Open Water Swim Season Begins!

Water temperatures are steadily rising, and we’re ready to get back into the open water. Open water swim training starts on Monday 28th May at Killiney Beach in south Dublin. The session will be coached again this year by Ocean Breakers. Meetup is at 18:45 in Killiney Beach Car Park (on Station Road close to Killiney Train Station), and the session starts at 19:00.

Safety is paramount, so we ask all participants to adhere to the following:

• Anyone who takes part must be able to swim a minimum of 200m without stopping, and also be able to tread water.
• Any people new to Pulse, new to open water swimming, or who are nervous swimmers, should make themselves known to the coaches before entering the water.
• Everyone must use the buddy system when swimming. This entails pairing off with another swimmer (or pair of swimmers) of similar swimming ability.  Each buddy is responsible for the other. If a buddy needs to leave the water for any reason their buddy must also leave until both are ready to return.
• There will be a briefing at the start of each session where we will go through safety procedures – all swimmers must attend this every week.
• There will be a sign in / out sheet. You must sign yourself in and out of the water.
• We will have 2 safety kayakers and a land marshal in addition to the coaches at each session. Please follow any instructions that they give.

In parallel to the weekly open water training, there will be an open water swim time trial series as follows:

• 18th June – 750m time-trial
• 23rd July – 1 km time-trial
• 10th September – 1.5 km time-trial

The 10th of September will also be the last open water session for 2018, and will also host the customary Bake-off competition.

Buying a wetsuit? Here’s a guide on what to look for in a triathlon wetsuit. In addition, Triathlon Ireland have produced this informative video on fitting a wetsuit. At this early stage in the open water season, it is worthwhile considering a neoprene swim cap for extra warmth. Lastly, here’s a good overview of the different types of swim goggles available.