LA Triathlon Ocean Swimming
The 10th Anniversary Los Angeles Triathlon started its race with the Professional group as early as 7AM in Venice Beach. I was there to witness the pros go at it straight into the treacherous waves without much struggles though the current did push them off course slightly. The spectators and newbie triathletes were a bit shaken witnessing the powerful current dragging the pro triathletes to the left side of the first red buoy. The race director quickly noticed the condition of the current and gave instructions to all following groups to run 100 yards further down the beach and start swimming so that by the time they reach the first buoy, they would be on the right side of the first buoy and safely swimming counter clockwise of the buoy.
Hopefully there will be youtube videos hitting up shortly previewing the six-eight feet waves pounding the swimmers without mercy. If you have Facebook, you can read more about the wave conditions directly from the triathletes over at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Kaiser-Permanente-Los-Angeles-Triathlon-Presented-by-Herbalife/73208873200
Here is a clip of the wave conditions:
A crucial technique I should have learned to tackle the devastating waves was the “dolphin kick.” Not only does this save you energy compared to using the freestyle approach, you gain more distance helping the swimmer pass the waves. But this year’s water was really rough throughout the entire course as the sea was not calm due to the wind.


