OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Preparing for Competition
Feeding During a Race…How is this done?
In this article we will address the issue of preparing yourself for another summer of open water events. For some of you, you will have already planned your summer and have in train a systematic approach to preparing for and feeding in an open water event…for our new comers and inexperienced swimmers the content of this article will hopefully provide the foundation for your preparation on which you can build as you become more experienced.
How Often Should You Feed!
There is no set rule to this and often it will be dictated by course set up and the tactics of a race. Generally in events of 10km or longer a plan of every 20 - 30 minutes is used. What you are actually doing is topping up your reserve and it will take approximately this amount of time to gain any benefit from the fluids/supplements you have taken.
With 10km events becoming more popular, feeding is essential if you are to maintain a source of energy during a race. How often you feed is governed by the course layout as support craft are not used in these events.
The preferred layout for most courses is a loop with one or two feeding stations. Feed stations could be floating pontoons, jetty or simply a designated beach area where your nominated handler can reach out and pass over a cup or drink bottle.
You should plan your feeds prior to the event…if the course is a 2.5km loop with only one feed station, ensure your intake is sufficient and consists of supplements which you have tried and tested prior to the event.
Important Things to Remember When Feeding
You are permitted to take sustenance (food/drink etc) through an OW event, provided:
1. Where the water is shallow and you can stand or touch the bottom, you DO NOT walk nor jump (push off the bottom) in order to recommence swimming. Should the water be shallow (usually when feeding from a beach area) you must remain steady and then lift your feet and float before commencing to swim.
2. When feeding from a pontoon, the water may be shallow, but what is most important is that you DO NOT hold onto the pontoon for support. In OW swimming a swimmer cannot use any floating or fixed object for support during the race.
3. You DO NOT intentionally touch or are touched by your handler.
Any infringements to the above rules will result in disqualification if reported to the referee by a designated official or is observed by the referee.
Feed Sticks
To eliminate the risk of holding onto a pontoon or touching your handler, feedsticks are used. The advantages of using a feedstick is that it enables your handler to reach further so you do not accidentally hold onto the pontoon and eliminates the risk of touching your handler. Feed sticks must not be more than three (3) metres in length.
A feed stick can be easily made from a broom handle, empty 1.5ltr bottle and duct tape.
1. Cut the bottom off the bottle so it is deep enough to hold a drink bottle or cup with at least half to one-third of the bottle/cup above the rim.
2. Tape the cut off bottle to the end of the broom stick using the duct tape. Make it secure so it can take the full weight of the bottle/cup when full.
So…How do you feed your Swimmer?
Now that you are aware of the principles and rules governing this process, let’s have a look at what to do.
It is helpful if your feed stick is a distinct colour or that you are wearing something which will stand out amongst all the other handlers on the feeding pontoon.
As a handler you should be familiar with the swimming style of your swimmer so you can easily identify them in a group of swimmers.
Always plan before the race where you will stand on the feeding pontoon…at the leading end, middle or far end of the pontoon…so your swimmer knows exactly where you will be.
/ Step 1: Hold the feed stick in a comfortable position using both hands.Position the feed stick just above water level so the cup can be withdrawn from the holder by your swimmer. If there is wave action or other swimmers passing, hold the feed stick high above the water and drop it into position as your swimmer gets close to you.
Note: The cup holder should be of a size which allows the cup (or bottle) to stand but not fall out and be loose enough so it will slip out smoothly.
/ Step 2: As soon as your swimmer takes hold of the cup, relax and let the feed stick drop slightly away. There will be a tendency to automatically lift the feed stick as the weight of the cup is lifted by the swimmer.
Hint: Practice feeding at the pool so you become familiar with the use of the feed stick.
/ Step 3: Your swimmer should intake the contents of the cup very quickly so you have little time to give instruction, such as: encouragement, position, distance from lead, distance to next swimmer, time elapsed, number of laps to go etc.
A swimmer continues to kick whilst on their back during feeding. As a swimmer gains more experience you will find that they will pick up the cup, pour the contents into their mouth, swallow and roll over to continue racing in an instant.
/ Drink Bottles: Where drink bottles are used, remove the top so there is a larger opening. This will permit a faster flow of fluids.
Also, there is little risk of contamination should the bottle be accidentally immersed in the water as the swimmer can give a quick squeeze and clear out the top layer in the bottle, before drinking the contents.
John Saliba
Manager Australian OWS World Championships Team
Swimming NSW TOWS Committee
Swimming NSW ~ TOWS Committee Summer 2009-2010 :: Update #11