Using a Spotter While Swimming
I participated in the annual Donner Lake Swim in California, and was able to coerce one of my friends into being my spotter.
By this, I mean he would paddle a kayak beside me while I'm swimming and direct me to the finish line. This way, I would not have to lift my head forward to look where I am going. I simply swim as I normally do, and look at him when I breathe to the side.
I have never used a spotter before, and didn't think it would make much difference, but boy was I wrong. Swimming took a lot less effort, so I was able to swim faster and concentrate on my stroke rather than where I was going. And I think trying to keep up with a faster recreational kayak didn't hurt my speed either.
I also liked having a friend supporting me throughout the swim. Swimming is definitely not the most social sport, but swimming in the middle of a huge lake by yourself can get pretty lonely. Having a "two-person team" really made the swim much more fun. And I think my friend enjoyed the kayaking part as well, at least he was thankful he didn't have to get in the cold water.
In addition, my spotter was able to carry towels, clothes, refreshments, snacks and other gear to the finish line in the kayak - which was 2.7 miles from the other side of the lake where I started. This also proved to be a really nice perk.
Are you going to enter an open water swim where they allow spotters? If you don't have your own kayak, it's possible that someone you know does, or you may be able to rent one at the location of the race. Inflatable kayaks work too - You can find some quality, durable Coleman inflatable kayaks on eBay for under $100 (these water toys are fun & worth the investment!).
By this, I mean he would paddle a kayak beside me while I'm swimming and direct me to the finish line. This way, I would not have to lift my head forward to look where I am going. I simply swim as I normally do, and look at him when I breathe to the side.
I have never used a spotter before, and didn't think it would make much difference, but boy was I wrong. Swimming took a lot less effort, so I was able to swim faster and concentrate on my stroke rather than where I was going. And I think trying to keep up with a faster recreational kayak didn't hurt my speed either.
I also liked having a friend supporting me throughout the swim. Swimming is definitely not the most social sport, but swimming in the middle of a huge lake by yourself can get pretty lonely. Having a "two-person team" really made the swim much more fun. And I think my friend enjoyed the kayaking part as well, at least he was thankful he didn't have to get in the cold water.
In addition, my spotter was able to carry towels, clothes, refreshments, snacks and other gear to the finish line in the kayak - which was 2.7 miles from the other side of the lake where I started. This also proved to be a really nice perk.
Are you going to enter an open water swim where they allow spotters? If you don't have your own kayak, it's possible that someone you know does, or you may be able to rent one at the location of the race. Inflatable kayaks work too - You can find some quality, durable Coleman inflatable kayaks on eBay for under $100 (these water toys are fun & worth the investment!).
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home