How to deal with a busy field by Sophie Corbidge

I have to be honest; swimming in the open water during a race is a far cry from the comfort of a nice heated pool lane. Instead of just one or two other swimmers giving you plenty of room and politely passing you at the end of the length, you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a washing machine, with about fifteen other suckers invading your personal space. The fight is on. Everyone is aiming for the same buoy or swim marker, and there is only one route to take - the straight line from A to B. The thought of this situation may seem like a nightmare to you, and you wouldn't be alone. Open water swimming in a busy field is an intimidating prospect, and even the most elite athletes have to overcome their fears. I think the most important thing to remember is that you WILL BE OK. You may take a few knocks, but the worst thing that will happen is that you get a few bumps and bruises. 

The more you try to stay relaxed and confident, the more you will enjoy the experience, instead of dreading it and worrying about the things you can't control. Focus on your own race and what you CAN control, like your stroke technique and the line you take to the buoy or marker. If your stroke gets interrupted by another swimmer (eg. if your arm links with theirs), do not panic. Simply return to a position where you can continue your stroke, and use the interruption as an opportunity to sight for the buoy. When I am in a race, I find that it helps to use the draft of other swimmers, so slot in their streamline behind their feet, and glide along in their current. This saves energy, and gives you a chance to focus on your technique. However, do not rely on the person ahead of you for accurate directions! Make sure that you look up to sight for the buoy every 10-12 strokes, regardless of whether you are in a group or on someone's feet. The guy ahead of you may be a faster swimmer, but they may be a shocking navigator! 

As you round the buoy with company, try not to treat it as a test in the Hunger Games. Stand your ground, but do not go out of your way to upset others because this doesn't do you or anyone else any favours! Keep your head up around the buoy to make sure you can see everything happening around you, and pick up your arm turnover so that you're more efficient. Do not use other people's heads as makeshift pool walls, and NEVER pull on people's wetsuits - treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. However, don't let yourself become a victim. Swim with confidence, and make sure your stroke remains strong. It is important that people respect you, and you respect the other swimmers too.

So there's my key points to help you handle a busy field! Just keep swimming and SEA for yourself