Open Water

FINA Approved OWS suits 

For a list of approved suits for the Open Competition at the Australian Open Water Swimming Championships please click here, please note that Full-knee and pants suits cannot be worn in the Age group categories  

2014 BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series - Open Water Challenge

Perth will host the first BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series - Open Water Challenge Swim on Sunday 2nd February 2014. The event will be swum in the Swan River, with the starting point near Barrack Street Jetty.   

Preparing Swimmers for Open Water Events 

 In preparation for the Age National OWS Championships over 5 & 10Km, we suggest that coaches, swimmers and parents consider a number of issues, in order to safely prepare for a successful meet. These may include:  

QUESTIONS: 

• What will the water temperature be?
• What are the expected weather conditions
• What are the arrangements for feeding an athlete during the race? Are there pontoons, will I be able to wade out, are there specific feeding areas or will there be nothing at all?
• What does the course look like?
• What are the water conditions, is it flat, is it rough, and is it tidal?  

EQUIPMENT: 

• Wool fat (lanolin) (Its application helps to reduce the loss of body heat in cold water)
• Vaseline helps with a number of things from reducing costume rub to providing an insulating or protective layer on the skin.
• Sun Screen
• Latex gloves. For the application of the above substances.
• Old towels or rags and for removing the above substance on completion of the race,
• Sufficient hydration (Pre race, race and post race)
• Sufficient food and or Carbo Shots  (Pre race, race and post race)
• Warm clothes, including closed shoes, beanie and spare towels or a blanket.
• Esky, feed sticks, cups and or bottles.  

STRATEGIES: 

• Have your swimmers trial different eating strategies and or products at training prior to racing. There are many brands of Carbo shots, and sports drinks on the market, however tastes and consistency vary. Find what works for your swimmer.
• If you are expecting to compete in cold water then you must try and have your swimmers do some training or acclimatisation work in cold water during their preparation.
• Spend some time with your swimmer practicing how to feed, whether it is, taking a drink or Carbo Shot. Remember this is a skill and done well, can save a lot of time and ensure a swimmers ability to continue.
• If you have the space and or time, practice turning around a buoy. Simulate the angles and directions you will be racing.
• When and where possible encourage you’re swimmers to participate in Club or State run OW or even weekend surf races. Don’t be afraid to expose younger swimmers to OWS, as there are many shorter races also available. 

These are just a few things to think about when preparing a swimmer for open water and hopefully address some of the reoccurring questions asked by swimmers, parents and coaches.

For more information click here

Open Water Swimming links

For up-to-date international Open Water Swimming news click here

Australian Open Water Swimming Representatives

International Marathon Swimmers Hall Of Fame

www.oceanswim.co.nz

www.oceanswims.com