Qualicum ocean mile and I wanted to slay this one as AG non-wetsuit.
Wind whipped up, w/ a good sized chop. Water low 60’s. I shivered for an hour after.
Was quite the all-consuming experience. imo I was basically a gulp of seawater away from disaster. The kayaks were busy (a few people hanging off them) and Coast guard was on hand with two boats.
Sans wetsuit, I ride deep in the water and it was nearly impossible to sight mid-stroke. The current and waves were pushing me all over. Doing breast stroke - it was harder work to keep the head up against the wave action.
A couple of keys that helped me out - priority on exhale, stay wide, stay strong.
I swam it alone was not able to hold onto some packs that came through, in my zig-zag fest.
That coating of petroleum jelly really helped me, not a hint of cramping legs!
Every swim is tougher than Kona, that one there is a cakewalk. They have an in water start in cozy water, buoys you can see every 150 yards or so, and straight out to a huge boat and turnaround that keeps the out and back folks separated. Doesnt get any easier than that, especially since you have unlimited space to start and swim in each way…
You swim you did sounds like you maybe had a little panic attack? It was of course rougher than most, but having a panic attack in the bath tub makes one take notice, and automatically makes that swim a bad one…
Every swim is tougher than Kona, that one there is a cakewalk. They have an in water start in cozy water, buoys you can see every 150 yards or so, and straight out to a huge boat and turnaround that keeps the out and back folks separated. Doesnt get any easier than that, especially since you have unlimited space to start and swim in each way…
You swim you did sounds like you maybe had a little panic attack? It was of course rougher than most, but having a panic attack in the bath tub makes one take notice, and automatically makes that swim a bad one…
Yeah I don’t know much about Kona but one of swim instructors here said “people struggle (@ Kona)”.
I was in control the 100% of the way. But the notion of panic did cross my mind a few times. Especially in the super icy cold zones. I lost some muscle function. Fortunately there were also warm currents that we went through as well. I was well trained having swam the summer, no wetsuit or pull buoys. But to get my head/chest in the right position it rides deep and I rely on that pocket for breath.
The stroking part was fine, just the keeping a straight line. Could have been a bit dizzy to with sea swell motion. I got a little queasy with that too.
I didn’t get a chance to talk with other swimmers, but one guy I did chat with turned back (DNF)!