Active Community: Message List - How to draft in the water?

How to draft in the water?

dnavarro82 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:58:22 GMT

Should you be right behind the person? A few yards back? Off to the side a little? I tried it yesterday right behind a person (about 2 feet back) and felt like was working against the persons kick turbulence. Is there another way?

Re: How to darft in the water?

Anthony_All3 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:24:01 GMT

FYI,

Drafting in the swim is never illegal for USAT events, or any event for that matter. Biking is a different story, but even in ITU, there are draft legal races.

-Anthony

Re: How to darft in the water?

dnavarro82 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:57:27 GMT

Yeah, I was thinking to stay to the side regardless if I'm in the middle or back. I am definitely going to have to keep my patience at the beginning of the swim, just as long as I don't come out of it with a black eye or something, haha.

Re: How to darft in the water?

Active Islander — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:32:19 GMT

I'd say the more confident you are in your swimming ability (especially pack swimming ability), the further up you start. Smack in the middle might be a little scary. I always position myself towards the outside edges and then funnel in. Also, stay relaxed and accept that other swimmers might accidentally hit/scratch/punch.

Re: How to darft in the water?

dnavarro82 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:23:32 GMT

Looks l ike they are trying to maintain a slight stager. I'm still debating where I want to start the swim (towards middle of pack, or towards the back)

Re: How to darft in the water?

Active Sara — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:09:31 GMT

Interesting thread you guys having going on here. I wanted to do a little research myself and I found this video of a class doing a drafting drill in preparation. I thought it was a good way to practice at least. What do you guys think?

Re: How to darft in the water?

dnavarro82 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:02:10 GMT

I'm primarily a downhill mountain bike racer and a little XC racing too, haha, weird, I know. But ever since I did that first tri, which was an Xterra tri, I've been wanting to do another.

Thanks for the luck

Re: How to darft in the water?

Active Islander — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:59:24 GMT

That's awesome! I hear really great things about Chicago...good luck!

Re: How to darft in the water?

dnavarro82 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:56:49 GMT

Thanks guys...all this is very helpful. I'm gonna need all the tips and tricks I can get. This will be my 2nd tri, and 1st olympic distance...i'm pretty pumped for it.

Re: How to darft in the water?

jaybuddy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:55:25 GMT

You have to be 3 bike lengths back. Their are some pretty specific rules on the bike. Lets start a new thread about biking and drafting so we dont end up hijacking this one.