The buoyancy of saltwater makes swimming in the ocean faster and less strenuous compared to swimming in fresh water, but the currents and waves can really slow you down -- unless you use them to your advantage. By riding the waves to shore, you allow the power of the sea to give you the boost you need to win your race. For safety, only ride waves if you have strong swimming experience, and always swim within view of a lifeguard.
Body Surfing
Body surfing is the act of riding the waves. Your body, in effect, serves as a surf board. When you're properly positioned and you catch a wave at just the right time, the wave picks you up and carries you to shore. If the timing is off, you miss the wave and simply float over the swell. Of course, if you're body surfing during a swim race, you don't have the luxury of timing the waves. Instead, you must rely on what you feel and see as the waves approach, and attempt to position yourself properly when the right waves hits.
Catching a Wave
In order to catch a wave, you need to be just ahead of its crest as it begins to break. You can feel it as you're swimming. Whereas the swell of a missed wave moves past you much faster than you can swim, when you catch a wave you move at the same speed. You can feel it "lock" onto to you. At this point, stop swimming except to stay in the wave, if necessary. The wave will carry you much faster than you can swim, so you won't lose any time. Kick your feet, stretch your arms out in front of you, and lower your chest, as if you were riding a sliding board head first.
Riding the Wave
Body surfers usually try to align their bodies with the direction of the wave in order to get the longest ride. When you're riding waves in a swim race, however, you must keep your body pointing directly to shore, even if it means losing the wave before it runs out of steam. As soon as you feel yourself begin to slow, assume the wave has lost its energy. Swim the rest of the way to the finish.
Ocean Safety
You should only race and body surf in waves that are 1 to 4 feet. Larger waves can be dangerous. Also, the beach should have a gentle slope. A steep drop-off is red flag that you could get caught in a large wave that breaks dangerously close to shore. As you race in the ocean, lift your head frequently and look in front of you to make sure you're heading directly toward shore. Never begin your race in water that's over your head -- but always begin your race in deeper water and end in shallower.
Member Comments