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 events and open...

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 wetsuit for open...

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 hoping to...