Flat-pool swimmers often discover on race day that open water behaves very differently from the lane ropes. Choppy water can disrupt rhythm, increase anxiety, and slow you down significantly if you haven’t trained for it. The good news: a few targeted techniques transform choppy water from a weakness into a non-issue. Why Choppy Water is…
Swim anxiety is one of the most common challenges triathletes face, affecting beginners and experienced athletes alike. The combination of cold water, a crowded start, limited visibility, and the pressure of race day can trigger a panic response that derails an otherwise well-prepared race. The good news: swim anxiety is manageable, and most athletes who…
The inaugural World Triathlon Cup Lanzarote delivered a thrilling race day on 14 March 2026, with Germany’s Nina Eim taking the women’s title and Spain’s David Cantero Del Campo overcoming a 10-second penalty to claim a dramatic men’s victory on the Canary Island course. Women’s Race Results Germany dominated the women’s race as Nina Eim…
Open water swimming is one of the most liberating parts of triathlon — but it carries genuine risks that pool swimming does not. Understanding and managing those risks means you can enjoy open water with confidence. This guide covers everything every triathlete should know before entering natural open water. Know the Risks Before You Get…
Women’s Race: Kat Matthews Destroys the Course Record Britain’s Kat Matthews delivered one of the most dominant performances in IRONMAN New Zealand history at Taupo on 7 March 2026, crossing the finish line in 8:28:55 — more than 10 minutes faster than the previous course record. Matthews led from the front throughout and extended her…
You've trained in the pool for months. Your stroke is smooth, your bilateral breathing is consistent, and your CSS pace is on point. Then race day arrives and the open water is choppy — you swallow a mouthful on the first stroke and your whole race unravels. Choppy water is one of the biggest challenges…
The swim exit is one of the most overlooked skills in triathlon. In the excitement and exhaustion of completing the swim, most age-groupers stumble out of the water and waste precious seconds before reaching T1. A few focused practice sessions and some simple technique changes can save you significant time at every race. The Dolphin…
Why Wetsuit Thickness Matters Wetsuit thickness directly affects two things that matter in triathlon: warmth and flexibility. Thicker neoprene provides more insulation and buoyancy but restricts shoulder movement, slowing your swim stroke. Thinner neoprene gives you more freedom in the water but offers less protection in colder temperatures. Getting the balance right for your water…
Why Open Water is Different from the Pool If you’ve only ever trained in a pool, your first open water swim can feel like a different sport entirely. There are no lane ropes to hold onto, no black line on the bottom to follow, no wall to push off every 25 metres — and depending…
Choosing the right wetsuit thickness is one of the most important decisions an open water swimmer or triathlete faces. Get it wrong and you risk being too cold to perform — or too buoyant and restricted. Here is how to choose the right thickness for UK open water conditions. Why Wetsuit Thickness Matters Wetsuit thickness…
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