• Proper equipment (www.triathletesports.com has a large selection)

• Having the proper equipment for the swim portion is fairly easy.

• A swim cap (usually provided by the race)

• form fitting triathlete shorts for men or women’s suit

• A good pair of goggles. This is important as you want to make

sure your goggles do not take on water or excessively fog up.

Make sure you do not get a new pair of goggles right before your

race.

              • A wetsuit depending on the water temperature


80           Feels like bath water

              no wetsuit needed


72-80     Feels very comfortable

             no wetsuit needed


65-72     Feels chilly at first but body will adapt

             Sleeveless wetsuit recommended


60-65     Very cold

             Full wetsuit recommended


50-60     Extremely cold

             Full wetsuit with hoody and gloves


Below 50 Screw that!

               Don’t race unless you are hardcore!!


If you need a wetsuit, I would recommend browsing over to Wetsuit Warehouse

They have a great selection and price on all types of wetsuits.


  1. •When looking to sign up for your first triathlon try to find one with a time trial start. A time trial start means that racers will not be all entering the water at the same time. They are usually spaced between 5 and 30 seconds each for their starts. This will prevent a mad dash into the water.













• Prevent panic in the water.

• If you have been swimming and training in a pool make sure you do a few            

   open water swims at a local lake or reservoir (or ocean if you lucky enough          

   to live near one).

• On race day make sure you jump into the water prior to your start to get    

   your body used to the water temperature and choppiness of the water.

• If a wetsuit is recommended make sure you wear one. Cold water can    

   increase cramps and will definitely be an eye opener.


• Fatigue

• When you are training, don’t just freestyle swim all the time. Learn to

   swim on your back as well. If you get tired on the swim you can rest for a 

   few while on your back. You should also make sure you can tread water

   for a few minutes using either only your hands or legs. You never know

   when you might cramp up and not be able to use either your upper or

   lower body.

The swim portion of your triathlon can be intimidating. The open water swim is often chaotic with many athletes vying to get a strong start. There will be legs and arms flailing. Sometimes hundreds of athletes will all be entering the water at the same time. For you as a beginner triathlete there are certain steps you can take to make the swim portion of your triathlon less menacing.

Once you get a regular swim schedule, you can work on technique. Here are some links to resources for swim training:


U.S. Masters Swimming - www.usms.org - Probably the best resource for swim training. USMS is a national organization that provides organized swim events, training, workshops and competitions. They have 500 clubs in 52 regions throughout the U.S. They likely have a club near your location.

There is a whole world of information and multiple techniques for proper swim training. As a beginner, the best thing you can focus on are the basics. Get in the pool regularly and swim. Get used to the water. And don’t forget to practice in open water a few times before your race.

Triathlon Beginner Swim Training