The start of open water events can be crowded and a bit daunting to swimmers new to open water. Here are some tips:
Position yourself properly for the start. If you are fast, go toward the front, slow go to the back and average, place yourself in the middle of the pack. Slower swimmers who start at the front get “run over” and block other swimmers causing congestion.
Take a wider approach on the start line. If the first buoy is 300 yards away, starting 50 yards wide of the “straight line” point to the buoy, adds only 4 yards; you would swim 304 yards instead of 300 yards. Starting wide of the crowd of swimmers in the pack means there will be less congestion and more room to swim. For some, the extra 4 yards is worth avoiding heavy traffic.
If you are new to the open water and nervous about swimming in the pack consider starting at the back. Wait 10-15 seconds after the start to begin swimming which will help avoid the first rush.
As with most aspects of open water swimming, more practice/experience will help you become comfortable and confident.
