Drafting, feed stations, shape of the pack, tactics…bet you thought I was talking about cycling. Nope – I’m referring to a very different sport. Open water swimming uses many similar strategies as cycling when it comes to pack swimming and drafting. And you must train for the unexpected in the water, just as you would on the bike.

Working the draft when swimming in a pack takes skill and practice. A more cylindrical shaped pack will create more draft than a wide box shape or oval shape. For optimal draft swim like geese and position yourself alongside the hips of the swimmer in front of you. Look for a swimmer with a strong kick as this will increase the wake and create more propulsion in the draft. If you position near the middle of the pack you will be able to flow with the group and spend less time and energy lifting your head to sight. Carrying gel packs in your swim trunks/suit also allows you to fuel between feed stations or in shorter distance events provides glucose to maintain a strong second half of the race.

Open water swimming was added to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and more pool swimmers are taking to the open waters. The English Channel is the premier open water-swimming venue and was first crossed in 1875 by Mathew Web in 21:45. He swam breaststroke the entire distance. The first woman to cross the English Channel was Gertrude Ederly, swimming the 21 miles in just over 13 hours.

Three open water swims that will be attempted in 2010 will provide additional information on training, technique, fueling, hydration, and what can be tolerated by the body.

1.  A 6-person team will attempt to swim across the Sea of Cortez. Each team member will relay swim in 1-hour bouts

2.  A solo triple crossing of Lake Tahoe

3.  A 1-mile swim in the Himalayas at 17,000 feet. The swimmer will trek to the lake.

The best read on open water swimming is Swimming to Antarctica – the story of Lynn Cox and her heroic training and open water swimming accomplishments. Fascinating!