General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim /rest bouy Rss Feed  
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2014-03-27 7:11 AM
in reply to: 0

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Veteran
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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy

OK, deep breath here...

The Swimit that bigevilegrape (what a user name - awesome!) mentioned and kindly linked to above is not towed behind you (really, if you ask a question you should at least follow the links people provide in response - I'm trying here to not echo some of the vitriol above, but it helps to meet people halfway, you know?).

Also, while the rule many have quoted or linked is, of course, accurate, the swimit is (pretty sure that bigevilgrape is spot on here, too) USAT approved.  So, the comments about floaties are correct, but do not cover this item.

You strap it on your thigh and swim away.  Freak out and want to "withdraw at will" during the swim?  Pop that sucker and float home.  You're out of the race, but safe.  In training - even better… use at will with no jeopardy.

I've thought about one for my solo OWS's.  I'm a strong (though not fast!) swimmer and usually stay only a stone's throw from shore, but as my grandmother used to say, "You can drown in a teacup if you're unlucky."  We lost a swimmer at our local pond late last season, and I've thought about this since.  Haven't bought one yet (keep thinking that what would do me in would be a cardiac/vascular event, in which case I'm hosed anyway), but still might.

I wouldn't race with it, as it would slow me down in T1, but then again I'm looking to perhaps get something different out of my race experience than others (time matters to me - even if it's usually more time on the course than I'd like!).

GL

Matt

ETA - I see that your response was to megaman, so it makes more sense in that context (as opposed to the swimit).  Took me a minute, as it wasn't quoted and I admit I don't always look at the responded to thing…  
M



Edited by mcmanusclan5 2014-03-27 7:13 AM


2014-03-27 10:08 AM
in reply to: kf4dgk

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265
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Denver, Colorado
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy
Originally posted by kf4dgk

Yeah, I thought about that. From what I remember of the sprint triathlons I did sixteen years ago the swim can get frenzied and jumbled. Having something in tow in that crowd is probably not practical.

Unfortunately, the events I'm signed up for this summer will not be wetsuit legal. They will be in the ocean though, which will help.

Also, what is an FTP swimmer?


Front of the pack. I have no other solid advise to give. I am disappointed in the communities response to this question. Notoriously BT Members jump at inexperienced and IGNORANT swimmers trying to raise awareness for the seriousness and dangers of open water swimming, which is a very good thing I believe. This thread just has a lot of negative energy for a very new poster.

It is a fair question regardless of ability / experience to ask if you can carry a potential life saving device during triathlon. True to the "sporting" of OWS (open water swim) though it's very understandable why you can not...after all USAT sanctioned races to the organizers are COMPETITIONS whether your are shooting for a podium or just to finish.
2014-03-27 10:16 AM
in reply to: kf4dgk

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Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy

Towing something in a swim race would be impractical unless you were in the very last wave and waited until everyone left.   Everything you do in the water, including stopping and using any stroke other than freestyle with a flutter kick, will affect your fellow swimmers very negatively.  

Rule 3.4 Race Conduct.  talks about obstruction.    I think this rule could cover a number of infractions and being obstructed is one of the more frustrating things about racing. In fact if you were towing something that got in my way, I'd have to yank it or tie it to a rock   I agree that the SwimIt (worn, not towed) would probably be okay, but ferpetessake make sure you're away from other swimmers when you engage it!

I don't think the other rule technically applies to this question, but a USAT knowledgeable person can possibly explain it.

2014-03-27 10:22 AM
in reply to: kf4dgk

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191
100252525
Melbourne, Florida
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy

Originally posted by kf4dgkThe point is about safety and options. During the bike portion of a triathlon, participants are required to wear a helmet. This is for safety. Also, during the bike and run portions a participant can coast, walk, stop, sit, lie down, take a nap, or withdraw at will. No so with the swim. Why not? During the swim a participant will have to swim to the nearest rest point (assuming there is one). Or for that matter swim to shore in order to withdraw.

A well run race will have plenty of boats, kayaks, and SUPs throughout the swim course. If you choose to withdraw, you can flag down a volunteer and a boat can take you back to shore. I saw this happen twice at a HIM this past weekend. I know that you're expecting for someone to say that it's okay to swim with a buoy, but it's just not.

You can definitely coast on the bike or walk instead of running. You also have the option to tread water, swim in a different stroke (breast/back/doggie paddle), or float on your back to catch your breath.

2014-03-27 11:00 AM
in reply to: Brian W

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Elite
3090
20001000252525
Spokane, WA
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy

Originally posted by Brian W
Originally posted by kf4dgk Yeah, I thought about that. From what I remember of the sprint triathlons I did sixteen years ago the swim can get frenzied and jumbled. Having something in tow in that crowd is probably not practical. Unfortunately, the events I'm signed up for this summer will not be wetsuit legal. They will be in the ocean though, which will help. Also, what is an FTP swimmer?
Front of the pack. I have no other solid advise to give. I am disappointed in the communities response to this question. Notoriously BT Members jump at inexperienced and IGNORANT swimmers trying to raise awareness for the seriousness and dangers of open water swimming, which is a very good thing I believe. This thread just has a lot of negative energy for a very new poster. It is a fair question regardless of ability / experience to ask if you can carry a potential life saving device during triathlon. True to the "sporting" of OWS (open water swim) though it's very understandable why you can not...after all USAT sanctioned races to the organizers are COMPETITIONS whether your are shooting for a podium or just to finish.

x2. We didn't come across as a very welcoming to a new member on this one. Even to the point of it being called a stupid question. Not OK.

Anyway, welcome to BT to the OP!

2014-03-27 1:50 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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553
5002525
St Catharines, Ontario
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

Towing something in a swim race would be impractical unless you were in the very last wave and waited until everyone left.   Everything you do in the water, including stopping, engaging an emergency swim bouy, using any stroke other than freestyle with a flutter kick, will affect your fellow swimmers very negatively.  




4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float.

Straight from the book.


2014-03-27 1:59 PM
in reply to: badmo77a

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Champion
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50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy

Originally posted by badmo77a
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

Towing something in a swim race would be impractical unless you were in the very last wave and waited until everyone left.   Everything you do in the water, including stopping, engaging an emergency swim bouy, using any stroke other than freestyle with a flutter kick, will affect your fellow swimmers very negatively.  

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float. Straight from the book.

I didn't say that was against the rules, but impractical.   

2014-03-27 2:47 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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553
5002525
St Catharines, Ontario
Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

Originally posted by badmo77a
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

Towing something in a swim race would be impractical unless you were in the very last wave and waited until everyone left.   Everything you do in the water, including stopping, engaging an emergency swim bouy, using any stroke other than freestyle with a flutter kick, will affect your fellow swimmers very negatively.  

4.1 Permissible Strokes. Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water and may tread water or float. Straight from the book.

I didn't say that was against the rules, but impractical.   




It perfectly practical for the swimmer who likes the stroke.

What you did was compare its negative impact on others with the negative impact of something that is against the rules. Which is why I picked you up on it.

Someone sticking to back of pack and side stoking away to a slow swim finish should not be compared to someone towing a float behind them in case they freak out.

A beginners forum should not be trying to create rules where there are no rules.
2014-03-27 10:10 PM
in reply to: zed707


7

Subject: RE: Swim /rest bouy
Thanks for the warm welcome. I appreciate it.
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