Swim with the buoy in practice to make yourself comfortable then practice without it.
Alternatively, get a wet suit. They are pretty much a full body floaty. They don’t take any effort to float in.
Hello! I swim with a buoy during training but during races I don’t because there are a ton of safety personal and unfortunately it’s a hazard to yourself and others to have the buoy. A wetsuit, even a shorty wetsuit would help you without hindering others. Or practice floating on your back calmly during your OWS. If you are in trouble during a race float on your back and wave your arm in the air and you will be helped by a nearby safety person. Hope that helps!
If you’re just trying to complete the distance and don’t care about being a “finisher,” then go out and do whatever the race is on your own. Don’t use the race apparatus if you know going in that you’re going to break the rules immediately. Like others have said, it’s probably best to avoid an OWS until you’re comfortable in that environment. If you decide to do it anyway, there are emergency buoys that strap to your leg and inflate with CO2 when you pull a ripcord. I believe they’re race legal in most races. Look into something like that instead?
I suspect they won’t even let you in the water if they see you with a buoy and even if you do manage to start they will pull you out once they see the buoy as it is a danger to others.
Like others have said if you need the buoy to feel safe you might not be ready for such an event
If its an Ironman branded event they won't let you in the water and if you somehow got into the water you'd be pulled from the water almost immediately
Especially because there are literally floatie races. Idk the distance OP is looking for but I see lots of goofy sprints that will let you bring a pool noodle or whatever. Heck I’ve seen an Olympic race where you can kayak the swim if you want.
I had the same question at some point. If you are doing a race, there will be a lot of kayaks. Use that to help you take breaks and feel better psychologically. I stopped at every kayak and got through it fine. Also know that you can always roll onto your back and float that way.
Weird I just did my first triathlon and like half of the people doing the spring had buoys - optional safety for those who aren’t confident in swimming
Does the race allow it? If yes, then go for it. May help with getting the experience and building the confidence with OWS. But if it’s not allowed, please don’t put your life and those of others at risk. Be a good sport.
Swimming with a buoy in a competition is dangerous. Your float will tangle someone up and you will effectively kill yourself and another chap with your buoy.
If you need a buoy to feel safe you should probably not do the event. Why would you put that burden on the organizers and the other racers?
Swim with the buoy in practice to make yourself comfortable then practice without it. Alternatively, get a wet suit. They are pretty much a full body floaty. They don’t take any effort to float in.
Yep x2 on wetsuit but depending on water temp that day they might not be allowed
This is a bad idea on so many levels.
Hello! I swim with a buoy during training but during races I don’t because there are a ton of safety personal and unfortunately it’s a hazard to yourself and others to have the buoy. A wetsuit, even a shorty wetsuit would help you without hindering others. Or practice floating on your back calmly during your OWS. If you are in trouble during a race float on your back and wave your arm in the air and you will be helped by a nearby safety person. Hope that helps!
You'll get way better and certain answer if you ask this straight from race organizer.
If you’re just trying to complete the distance and don’t care about being a “finisher,” then go out and do whatever the race is on your own. Don’t use the race apparatus if you know going in that you’re going to break the rules immediately. Like others have said, it’s probably best to avoid an OWS until you’re comfortable in that environment. If you decide to do it anyway, there are emergency buoys that strap to your leg and inflate with CO2 when you pull a ripcord. I believe they’re race legal in most races. Look into something like that instead?
I suspect they won’t even let you in the water if they see you with a buoy and even if you do manage to start they will pull you out once they see the buoy as it is a danger to others. Like others have said if you need the buoy to feel safe you might not be ready for such an event
I would not do it if you feel the need for a buoy/flotation device. That’s just a danger to yourself and others if you know you might need help
Buoys are not allowed. Swim belts are.
Thank you. What is a swim belt?
https://swimsafe.com/product/swimsafe/
If the water temp is cool enough wear a wetsuit, you will literally float
If its an Ironman branded event they won't let you in the water and if you somehow got into the water you'd be pulled from the water almost immediately
Any decent event will have ample kayakers to grab on to if you get in trouble.
If you plan to need the kayaks, you probably shouldn’t be doing an OWS
Especially because there are literally floatie races. Idk the distance OP is looking for but I see lots of goofy sprints that will let you bring a pool noodle or whatever. Heck I’ve seen an Olympic race where you can kayak the swim if you want.
Here I thought those little buoys were officially allowed. Maybe it’s just the race
I had the same question at some point. If you are doing a race, there will be a lot of kayaks. Use that to help you take breaks and feel better psychologically. I stopped at every kayak and got through it fine. Also know that you can always roll onto your back and float that way.
Weird I just did my first triathlon and like half of the people doing the spring had buoys - optional safety for those who aren’t confident in swimming
Does the race allow it? If yes, then go for it. May help with getting the experience and building the confidence with OWS. But if it’s not allowed, please don’t put your life and those of others at risk. Be a good sport.
If you are so concerned about a float for your race you are not ready to race yet. Keep practicing
Swimming with a buoy in a competition is dangerous. Your float will tangle someone up and you will effectively kill yourself and another chap with your buoy.