Open Water Source - The Global Home of Open Water Swimming
Preferred Web Browsers
This website works best with the following web browsers. Each one is a free download, and each one provides an optimal browsing experience.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you are using Internet Explorer, you may experience difficulties with certain features of this website. Internet Explorer users, please go directly to the Open Water Source membership site.
Videos and Podcasts
Powered by Flash
This website requires Adobe Flash Player.
Click HERE to download.
A FREE Gift to the Open Water Community!
Kayaking and Escorting
in the Open Water
Determine your best line from point to point on the course when escorting open water swimmers, balancing the effects of the elements. Keep your kayak parallel to your swimmer so you can guide them on the straightest or most optimal course at all times if there are currents, tidal flows, ocean swells, waves or surface chop. If there are oncoming waves, you may want to adjust your straight-line tangent to take advantage of the elements. Remain diligent and vigil at all times. Take your mobile phone, course map and an air horn/whistle for emergencies. In some races, you will be provided with a bid with your swimmer's number on it for easy identification of your swimmer. For night swimming, we recommend lining the entire kayak with green glow sticks which makes it much easier for the swimmer and support crew to see.
One-on-one Paddling
Paddling for a single swimmer. Keep the nose of the paddle board pointed in the direction you wish to head.
Two-on-One Paddling
Keep the swimmer in the middle of the paddle board and the pace swimmer, if there is one.
Surprises While Kayaking
Occasionally, swimmers will be surprised by watercraft, reefs, flotsam/jetsam in the water or marine life. Maintain a lookout at all times and warn swimmers of such surprises.
Kayaking In Australia
Kayaking At Night
Use extreme caution and be constantly vigil. Green glow sticks and green disc lights often work best.
Kayaking in the Northeast Kingdom
Beth Barnes Kayaking on Catalina Glass
Dave Van Mouwerik on a Feeding Break
With Chip Watkins giving good vibes during a cold- water channel swim.
Kayaking Under Rough Conditions
Keep the swimmer close to you as both of you navigate in the ocean swells and surface chop.
Kayaking Under Calm Conditions
If there are two kayakers, position the swimmer in the middle of the kayakers. Always maintain eye contact.
Feeding While Kayaking
Hold the bottle or cup out from the kayak so the swimmer can easily reach.
Contact Open Water Source for Safety Clinics for Mass Participation Competitive Events and Solo Swims
Paddling Old-School to Catalina
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
www.openwatersource.com is a web property of Pan Pacific Partners.
© 2010 Pan Pacific Partners, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
www.openwatersource.com is a web property of Pan Pacific Partners.
© 2010 Pan Pacific Partners, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|