The start of a triathlon is perhaps the most emblematic moment of the race. Did you know that there are three different ways to start your career? At the start of a time trial, runners enter the water by their race number every three seconds. At the start of a wave, you enter the water with other swimmers of your gender and they usually give you a number that indicates your wave. In both types, a timer marks the time and takes between 20 and 25 minutes to complete the startup.

However, the most famous is the massive start where everyone starts when the gun is fired.

While it is exciting, it can also be a very different experience for beginners.

What makes triathlon swimming different from swimming in the pool?

The washing effect: you will feel this effect as soon as you enter the water, with hundreds of other triathletes trying to take their positions.

Accidental kicks: prepare for them; they are quite common.

Head Raise – Train to raise your head above the water between strokes to view markers and buoys.

Wetsuit: Get comfortable in your wetsuit; It may offer more buoyancy and warmth, but it should become your second skin.

Drafting: Taking advantage of the ‘pull’ effect when swimming behind a leading swimmer is legal in triathlons and an art that can be very helpful.

Open water swimming has its challenges, but help is at hand. We’ve covered some life-saving tips for your swimming technique this season:

1. Practice bilateral breathing

Mastering breathing is one of the most important techniques triathletes must adopt. It is important to know how to breathe on both sides because weather and water conditions are unpredictable, other swimmers may be nearby, the direction of the sun can interfere with vision, and buoys may not be positioned to one side.

2. Learn which head position suits you

A prominent triathlete coach, Paul Newsome of Swim Smooth, argues that there is no one ideal head position for everyone. While many coaches feel that looking down is ideal, this position is not as good for open water swimming, where a forward-facing head position helps you navigate and draft.

You also need to get used to water-clogged glasses. It is important to have a good pair of swimming goggles and to learn how to position your head to get the best view with them on.

3. Work on your catch and shoot from the start

While head position, stroke, and kicking receive a great deal of attention during traditional swim training, coach Paul Newsome cautions that catching and throwing are techniques that must be mastered early on to be successful in open water swimming. . It says it will take you swimming to the next level. Do doggy paddle and pole strike exercises with your head up to improve the catch.

4.Increase resistance work

Do some solid ground work to build endurance, especially if you’re going to the gym. If you are a beginner, your arm fitness may not be sufficient to support a swimming triathlon at the moment, so chin-ups, cable pull exercises, lateral push-ups, and the bench press will help you. develop arm resistance.

5. Video your trace

Most of us have experienced situations where the coach repeats something over and over again, but we are not able to see what they mean. An analysis of our video trace will help you see exactly what it looks like and where it needs to be improved. You can continue with resistance band work on dry land to perfect your technique.

6. Perfect your posture

The best posture for swimming is good posture. Good overall posture helps you keep your body straight in the water and will prevent things like arm crosses, reduced rotation, and scissor kicks. Good posture means a cleaner, stronger stroke and less energy expended.

7. Learn all the strokes

You might think, “But I’m never going to make butterflies in open water!” Of course you won’t, but that’s not why you need to practice other strokes. When you challenge your body with different blows, your body develops more strength due to the extra stimulus you provided. You can gain stronger core, mental fitness, and aerobic strength with each new punch you add to your abilities.

8. Do your exercises

The exercises will help you slow down your movement and focus on form and technique. You will improve your muscle synchronization and, with it, your swimming. These are timely movements, and exercises will help you achieve this. Buoys are a good training tool to help you increase power during exercises.

If you are a beginner, swimming in open water can seem overwhelming at first. However, maintaining a rigorous training routine with lots of practice will go a long way.

On race day, you should also make sure you have the right triathlon wetsuit and gear to help you be successful.