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STRATEGY
RIDING THE WAVES Wave patterns and swell are other factors to consider, and they’re big ones. Nothing slows you down like swimming straight into breakers, and the rhythm can put you off your stroke. Patten says she’s even felt seasick swimming in the sea. “Generally, big waves come in counts of seven,” she says. “I try not to breathe when the big waves are coming but on the six smaller ones.”
“In sea swims with beach starts, the ability to body surf and get in and out of the waves is critical,” adds Munatones. Strong winds can also play havoc with your swim. “Winds are a huge factor,” says Munatones. “I would much rather swim against a strong current than strong winds. Winds create surface turbulence that is very frustrating and physically demanding.” Waves can change further from the shore. Masters swimmer and open-water enthusiast Peter Rae tackled some major waves during a swim off Sweden recently. He timed getting into the water around the waves by watching their sequence. He says: “The waves tend to get more regular further out to sea, there’s clearly a pattern and you can get into a rhythm.”
IT WAS LIKE DIVING INTO JELLYFISH SOUP –I COULD HEAR GIRLS SCREAMING ALL AROUND ME
NAVIGATING RIVERS Not all rivers are tidal, but some big ones – like London’s Thames and River Ouse in Yorkshire – are, and this will affect their water levels and currents. Rob Fryer, chairman of RALSA (River and Lake Swimming Association), advises seeking local knowledge before entering the water.
There are also techniques for swimming in currents. “If you get an undercurrent, it’s best to swim on your back as less of your body is under the water,” advises Fryer. “If you’re on your front, your trunk and legs are lower” so they will be more affected by the undercurrent.”
When negotiating bends, the shortest route isn’t always the
fastest. James Heraty, who organises endurance events and swims in natural locations around the UK with his company Endurancelife (
endurancelife.com), explains: “When approaching a bend you’ll probably spot a small beach or area of built up shingle, and the opposite side of the bank will be eroded where the prevailing current impacts. The faster flowing water will be on the eroded side. “You want the fast flow if you’re swimming with the tide or downstream. Avoid deep water as the flow will be more dispersed. As a rule of thumb, when approaching a left bend, swim on the right-hand outside edge, and vice versa. While cutting the corner may seem the faster route, you may find yourself in slow moving water and lose your advantage. “When swimming upstream, only attempt short stretches and stick to water on the inside edge where the current may be reduced, otherwise you will risk exhaustion.” Meanwhile, Patten advises not getting too close to the
riverbank: “The water can bounce back off the wall and hit you. It’s the same in the pool – it’s easier in the middle lane.”
36 DO
Panic if you get caught in a current
Swim alone Dive straight in
Cassie Patten advises people not to swim too close to the bank
CURRENTS AND SAFETY – DOs AND DON’Ts DON'T
Tread water or swim parallel to shore until you’re out of trouble
Join a group or club, or ask a friend to come with you in a canoe
Study the water and local conditions in advance
Hope for the best with tides Be realistic with your swimming speed and plan accordingly
Fight your way through waves
Attempt to swim directly across a current
Learn to dive under breakers and body surf back to shore
Angle your body upstream to minimise how far downstream you drift
NOT SO STILL WATERS “Lakes are usually flat, still water,” says Oram. “However, if rivers flow in and out of them, they will create water movement, which will promote currents.” And don’t discount waves in lakes. Patten says: “Some of the
worst winds I’ve ever encountered were on Lake Balaton in Hungary for the European Championships. It’s a huge lake and the wind can really pick up. “The waves were huge and just kept hitting us. When swimming into waves, I find you’ve got to go with it. Don’t fight it.” Jenkins makes one final, important point about swimming with currents. “It is great when you are swimming with the current as it can dramatically increase your speed in the water, but it can just as easily slow you down if you are swimming against it,” she says. “When you are racing, it is important to remember the conditions are the same for all of the other competitors – so do not get too hung up on your personal time if the swimming conditions are not ideal.” ∆
Photo © SWpix
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