Triathlons are multi-sport endurance races in which athletes complete set distances of three sports, one after another. The combination of swimming, biking and running is the most common for triathlons, with swimming distances ranging from 500 m in a sprint triathlon to 2.4 miles in an ironman event. Triathlon swims commonly take place in open water, usually a lake or ocean. Both saltwater and freshwater swims have advantages and disadvantages. Consult your doctor before starting any new training plan or exercise regimen.
Buoyancy
You will be more buoyant in saltwater than freshwater, and this can help you swim faster as you use less energy staying afloat and can propel yourself forward faster. Your body position in the water will be a little different due to the increased buoyancy, and this will feel different if you have done the majority of your training in a swimming pool. Overall, you will experience a potential gain in swimming speed, but might have to adapt to a different feel and body position during the swim.
Waves
Freshwater swimming has the advantage over most saltwater swimming when waves and choppy water are involved. Small freshwater lakes usually have stiller waters than the ocean, although significant waves can occur in larger lake areas such as Chicago's Lake Michigan shores. The waves commonly encountered in ocean swimming can slow you down as they make it harder to swim in a straight line towards a target, usually a buoy. Also, heavy waves or choppy water contribute to nausea for some triathletes.
Salt Taste
Most triathletes agree: Swallowing saltwater during an open-water swim is pretty nasty in comparison with getting a mouthful of freshwater. You will learn to avoid drinking water during your training sessions in a chlorinated pool, but drinking some saltwater in open-water swimming is a bit more likely because of the chance of waves and choppy water. Getting a mouthful of saltwater can make you feel thirsty or nauseated. The type of stroke you choose for your triathlon swim will affect your likelihood of drinking water: The front crawl places your mouth closer to the water as you inhale than the backstroke.
The Rest of the Race
For shorter races, many triathletes wear their swimming costumes for the cycling portion of the race. Alternatively, they might swim in a specific triathlon top that can be worn throughout the cycle ride and the run. For longer races, athletes might change their outfits in the two transition sections. For any race distance, chances are you will be drying off throughout the bike and run sections. Saltwater, which leaves salty residue on your skin, will make chafing and discomfort more likely during the rest of the race than freshwater. Some races provide hosing-off facilities in the first transition to reduce salt-related discomfort.
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