Need Open-Water Practice? Try These Tough Events
Open-water events are ideal places to practice your triathlon swim skills—and maybe meet some single-sport friends while you’re at it.
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Traditionally, single-sport athletics and triathlon are kept separate, but according to Rob Butcher, executive director of United States Masters Swimming, the lines between USMS and USA Triathlon have recently become more blurred. Nearly 20 percent of USMS members are interested or actively participating in triathlons, and triathletes regularly swim in Masters programs.
Butcher says that USMS and USAT have been working together on a dual-sanction for open-water events. “The athletes will benefit by needing only one membership, and the race directors will be able to market to a broader group of athletes.” 2008 Olympian Jarrod Shoemaker hosted five open-water events in Clermont, Fla., earlier this year, and has more slated for 2013. In the future, expect to see companion open-water events at some of the big triathlons around the country.
Open-water events are ideal places to practice your triathlon swim skills—and maybe meet some single-sport friends while you’re at it. Try one of these challenging upcoming races.
Boston Light Swim
Boston • Aug. 18, 2012 • 8 miles
Bostonlightswim.org
If you’re tough enough, this 8-mile beast swims through the inner islands of the Boston Harbor, passing the Boston Lighthouse and bridges along the way.
Team Fort Collins
Horsetooth Swim
Fort Collins, Colo. • Aug. 19, 2012
1.2-mile, 2.4-mile, 10K options
Horsetoothswim.com
The Horsetooth Swim takes place in a man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The event appeals to both the hardcore open-water swimmer (the 10K requires your own support crew) and triathletes.
Waikiki Roughwater Swim
Honolulu, Hawaii • Sept. 3, 2012
2.348 miles
Waikikiroughwaterswim.com
Swimmers contend with big surf and strong currents while swimming over beautiful Hawaiian coral reefs.
La Jolla Rough Water Swim
La Jolla, Calif. • Sept. 9, 2012
1-mile and 3-mile options
Ljrws.com
The Rough Water Swim has been a tradition since 1916, hosting more than 2,000 athletes every year in the picturesque La Jolla Cove.
Lake Travis Relay
Austin, Texas • Oct. 13, 2012
10–12 miles per team
Laketravisrelay.com
Six swimmers on each team complete a 20-minute swim, a 15-minute swim and a 10-minute swim until the finish. (Last year, a guy by the name of Lance Armstrong was on the winning team.)
For more open-water event options visit Usopenwaterswimming.org and Worldstop100openwaterswims.com.