So a couple of weeks ago a thread mentioned the anual swim around Key West event that takes place every June. Since then I have done some googling and I am super excited to take part in the swim next June. Does anyone else on the board do these? Are there special considerations for swiming more than say, 5 miles in open water at a time? I’m assuming that your kayaker\support person will have nutrition on board that you need to drink regularly. It seems like a pretty simple, straightforward task - am I missing some nuances?
I just did the 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay swim and didn’t need to stop for food / drink, but i think it it had been more then 30 minutes longer i would have.
It depends on how fast you swim. More then 1/2 the field were swimming sub 30minute miles so were done in under 2:12. At that speed most would be under 2:30 for the 5 miles and would not stop for food or drink at all.
The Key West swim is 12.5 miles. I’ll need at least a soggy Krispy Kreme halfway around to finish I think.
Get a copy of open water swimming by Penny Lea Dean. It’s a pretty comprehensive treatment of marathon type races.
Kayaker or support boat. Realize that not just anyone can up and paddle 12 miles.
There are lots of details to look into.
Feeding you are on the right track. Put a rope around your bottle and have the crew throw it to you, saves lots o time.
There’s also conditioning, wrapping your head around swimming for 6 hours is another big challenge, seasickness is a big consideration.
You should consider some easier swims this summer. There’s “that dam swim” in northern alabama put on by the shoals sharks. There’s an 8 mile swim across lake champlain in august. Probably more if you do a little googling.
The us masters swim association has an open water section in their discussion forum where I have gotten lots of good info.
That sounds like a fun swim. I want in… maybe…
Terrific suggestions, thanks.
I’ve done 17 swims of 25K and longer, so I have a little experience. 12.5 miles is way too far to swim without feedings. Penny Lee Dean’s book is a good reference. I also have a simple checklist to bring, but I haven’t figured out how to scan and post stuff here. Also, it’s almost 5 PM on Friday, so I’m out the door. PM me on Monday and I’ll get back to you…