond current capability - many different possible options... I don't know what their issue was - all I saw was a swimmer struggling, who was basically escorted into the end of the swim portion with 2 lifeguards on boards next to them - no one pulled the swimmer - and it wasn't like they struggled at the very end...you could see there were potential issues a good 400m out in the lake Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? This is the only possibility as I see it. the article does reference swim clinics that they do in the lead up - so that could help with skills - I don't know - i'd be interested to see what they cover...but I do agree, that the current capability would likely be the biggest kicker...sometimes you need a wake-up call as to capability (I know that I do) |
2013-07-17 10:33 AM in reply to: cpzone |
1159 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by cpzone Originally posted by austhokie The clinic goes through everything from entering the water, dolphin dives, how to sight, how to roll through turns, even treading water, adjusting your goggles while in the water. Pretty much everything you could encounter. They also have course buoys and kayaks. You swim in groups, swim in line, draft, etc. The clinics run each week for probably 6 weeks prior. Its a public beach area so even if you're not in the clinic, you can swim well beyond the normal swim area....no ski boats, etc. There might be 50-100 swimmers there on any given night. Also works well for just a safe practice session. Originally posted by briderdt Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Left Brain made them more comfortable in the water/ given them more confidence in current skills/ strengthened swim skills/ prevented them from entering a race that was beyond current capability - many different possible options... I don't know what their issue was - all I saw was a swimmer struggling, who was basically escorted into the end of the swim portion with 2 lifeguards on boards next to them - no one pulled the swimmer - and it wasn't like they struggled at the very end...you could see there were potential issues a good 400m out in the lake Originally posted by austhokie Originally posted by Swimbikeron http://theactivepursuit.com/new-rules-for-swimmers-help-rookies-pas... Thought this was interesting. Pewaukee Tri requires a swim test for first-timers, and also provides a swim clinic. seems like a good idea to me.... as a story to illustrate why - at the sprint tri I helped at a few weeks ago, the swimmers went off in waves at 5 minute intervals - the last swimmer out of the water was someone who had started in the 2nd wave of the race out of 6 - it took the swimmer over an hour to complete the 750m swim because it was obvious that she struggled with teh swim/wasn't comfortable in the water...maybe something like this would have helped her... In what way? This is the only possibility as I see it. the article does reference swim clinics that they do in the lead up - so that could help with skills - I don't know - i'd be interested to see what they cover...but I do agree, that the current capability would likely be the biggest kicker...sometimes you need a wake-up call as to capability (I know that I do) Thanks for the clarification |
2013-07-17 12:29 PM in reply to: austhokie |
96 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I am always astonished at how people overestimate their capabilities. I have seen people enter triathlons with pool swims, completely controlled environments, and have enormous trouble completing the distance. In one micro triathlon (the 'Why Not Tri') there was one woman who took almost 10 minutes to swim 175 yards, which included breaks at each end of every lap and breaks in the middle holding onto the rope. I'm all for people testing their limits and all that, but seriously? Just go to a pool and swim the distance if there is any doubt in your mind! The lifeguard was watching her very closely. It is possible that that some of the triathlon deaths have been people like that, and so, it is not a bad thing to do. Though it should not be necessary. |
2013-07-17 12:38 PM in reply to: Swimbikeron |
Master 1681 Rural Ontario | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I think this will become more and more common, particualrly as it can reduce the orginizers potential liability & insurance. A manditory swim test (or proof of competency - i.e. having done a 70.3 or 140.6) have been in place for the Singapore IM70.3 for quite a while. I believe we are seeing more and more 'bucket-listers' coming into the sport. People who want to take on a tough challenge and cross it off their list of cool acomplishments, or worse, becasue they think it will impress others. They get into just good enough shape to complete the legs - but should something go wrong they don't have much room for error on the swim leg. |
2013-07-17 12:47 PM in reply to: north_north_west |
Member 231 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I totally did several test swims in open water (the ocean in my case) prior to my first triathlon. I also see a lot of people do the same at the OWS I volunteer for every Friday night. But that being said, with triathlon gaining popularity and people adding it to their "bucket lists" (don't even get me started on THAT) there are going to be more and more people having swim difficulties. It's one thing to be slow (like me) but another to be just lost in the water and endanger yourself or the lifeguards that have to rescue you. Patti |
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2013-07-17 1:03 PM in reply to: austhokie |
Pro 15655 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line My comment was toward the idea that a "test" would help them. No it wouldn't, it would help everyone else. Clinics are a different story, and I can easily see how they are helpful. If you can't swim well enough to pass the test, then the only help you get is to not be let in the race. The truth is, there is nothing close to alot of people enteriung triathlons unable to complete the swim. Yes, there are some, but the overwhelming majority of people prepare for the swim for the race they are doing. A test to see if you can swim would likely have not prevented ANY of the deaths I've read about....they were all accomplished athletes. You want to race? Sign the waiver......you could die. (but the chances are infinately small that you will) |
2013-07-17 1:06 PM in reply to: pugpenny |
189 , Alabama | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by pugpenny I totally did several test swims in open water (the ocean in my case) prior to my first triathlon. I also see a lot of people do the same at the OWS I volunteer for every Friday night. But that being said, with triathlon gaining popularity and people adding it to their "bucket lists" (don't even get me started on THAT) there are going to be more and more people having swim difficulties. It's one thing to be slow (like me) but another to be just lost in the water and endanger yourself or the lifeguards that have to rescue you. Patti What's wrong with so called "Bucket Listers".?. |
2013-07-17 1:08 PM in reply to: 0 |
189 , Alabama | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line *double post Edited by NMS 2013-07-17 1:09 PM |
2013-07-17 1:26 PM in reply to: NMS |
Member 231 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line What's wrong with so called "Bucket Listers".?. Just the term and the idea that people don't just live their lives to the fullest without some frigging list. I don't mean as it pertains to triathlon exclusively. Patti |
2013-07-17 1:39 PM in reply to: pugpenny |
189 , Alabama | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Ah right, I get that. |
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2013-07-17 1:44 PM in reply to: Swimbikeron |
Champion 7136 Knoxville area | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Sounds like a good thing. Would have helped me to have had a dose of reality before my first open water swim. Ignorance and Arrogance can only get people so far. (it took a good dose of embarrassment to keep me from DNF'ing... which I should have done) |
2013-07-17 2:48 PM in reply to: Swimbikeron |
Chicago | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I prefer middle ground here...I think WTC's new Swim Smart is a pretty reasonable attempt to keep swimmers safe without going overboard. Asking newbies to test in is a little insulting to us, IMO. Plenty of experienced triathletes have stories of having a panic attack DNF getting pulled by the kayaks 400m out. (I actually love reading those stories because they make me feel much better about backstroking half the swim of my first race.) FWIW, I wouldn't have done Pewaukee as my first race if this extra hoop was there to jump through. There is a difference between being newbie-friendly and newbie-skeptical. The Oly I did do last month I was s-l-o-w but far from last out of the water. It could have used more lifeguards maybe, but the vibe was definitely encouraging. Hardest thing I've ever done and I'm a marathoner. Had a blast. Planning what I want my next race to be. I think the key is finding the line between sending off the message to possible new triathletes that the sport is hard but safe and throwing up roadblocks that are discouraging. Disclaimer: I'm one of those people who wants to see more people get involved in endurance sports...I dislike the club-like attitude some people have that comes across as elitist. There's room for everyone. That's my two cents, at least. |
2013-07-17 3:19 PM in reply to: NewfangledDad |
246 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by NewfangledDad I prefer middle ground here...I think WTC's new Swim Smart is a pretty reasonable attempt to keep swimmers safe without going overboard. Asking newbies to test in is a little insulting to us, IMO. Plenty of experienced triathletes have stories of having a panic attack DNF getting pulled by the kayaks 400m out. (I actually love reading those stories because they make me feel much better about backstroking half the swim of my first race.) FWIW, I wouldn't have done Pewaukee as my first race if this extra hoop was there to jump through. There is a difference between being newbie-friendly and newbie-skeptical. The Oly I did do last month I was s-l-o-w but far from last out of the water. It could have used more lifeguards maybe, but the vibe was definitely encouraging. Hardest thing I've ever done and I'm a marathoner. Had a blast. Planning what I want my next race to be. I think the key is finding the line between sending off the message to possible new triathletes that the sport is hard but safe and throwing up roadblocks that are discouraging. Disclaimer: I'm one of those people who wants to see more people get involved in endurance sports...I dislike the club-like attitude some people have that comes across as elitist. There's room for everyone. That's my two cents, at least. I know some that never raced before and just signed up....no test is required. Its a training organization that's affiliated with this race. Its maybe $25 to sign up for the clinic. It may read like its mandatory but its not. I think on the entry it asks if you've ever done one before. Maybe they track people that way. But they do a good job all the way around. |
2013-07-17 4:00 PM in reply to: cpzone |
Chicago | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line That wouldn't have been the way I read the website if I'd been considering the race. And I'd have clicked on over to one of the area's other numerous races to give them my registration fee. lol |
2013-07-17 4:05 PM in reply to: 0 |
Elite 3090 Spokane, WA | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I'd be fine with the swim test as long I got to use my swim noodle. Edited by zed707 2013-07-17 4:06 PM |
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2013-07-17 4:41 PM in reply to: NewfangledDad |
145 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by NewfangledDad Plenty of experienced triathletes have stories of having a panic attack DNF getting pulled by the kayaks 400m out. You could just as easily write "plenty of now experienced triathletes should have had a competency test their first time out." There are reasons that kayaks should be there: cramps, medical issues, tides etc. and reasons that they shouldn't be there: babysitting someone who can't take care of themselves. I don't know how many people rock climb, but there's a test before you get on the wall. I don't think it's insulting at all. You passed a test to get your drivers license to get to the triathlon, you passed a test that shows your bike isn't a danger to yourself or someone else. |
2013-07-17 5:05 PM in reply to: chris948 |
1159 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line Originally posted by chris948 Originally posted by NewfangledDad Plenty of experienced triathletes have stories of having a panic attack DNF getting pulled by the kayaks 400m out. You could just as easily write "plenty of now experienced triathletes should have had a competency test their first time out." There are reasons that kayaks should be there: cramps, medical issues, tides etc. and reasons that they shouldn't be there: babysitting someone who can't take care of themselves. I don't know how many people rock climb, but there's a test before you get on the wall. I don't think it's insulting at all. You passed a test to get your drivers license to get to the triathlon, you passed a test that shows your bike isn't a danger to yourself or someone else. i have to prove that I can do a certain distance in an open water swim if I want to register for any of the big ones up in New york (swim the statue of liberty etc). It either has to be a documented time from a race, or an observed swim by someone willing to sign their name - no self-declarations. Even in pool swims, when you have the provide a guesstimate of your swim time - you see ppl who underestimate by several minutes - say that they will do a 7 minute 400m, when it truth, they come closer to 9.5-10 minutes...which causes issues with waves that are based on times |
2013-07-17 5:12 PM in reply to: chris948 |
Chicago | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line I look at it as a "who has a right to be there" issue...which is for the race director to decide. It's their race. But people will vote with their dollars and feet. It's not like there isn't choice about beginner-friendly races out there. I can understand the argument some people make about watering down other races by catering too much...but it always sounds hollow to my ears. Run your race and don't worry about it. Being welcoming to inexperienced newbies is a great thing about endurance sports in general, I think. For the most part you get support no matter how bad you suck. |
2013-07-17 5:44 PM in reply to: Swimbikeron |
14 | Subject: RE: Pewaukee (Wisconsin) Tri Requires Swim Test before Toeing the Line As a newbie to the sport, I wish something like this was offered near me. As it is, I'm not aware of any real opportunity for a first time open water swim outside of an organized event. |
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