SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2018

Transcription

1 Brought to you by SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2018 FINAL INSTRUCTIONS Please read these instructions very carefully and save them to your computer, tablet or smartphone now, so that you can access them easily in the build up to Swim Day. In the following pages you will find all the information you need to have a trouble-free and enjoyable day at Swim Serpentine on Saturday 22 September We will do our utmost to look after you on Swim Day. All you need to do is follow the simple guidelines here.

2 SWIM SERPENTINE > INTRODUCTION Welcome to Swim Serpentine 2018 Welcome to the third Swim Serpentine festival of open water swimming. We are delighted that The Royal Parks has given us permission to hold Swim Serpentine in Hyde Park for the next three years. Swim Serpentine is one of three mass participation events, organised or part-organised, by London Marathon Events Ltd, that are true legacies of London The other events that celebrate the legacy of 2012 are the Vitality Westminster Mile (at the time of going to press, the world s largest timed mile event) and Prudential RideLondon, the Mayor of London s cycling festival the world s greatest festival of cycling. Swim Serpentine is also one of the three events that makes up the coveted London Classics the UK s most iconic mass participation challenge. To complete the London Classics, participants must have run any London Marathon since 1981, cycled the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, or the 46-mile event in the case of handcyclists, and completed the twomile distance at Swim Serpentine. We are delighted that more than 500 people will be completing this amazing challenge on Saturday 22 September. Turn to page 12 to find out more about the London Classics. Whether you are new to open water swimming and this is your first event, an improving swimmer with a few events under your belt already, or you are a hardened veteran, we hope you have a fantastic day in Hyde Park. It truly is a wonderful setting in the heart of our great capital city. Finally, we would like to thank The Royal Parks for allowing us to use the Serpentine. They host numerous events for the public to enjoy the tranquillity of the park in such a busy city and we appreciate all their help. Best wishes, Hugh Brasher Event Director

3 SWIM SERPENTINE > CONTENTS Contents 04 BEFORE SWIM DAY 05 BEFORE LEAVING HOME 06 GETTING TO THE START 07 ON THE DAY 08 THE COURSE 09 THE FINISH & FESTIVAL 10 YOUR ESSENTIAL KIT LIST 11 OPEN WATER SWIMMING TIPS 12 LONDON CLASSICS THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS CLUB LA SANTA Official active holiday partner of Swim Serpentine clublasanta.co.uk HUUB Official wetsuit and swimming accessories partner of Swim Serpentine huubdesign.com SWIM SECURE Official Tow-Float supplier of Swim Serpentine swimsecure.co.uk VIRGIN MONEY GIVING Official online charity fundraising partner of Swim Serpentine uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving AWOL PHOTOGRAPHY Official photography partner of Swim Serpentine awoladventure.com THE ROYAL PARKS Official partner of Swim Serpentine royalparks.org.uk SWIM ENGLAND The national governing body for swimming in England swimming.org

4 SWIM SERPENTINE > BEFORE SWIM DAY Before Swim Day TRAINING TIPS At this year s Swim Serpentine, you will be swimming in half-mile, one-mile or two-mile swims. Before Swim Day, you must be able to comfortably swim in a pool, without stopping, the same distance you are tackling in the Serpentine. Here is a rough guide to help you: - Half a mile is 805 metres, which is 32 lengths of a 25m pool and 16 lengths of a 50m pool. - One mile is 1609 metres, which is 64 lengths of a 25m pool and 32 lengths of a 50m pool. - Two miles is 3219 metres, which is 129 lengths of a 25m pool and 64 lengths of a 50m pool. As part of your training, you should aim to swim at least twice a week, three times if possible, and one of your sessions should take place outdoors. For training tips, technique advice and open water swimming suggestions, visit: swimserpentine.co.uk/training If you would like to experience your own warm weather training camp, why not check out Club La Santa in Lanzarote? With top class training facilities, including three 50m pools it has been an extremely popular destination with swimmers for years. For more details, visit: clublasanta. co.uk/sports-and-activities/sportsoverview/swimming/ BEING SWIM FIT The easiest way to become swim fit is to regularly use a swimming pool or lido. ACCLIMATISING TO SWIMMING OUTDOORS On Swim Day it could be cold and dull or bright and sunny, and the water could be calm or choppy. To enjoy the swim, you should be comfortable swimming in all conditions. It is very different swimming outdoors compared to swimming in a pool. There is no black line on the bottom of the lake to follow, the water may not be as clear, and you must look up to see which direction you need to swim. If you are new to open water swimming, aim to train in a variety of open water conditions before Swim Day. If you would like to experience swimming in the Serpentine before Swim Day, the Serpentine Lido is open to the public seven days a week from 10:00 until 18:00 until mid-september. Find out more at royalparks.org.uk/ parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-anddo/sports-and-leisure/serpentinelido WHAT TO WEAR For safety reasons, you must either wear a wetsuit or use a tow-float to take part in Swim Serpentine. If you prefer, you can wear both. Please refer to Your kitbag on page five for advice on which types of wetsuits are allowed. WATER TEMPERATURE If the water temperature in the Serpentine is under 15 C, wetsuits are compulsory. If the water temperature is 15 C or above, wetsuits are optional at Swim Serpentine but if you choose not to wear a wetsuit, you must use a tow-float. Please refer to the table below for guidance. The anticipated water temperature in the Serpentine is between 17 C and 22 C, but this may vary considerably due to the weather conditions in the weeks before the event. In the lead up to the event, the water temperature will be regularly monitored and communicated to participants via Facebook.com/ swimserpentine BUYING OR HIRING A WETSUIT OR TOW-FLOAT You can buy or hire a wetsuit from our official partners HUUB. Visit huubdesign.com to use the exclusive 25 per cent discount code SWIMSERPENTINE25 on a variety of open water swimming products. Swim Secure tow-floats will be available to hire or buy on Swim Day. They can also be bought in advance with 50 per cent off at swimsecure. co.uk by using the discount codes SSORN18 (for orange) and SSPNK18 (for pink). Turn to page 10 for more essential Swim Day kit ideas. WATER TEMPERATURE WETSUITS TOW-FLOATS UNDER 15 C COMPULSORY OPTIONAL 15 C AND ABOVE OPTIONAL COMPULSORY IF NO WETSUIT IS WORN

5 SWIM SERPENTINE > BEFORE LEAVING HOME Before leaving home Your kitbag You will receive your Swim Pack in the post in September. The pack includes a coloured swim hat showing your wave colour, which you must wear for your swim, timing tag and ankle strap, and two bands showing your name and swimmer number. One worn on your wrist and one attached to your bag. Please make sure you bring all of these essential items with you on the day, along with access to this e-magazine. If you lose or forget any of these items before the event, they can be replaced at the Information Point on the day. Please note that there is a 10 charge to replace a lost timing tag, which will be payable on the day by cash, credit card or cheque before a new timing tag is issued. YOUR SWIM HAT If you have a favourite swim hat that you usually swim in, you can wear this underneath your Swim Serpentine swim hat but please take care not to overheat if it is warm on Swim Day. YOUR TIMING TAG Your timing tag must be attached to your ankle using the Velcro strap. If you are wearing a wetsuit for the swim, please ensure that the tag is worn over your skin and not over the leg of your wetsuit. How to wear your tow-float: OFFICIAL TIMING Official times will be based on the elapsed time taken by each swimmer between crossing the mats at the start and exit ramps. You must wear your timing tag in order to receive an official swim time. Do not wear somebody else s tag. Our team will carry out timing tag checks before the start. We will ensure that your timing tag details correspond with your swimmer number and wristband. If they do not, you will be asked to step aside while the team investigate the discrepancy. For safety reasons it is essential we know exactly who is in the water. DECIDING NOT TO SWIM Please do not swim if you have an injury or if you have had any sort of virus or fever in the four weeks prior to Swim Day. It is not a risk worth taking. If you decide not to swim for any reason, you must return your timing tag in the special freepost envelope provided in your Swim Pack. It is a condition of the event that all timing tags that are not returned within 21 days of the event are subject to a 10 lost-tag charge. Make sure you have the following in your kitbag before leaving home: - Access to this e-magazine. - Your wetsuit if you are planning to wear one. Please note that wetsuits are compulsory if the water temperature is below 15 C. Your wetsuit should be made of neoprene and designed for swimming. Tri-suits made of Lycra are not allowed as wetsuit substitutes as they offer no buoyancy. You must use a tow-float if you are planning to wear a tri-suit instead of a swimming costume. Windsurfing, surfing and shorty wetsuits are not recommended, as they aren t designed for swimming in and can be restrictive for swimming and tight around the neck. If you wear an ill-fitting wetsuit, you may be stopped from taking part in Swim Serpentine for your own safety. - Tow-float if you are planning to use one, or hire details if you are collecting one from swimsecure. co.uk. Please remember, if the water temperature is 15 C or above and you do not want to wear a wetsuit, you must use a tow-float. - Your Swim Serpentine swim hat this must be worn and visible on Swim Day. An additional swim hat can be worn underneath the official swim hat if desired. 1) Inflate both sides of the tow-float equally. 3) Pass the belt through the other loop of the leash (this can now stay around the belt). As the leash can move around the belt on its loop there is no need to ensure the tow float is above your back it will find this position naturally once you enter the water ) Loop the leash through the plastic handle. The leash can now permanently stay in this position. 4) Adjust the belt so that it fits snugly around your waist. - Goggles - Timing tag and ankle strap - Two numbered bands one to wear on your wrist and one to attach to your bag - A towel - A swimming costume to enjoy the hot tubs after your swim you will need to remove your wetsuit, so you will need appropriate clothing - A change of clothes for after your swim Wetsuit gloves and socks are allowed but swimming aids such as snorkels and fins/flippers are prohibited.

6 SWIM SERPENTINE > THE START Getting to the Start Lancaster Gate North Carriage Drive Marble Arch North Ride Park Lane Buckhill Buckhill Walk West Carriage Drive Hyde Park Serpentine Bridge Magazine Gate Serpentine Sackler Gallery Serpentine Road Swim Serpentine Festival Park Lane West Carriage Drive Princess Diana Memorial Fountain Serpentine Lido The Serpentine Serpentine Road Mount Gate Rotten Row Serpentine Road Rotten Row Rotten Row Queen Elizabeth Gates Coalbrookdale Gate New Ride Edinburgh Gate Albert Gate South Carriage Drive Knightsbridge Hyde Park Corner START/FINISH The Start/Finish Area of Swim Serpentine is on the north bank of the Serpentine, between the Serpentine Gallery and the boathouses. See the map on page eight for the location of the Start/Finish Area. We do not recommend driving to the event as finding suitable parking in the Hyde Park area may prove difficult and cause delays to your journey. The Serpentine Lake is located in Hyde Park in the heart of central London and is easily accessible via a number of public transport options outlined below. BY BIKE A secure bike park is available at Swim Serpentine. Spaces are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis. BY TUBE We recommend that you travel to Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge Tube stations, where you will be able to follow a signposted route to the Start Area once inside Hyde Park. Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge and Green Park Tube stations are all served by the Piccadilly line and are a short walk away from the Serpentine. Green Park can also be accessed via the Victoria and Jubilee lines. Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate and Queensway Tube stations on the Central line are located to the north of Hyde Park. If you are planning to travel via any of these stations, please allow plenty of time to walk through the park to the Serpentine. CHECK BEFORE YOUR TRAVEL There are no planned engineering works on the London Underground or Overground scheduled for Saturday 22 September. However, before making your journey, please do check tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/ BY BUS There are several bus routes servicing the area around Hyde Park. For upto-date public transport information, check tfl.gov.uk DON T BE LATE Please arrive at least an hour before your wave is due to start to allow plenty of time to use the changing facilities and go through the swimmer check-in process. ACCOMMODATION There are a huge variety of options around Hyde Park. For ideas to suit every budget check out visitlondon. com/where-to-stay

7 SWIM SERPENTINE > ON THE DAY On the day There is no need to register on the day for Swim Serpentine. Everything you need for the swim is enclosed in your Swim Pack your swim hat, timing tag and ankle strap, and two numbered bands. On the day, you simply need to arrive at least an hour before your wave start time. YOUR WAVE START TIME Please use the table below to make sure you know your start time in advance of Swim Day. Wave & hat colours Distance Start time 1 Half Mile 08:30 2Para Swimmers One Mile (Invitation Only) 3One Mile (Women Only) SUPER SIX CHALLENGE 09:00 09:10 4 One Mile 09:45 5 One Mile 10:15 6 Two Mile 10:45 7 Two Mile 11:45 8 One Mile 12:45 9 One Mile 13:15 10 Two Mile 13:45 11 Two Mile 14:45 12 Two Mile 15:45 The Super Six Challenge offers experienced open water swimmers the chance to tackle a total of six miles at Swim Serpentine. If you are one of our 60 registered Super Six swimmers then how you complete the six mile challenge is up to you. WATER QUALITY The water will be tested before the event to ensure the water quality is of an acceptable standard. It is always advisable when swimming in open water to cover up any cuts and scratches and try not to drink the water. If you fall ill following a swim, advise your doctor when and where you have been swimming. CHANGING FACILITIES There will be separate male and female changing facilities before the Start (dry change) and after the Finish (wet change) of the swim. Please be changed and prepared to swim, wearing your swim hat, wetsuit (if you are wearing one) or tow-float and timing tag in good time before your wave is due to start. There will be carpet/decking from the changing rooms to the Start and from the Finish, so you don t need to wear any shoes to walk to the Start. FANCY DRESS We do not encourage fancy dress, as it can compromise your ability to swim safely, but if you do wear fancy dress, it is at the discretion of our water safety team, who will have the final say on what is and is not allowed. BAGGAGE DROP Included in your Swim Pack are two wristbands showing your swimmer number. Wear one around your wrist and attach the other to your bag. You can leave one bag only at our baggage drop facility. It must be fastened or zipped completely closed to prevent items from falling out. Please only bring essential items to leave at the baggage drop as we have limited storage space. Make sure you leave plenty of time to hand in your bag and get to the start of your wave. STRETCHING FOR SWIMMERS If you d like a good pre-swim warm up, Club La Santa will be offering Stretching For Swimmers from their marquee before each wave. SWIMMER CHECK-IN The check-in area will open approximately 30 minutes before each wave starts. Once your wave has been called, you will be required to complete the swimmer check-in process before starting your swim. During the check-in process our team will ensure that your swim hat is on properly, your swimmer number is visible and you are wearing your timing tag correctly. You will then be directed to the Start Area. DUNK ZONE If you would like to acclimatise to the water before the start of your wave, you will be able to use the dunk zone near the start ramp for a short swim. SAFETY BRIEFING Our staff will give you a final safety briefing just before your wave starts. This briefing will include information on the buoys that mark the course, what to do if you need assistance and what to do at the Finish. SWIMMER TIMES Your start time will be recorded as you step onto the timing mat as you enter the water to begin your swim. Your finish time will be recorded as you cross the mats on exiting the swim area. To view your result after Swim Day, visit swimserpentine.co.uk You can complete your challenge in any order but you cannot swim more than two miles at a time. After each swim, you must exit the water to check out at our dedicated Super Six desk near the Finish before checking in with staff at the Start. Super Six swimmers will receive supplementary information via in the coming days. WATCH ELITE INVITATIONAL RACES You can watch and cheer on some of the UK s top open water swimmers competing in the para-elite one-mile race at 09:00. Para-elite open water swimming has been pioneered by Swim Serpentine with one of the first para-elite open water swimming races. From the top talent of both pool and triathlon, once again we will see a line-up of top UK para swimmers

8 t Carriage Drive SWIM SERPENTINE > THE COURSE The Meadow The Parade Ground Buckhill Buckhill Walk The Course Hyde Park KEY Reformer s Tree Baggage Toilets Drive Serpentine Bridge R Magazine Gate W Carriage Dr Serpentine Sackler Gallery Serpentine Road Policeman s Path MS C Check out The Cockpit B Grandstand START FINISH Check in R T i BP R MS BP Changing Tents Information Medical Refreshments Main Stage Bike Park Swim Serpentine course Serpentine Road Half Mile Swim Two Mile Swim Inflatable buoys Main Street Princess Diana Memorial Fountain Hyde Park Café Swim England Sessions The Serpentine M/DC F/DC M/WC F/WC Rotten Row Rotten Row The Swim Serpentine course is one mile in distance. If you are swimming in the one-mile event, you will complete one lap, two laps if you are swimming the two-mile event and half a lap if you are swimming the half-mile distance. New Ride All participants swim in a clockwise direction around large inflatable buoys that mark the course from the Start to the Finish. See map above. Use these buoys to guide you as you make your way around the course. You must keep the yellow and purple buoys on your right and the red buoys on your left as our safety boats will be operating in the centre of the course. ATTRACTING ATTENTION If you require assistance during your swim, do not panic. If you are wearing a wetsuit, roll onto your back and raise one arm in the air. If you are using a tow-float, hold onto it, then raise one arm in the air. One of our safety kayakers will attend to you as quickly as possible. Please do not swim off the course or exit the water anywhere other than the Start or Finish. If you need to exit the water anywhere else, do so with the help of our water safety team. Rescue boats will be on hand in case of an emergency, and lifeguards will be located at the entry and exit pontoons to supervise the entry and exit of swimmers into and out of the water. THE MASTABA This year, you will be swimming around The Mastaba, which is a 20m high and 30m wide sculpture of 7,506 barrels stacked on a floating platform in the Serpentine Lake (pictured below right). The creation is by world renowned artist Christo and is a sight to behold. Please do not attempt to swim up to The Mastaba as this area is only for the safety boats. LEAVING THE WATER Once you have completed your event, swim under the finish gantry (you do not need to hit the gantry) and leave the water via the exit ramp, making sure that you walk over the timing mat to record your finish time. Edinburgh Gate CHECK-OUT AREA When you have made your way up the exit ramp, you will pass through Knightsbridge the swimmer check-out area, where your timing tag will be collected by an event official. You will then have the opportunity to use the rinse showers and the hot tubs before receiving your medal and goody bag and having an official photo taken. Remember to collect your bag from the baggage drop. Our staff will ask to see the wristband you re wearing to identify you. Once you have collected your bag, you will be able to use the male or female changing facilities. Albert

9 SWIM SERPENTINE > THE FINISH The Finish & Festival MEDAL After completing your chosen distance at Swim Serpentine you will receive a commemorative medal. If you are completing the London Classics, you will also receive your London Classics medal. GOODY BAG In addition to your medal, you will also be given a reusable drawstring swim bag. You will then have the opportunity to fill your bag with a handful of items to help provide you with some post-swim rehydration and nutrition, including a bottle of Buxton Natural Mineral Water and a snack. OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOS AWOLAdventure.com is our official photography partner for capturing your exciting moments at Swim Serpentine. Photographers will take souvenir snaps of you at the Start, during the swim, at the Finish and afterwards with your medal. If you complete the London Classics challenge, you will also have the opportunity to have your photo taken with your medal in front of a London Classics backdrop a fitting memento of an impressive achievement. We will you 24 to 48 hours after Swim Day to let you know when your photos are ready to view and purchase. Certificates and merchandise will also be available. YOUR TIME Your swim time will be posted online at swimserpentine.co.uk after the event. FIRST AID There will be medical support at the event for all swimmers. Our safety team works closely with our medical provider to ensure a safe swimming environment for all. THE ROYAL PARKS The Royal Parks has allowed us to use Hyde Park. We are grateful to The Royal Parks for its assistance and we ask that you show your appreciation by treating the area with the respect it deserves and not littering the park and surrounding areas. SPECTATORS Swim Serpentine is a one-day open water swimming festival. Entry is free for spectators and grandstands are provided in the event area for friends and family to use, as well as spectator areas around the Serpentine Lake. There will also be a public wheelchair viewing area adjacent to the grandstands. FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES The Swim Serpentine festival will feature talks, readings and short films that celebrate the inspiring characters and incredible adventures from the world of open water swimming. The festival will be hosted by Jonathan Cowie, Editor of Outdoor Swimmer magazine, and Contributing Editor Alice Gartland. Each session lasts 45 minutes and is free to attend no need to book, simply join us in the festival marquee at Swim Serpentine on Saturday 22 September Find out more at swimserpentine.co.uk/event-info/ festival-info/ SWIM ENGLAND COACHING Swim England is excited to be part of Swim Serpentine again in 2018 and looks forward to welcoming both participants and spectators. The National Governing Body for swimming will be offering free coaching sessions with top open water coaches Damien Bryan and Gareth Keating as well as free family fun sessions for families with children aged eight years and over. The coaching sessions will be taking place in the Lido, which is opposite the main event hub. See the map on page eight. Free wetsuits will be provided for the sessions, just bring your swimming costume. You can sign up on the day at Swim England s Coaches Corner, which will be situated in the main event hub in Hyde Park. Coaches will be on hand all day to discuss your swimming needs and schedule your free stroke clinic. Family fun sessions will be 30 minutes long and will run between: 10:00-12:00 13:00-15:00 Please note, all children under the age of 16 will require a responsible adult to be in the water with them throughout the family fun sessions. Swimmers need to be able to swim a minimum of 400m to take part in the swimming technique sessions. For more information, visit swimserpentine.co.uk/event-info/ swim-england-coaching/

10 SWIM SERPENTINE > KIT ESSENTIALS Safe outdoor swimming With the waters warming during the summer, you may be thinking about taking your training into the open water in the lead up to Swim Serpentine. To help you to do this in a safe and enjoyable way, we have put together 10 simple rules for you to follow: Always seek local advice Check the tides and currents and ask about any hidden structures or foliage that you might encounter during a swim. Look for easy access Not only for getting in, but also for getting out of the water. Don t dive or jump in! Enter the water slowly to acclimatise to the temperature and understand the water s behaviour. A slow start will also make it easier to identify any hidden obstacles. Take it easy If you are new to open water, or are still becoming familiar with swimming in the outdoors, swim within your depth in areas where you are able to stand up comfortably. Never drink Alcohol and swimming do not mix! Guard against tiredness Find out about currents and tides which might cause you issues in bodies of water, such as seas or rivers. Be seen Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and tow-float to make yourself more visible in the water. It s a great way to be seen in the water. Know your limitations Just because you can see an island, a buoy or landmark, it doesn t mean you can get to it. Watch out for traffic Check for any motorised boat traffic in the area, avoid commercial boating/ferry routes and busy jetties. Swim with a buddy: Swim with someone, whether they are swimming with you, are on the shore or in a boat. 1. WETSUIT Wetsuits are designed to keep you warmer during an open water swim and provide extra buoyancy. The increased insulation allows you to focus on completing your swim rather than worrying about your body 3. temperature. Make sure you are comfortable in your wetsuit before taking on an open water swimming event. Some swimmers find wetsuits restrictive so it s a good idea to get used to wearing it ahead of Swim Day. Wetsuits can cause chafing so consider using a lube such as HUUB Sport Luub to prevent this. 2. TOW-FLOAT A swim tow-float attaches around your waist to a belt and a short leash enables you to tow a small inflatable buoy behind you. The Swim Secure tow-float provides increased visibility so you can always be seen in the water, and if you get cramp or need a rest you 2. can simply hold onto the float rather than treading water. These floats are now widely used and are a recognised safety device in open water swimming. Your essential kit list 3. SWIM HAT You will be provided with a silicone swim hat for the race. These hats will be in a variety of colours that correspond to your wave colour. If you have a favourite swim hat, you can wear this underneath your Swim Serpentine hat. Wearing two swim hats 1. will keep you a little warmer if it is a cold day, but if it s hot please wear only one swim hat to reduce your chances of overheating. During your open water swimming training, it is always advisable to wear 4. a brightly coloured hat, so you are more visible GOGGLES The goggles you use in the pool are adequate for open water swimming, but you may want to invest in a mirrored pair, which can help to reduce glare on sunny days, or a polarised pair to enhance the light in overcast conditions. Your goggles should be comfortable and not so old and scratched or foggy that you can t see through them clearly. 5. FLIP FLOPS There will be carpet/ decking from the changing rooms to the start and from the finish, so you don t need to wear any shoes, but flip flops may be useful for relaxing in after your swim. OTHER ITEMS You are welcome to wear neoprene gloves, socks and boots at Swim Serpentine, but if you do decide to wear any additional items, try them out in training before the event to make sure they fit properly and don t result in any drag. These items are all designed to keep your body warm in open water, but do not wear anything that makes swimming more difficult or that you find uncomfortable

11 SWIM SERPENTINE > TIPS Open water swimming tips NEW TO OPEN WATER? FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SWIMS GO MORE SMOOTHLY HOW TO NAVIGATE A MASS START If Swim Serpentine is your first open water swimming event, going from the lanes of a pool, with a handful of people around you, to the Start Line of a mass participation event could be a daunting experience. But you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead by following these top tips... As you approach the start pen, look for your key sighting points (buoys, trees, buildings, etc) and make sure you know the direction you will need to swim. Does the course lead in a straight line from the start, or does it veer off to either the left or right? Everyone is taking part to have an enjoyable experience and swimmers at the event have a mixture of abilities. Therefore, if you are a fast swimmer aiming for a certain time, please start at the front of your wave. If you would prefer a more relaxed, slower swim please start near the back of your wave to avoid getting caught up in the rush at the start. This isn t a high-pressure triathlon race, so there is no need for anyone to swim over anyone else. We are civilised open water swimmers and if you end up swimming close to someone, simply give them a little room. Once you ve entered the water, remember to swim at your own pace. Take time to orient yourself and don t start too fast. At the start there will be a lot of splashes and movement in the water, so when you breathe and sight you may have to lift your head a little higher out of the water. Ahead of Swim Serpentine, you can practise a mass start with your training partners or friends at a pool or swimming lake. It s a good idea to try starting at the front, in the middle, and at the back and sides to see where you feel most comfortable. HOW TO SWIM IN A GROUP You need to be aware of your surroundings and position yourself to avoid clashes with others when swimming in a group. One advantage of swimming in close quarters is drafting, which means swimming directly behind another swimmer. Drafting can save you energy and enable you to swim faster for longer by lengthening and slowing your stroke rate. To draft safely and effectively, here are a few pointers to guide you on your way: Position yourself just to the side of the swimmer you want to draft, between their hips and ankles to make the most of the bow wave created by their shoulders. This will help you avoid getting kicked and splashed, while giving you the space to sight and breath. Sight past the swimmer you are drafting to ensure you re swimming the correct line drafting is pointless if you re swimming further than you need to. Be aware of what the swimmer you are drafting is doing; take note of their pace and change in speed. These drafting techniques can be practised in the pool as a group by rotating the lead swimmer with each length. Give the lead swimmer a head start and move into position. Play with it; find out what works best for you. HOW TO SIGHT Sighting is an essential open water swimming skill and one you ll need to use if you re to take the most direct route around the course. Sighting means lifting your head out of the water to see which direction you are travelling in. You should aim to lift your head forward and up until your eyes are clear of the water to pick out a point to aim for, such as a marker buoy. For breaststroke swimmers, sighting is not much of a problem, as you will be looking forward every time you lift your head to breathe. For freestyle swimmers, it will take a slight adaptation of your stroke to lift your head clear of the water. Lifting your head too much will cause problems for your body position, so you need to be able to do it as effectively as possible. The key is to fit each lift of the head into the natural rhythm of your stroke and only lift as much as necessary

12 SWIM SERPENTINE > TRAINING The London Classics is one of the world s greatest sporting challenges. The challenge requires participants to run the London Marathon, cycle the Prudential RideLondon- Surrey 100, and swim two miles at Swim Serpentine. Everyone who completes this iconic trio of events receives a speciallydesigned London Classics medal engraved with the words: Et ego Londinium vici (I too have conquered London) and is listed in the London Classics Hall of Fame. There is no time limit on when this trio of events can be completed and they can be done in any order. Anyone who has completed the London Marathon since 1981 and cycled the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 since its inception in 2013 is eligible to enter. For more information and for your chance to complete the London Classics, visit thelondonclassics.co.uk thelondonclassics.co.uk

13 SWIM SERPENTINE > TRAINING 5 x WORLD CUP WINNER & BRITISH OPEN WATER SWIMMING No.1 JACK BURNELL... CHOOSES HUUB HUUBDESIGN.COM