I need some options for open water training in Austin. I’m hoping to find something that has had a chance to warm up a little so it’s not too cold. I’ve got a wetsuit, but it’s sleeveless. Any suggestions?
Barton Springs-cold
Lake Austin-cold
Lake Travis-Just right
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This has probably been discussed before on this forum. Also go to the forum section of RunTex.com and search the tri forum. But, my experience is as follows…
Barton Springs is near downtown. It’s very ‘controlled’ open water as it is 200m long and narrow by most standards. It’s open year round and is always 68 degrees. Chilly without a wetsuit, but very nice with one. Get there before 9am and it should be free. At 9 they’ve started to clear the pool and charge people.
Lake Travis. Mansfield Park and Hippie Hollow, both accessible off of RR620 West of Austin. Both have designated swim areas as well as thousands and thousands of acres to swim in as well past the swim areas. They are good for wetsuits right now and get quite warm in the summer. Hippie Hollow, though I’ve not swam there, is a clothing optional beach…probably more beachgoers that SHOULD be in clothes rather than the type that you’d like to see without clothes.
There are several open water swims coming up. A couple are at Quarry Lake at Pure Austin gym North on Braker Lane. Austin Aquatics (I think) will also have a cable swim at Decker Lake east of town in the next few weeks. So, from now until Memorial day, there are open water swims every weekend.
Good luck.
You might try the Quarry Lake:
http://www.powerhousegymaustin.com/app?service=direct/1/Events/$DirectLink&sp=296
They are claiming temps “consistantly hitting mid 70’s” right now.
c