If you're looking for a google doc version of this guide, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/101YTqs50gzkM4oSe3Gwhgy1I9q9FaTh9YKKjdm_IKT8/edit?usp=sharing Swimming at Trillium Lake Notes from the author(s): These are open water swim locations, meaning the water quality and risk factors may change hour by hour. Evaluate safety and water conditions yourself before choosing a swim spot. Recommended: Check USGS for water quality and conditions (https://waterdata

While there is no single official public database that tracks every death specifically during the swim leg of IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 events worldwide, I've compiled data from media reports, race statements, academic studies, and community-maintained lists. I suspect that death counts are higher than what has been published for several reasons: Any participants in distress who are either extricated from the water or are already on-land are transported off-site, so if they

Last weekend, the chaos of the Portland Bridge Swim ensued, and I'm now writing my memoir from beyond the grave, as it's entirely possible I died from pre-event panic and during-event mini-heart attacks. By the way, check out the most incredible event photos from Veronica at Statz Photography: https://statzphotography.pixieset.com/portlandbridgeswim/ As background, this is my first year as the solo event director for PBS. The past two years, I was a co-race director with Mar

Triathlons test endurance, strength, and mental toughness. Despite triathletes being incredible cyclists and runners, the swim portion has historically been the toughest for participants due to the complexity of skills required and the scary nature of open water swimming. As a result, the swim portion of triathlons is the riskiest - 80% of deaths that occur during triathlons occur during the swim segment (Source). I'm a race director and swim instructor. I've run multiple

For some open water and early-season swimmers, a wetsuit is an essential piece of equipment that provides buoyancy, warmth, and protection. However, for those with sensory issues or neurodivergent conditions, the experience of wearing a wetsuit can be overstimulating and overwhelming. The constricting fabric, the sensation of being enveloped, and the changes in temperature can all contribute to discomfort. Here are some strategies to help ease the transition into wearing a we

Early-season open-water races have a special kind of drama to them. Most participants have been trapped inside, training in pools, on treadmills, and on stationary bikes. Many swimmers either live in places where open water training opportunities aren't accessible through the winter, or are too cold to get real distance training in. The good news is, you can still train for open water in a pool environment so you're ready for your early-season races. In this article, I'm

Back in 2008, Suzie Dods was in Greece with a group of non-swimmers who were learning how to become swimmers. They were staying at a great hotel with three beaches within a ten-minute walk. Each beach was gentle and accessible for beginners, but also offered a a little environmental variety for confident swimmers as well. It was somewhere between the first few dips and the laughter from the group from being in a swimmer's paradise that Suzie realized: This needs to be a swi

Swimming can be a temporary relief from anguish and anxiety. It's a short respite from the 1000 tabs open at your job, in your brain, or in your soul. Some people find swimming to be a great way to regulate their emotions by becoming tired enough feel grounded again, or becoming too tired to feel anything. Others leave their watering hole motivated and inspired. For me, it's a mix of calm and fatigue. My thoughts gain clarity during distance workouts, and my mind goes bl

Open-water swimming takes more out of you than you might realize. Add early mornings, travel, and juggling work or other responsibilities, it's no wonder fatigue can creep up and start compounding. Most swimmers take time off right after their big race, which is usually an "end-of-season" spectacular big hairy goal. For some swimmers, it's because body feels totaled; their muscles are in the best and worst shape from all the training and then battling through the swim. For

A few friends have pushed me to publish the story of my first open water swim, despite it potentially getting me in a little trouble. ...

To start this recap off, I was did not take part in the swim as a participant or volunteer; Sam and I flew out for 2 days to hustle ducks...

It's not uncommon to live in a region where you can't get the appropriate climate training in water temp-wise, but what can you do if you...

Skip to equipment lists for boat-supported swims Last week, Sam and I flew to Boston to be a part of the Boston Light Swim, an 8-mile...

A few weeks ago, I published a 25 question survey to learn more about paddlers and their needs. Paddlers and support crew are critical...