<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Open Water - Tri247</title><link>http://www.tri247.com/index.html</link><description>Latest open water articles from Tri247</description><item><title><![CDATA[H2O Magazine launches National Ranking Series]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9518.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[H2O, the world&#039;s only dedicated open water swimming magazine, has joined forces with a number of open water swim organisers around the country and established a seven event National Ranking Series.

Swimmers will have to complete three of the seven races to participate and will be awarded points based on their finishing position. The top swimmers in each age group will be crowned national champions at the end of the year. Race distances range from 1 mile to 5 km and take place in the sea, rivers and lakes around Britain.

Registration for the series is free (race entries need to be paid as normal) and can be completed through H2Open&rsquo;s website.

Simon Griffiths, H2Open Magazine founder and editor, says: &quot;As a triathlete with a swimming background I&rsquo;d strongly urge triathletes to work on their swimming. A good swimmer can complete 1500m in 20 minutes and come out feeling stronger and fresher than a weaker swimmer who takes 25 or 30 minutes, and it&rsquo;s hard to close down a 10 minute gap in an Olympic distance race.&quot;

&quot;The other thing about swimming, compared to running and cycling, is that it rewards technique and experience over strength and fitness, and so it&rsquo;s important to get in the water as often as possible. We&rsquo;d therefore really encourage triathletes to complete as many open water races as they can, without having to worry about the other two disciplines afterwards, and if they take part in the Series, who knows, some may find they&rsquo;re quite competitive nationally.&quot;

The races in the series are:


	
		Date
		Event
		Organiser
		Distance
	
	
		May 5th
		Box End Swim (near Bedford)
		Galeforce Events
		5k (lake)
	
	
		June 8th
		The Wales Swim, Tenby
		The Wales Swim
		1.9k (sea)
	
	
		July 8th
		The Henley Mile, Henley
		HenleySwim
		1 mile (river)
	
	
		August 4th
		The Edinburgh Swim Festival, Edinburgh
		Edinburgh Racing
		2k (sea)
	
	
		August 5th
		Votwo Bournemouth Long Swim
		Votwo Events
		2.5k (sea)
	
	
		August 18th
		Monster Swim, Loch Ness
		Monster Swim
		TBC (lake)
	
	
		September 8th
		The South West Swim, nr Radstock, Somerset
		DB Max
		5k (lake)
	


As well as launching the National Ranking Series the magazine has big plans for 2012 including launching the H2Open Day. This is scheduled for 28 April 2012 at the Reading Lake Hotel and will include demonstrations, coaching sessions, kit testing and the chance to jump into the lake for some pre-season open water practice. H2Open is working in partnership with Triathlon Racing Inc, organiser of the Lakeside Triathlon, and the Tri2O team, who hold regular swimming sessions at the hotel.

For more information about the H2Open Day and the National Open Water Ranking Series (and to enter the Series) see www.h2openmagazine.com
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[SwimFesT 2012 Series launches with new 10K race]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9482.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[SwimFest, the three-date open water race series based at Alexandra Lake in the grounds of Lakeside shopping complex in Essex, has been launched for 2012 with the addition of a 10k distance race. The Olympic distance event has been added following feedback from competitors at the 2011 events and is already proving to be the most popular of the other race distances on offer &amp;ndash; 750m, 1.5K, 3.8K and 5K.

Organising partners SwimforTri (SFT) and Triathlon Racing Inc (TRI) have confirmed dates for the 2012 SwimFesT Series as Sundays 27th May (Spring), 15th July (Summer) and 16th September (Autumn) and the 10K race will be added to the programme for the July event.

The SwimFesT Series grew significantly during 2011, with nearly 500 competitors of all abilities competing. Headline sponsor Decathlon, the world&#039;s biggest sports retail chain supplying equipment and clothing for over 70 different sports, has boosted the age group prize pot by continuing its support for the event in 2012

SFT&amp;rsquo;s Dan Bullock, a Speedo Advisory Coach and past 220 Tri Magazine Coach of the Year, said &amp;ldquo;With the fantastic support of Decathlon we are continuing to improve and expand the SwimFesT programme to offer exactly what competitors want &amp;ndash; different distances to allow progression or an opportunity to gauge improvement in performance at a chosen distance over the course of the season. It is unique, with the broadest race programme on offer anywhere in the UK and the 10K is a natural addition for us as our competitors look to push their personal boundaries.&amp;rdquo;

Lakeside offers first class facilities for open water swimming. A great atmosphere, an accurate course, huge marker bouys, electronic chip timing of each lap and professional commentating are just some of the reasons why SwimFesT offers a high quality option to those who want to compete in open water swimming.

For more information and to book online visit www.swimfortri.com

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ALL SWIMFEST 2012 EVENTS]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[SwimTrek launches Malta camp]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9472.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Planning on entering a competitive open water or triathlon event in 2012? SwimTrek have put together a pre-season training trip featuring open water swims and coaching sessions in and around Gozo and Comino together with the challenge of an iconic 5km crossing from Gozo to Malta.

Unlike many other training camps, this trip is based solely in the sea. The tour has been specifically developed for those who enjoy getting up to speed. With qualified swim and triathlon coaches on hand, this training camp will be a great learning experience and lots of fun! This six day trip includes; drill practice and video analysis sessions using underwater video equipment, race nutrition and hydration, coaching sessions to develop sighting/ drafting and race starts which is then put into practice with swims along the coast.

This is an amazing trip to start the season based in the beautiful bay village of Xlendi on the island of Gozo this is the perfect way to get fit and soak up some well deserved sunshine. Cost, excluding flights, of the camp is &pound;680 per person based on double occupancy.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[H2Open plans National Ranking]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9418.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[H2Open Magazine was launched in February 2011 as the world&rsquo;s only dedicated open water swimming magazine and over the subsequent 10 months has grown its subscriber base to over 1500 swimmers and triathletes. The magazine covers the entire range of open water swimming activities from wild swimming to mass participation races, elite racing and long-distance challenges.

Founder Simon Griffiths, who previously wrote for Triathlete&rsquo;s World, says, &quot;when you look at open water swimming you quickly realise there is so much more to it than just something to get through before jumping on your bike. The sport is massively exciting in its own right and this is reflected in its rapid growth over the past two years.&quot;

The magazine has big plans for 2012 including the H2Open Day and the a National Open Water Swimming Ranking Series.

The H2Open Day is scheduled for 28 April 2012 at the Reading Lakes Hotel and will include demonstrations, coaching sessions, kit testing and the chance to jump into the lake for some pre-season open water practice. H2Open is working in partnership with Triathlon Racing Inc, organiser of the Lakeside Triathlon, and the Tri2O team, who hold regular swimming sessions at the hotel.

For the National Ranking Series, H2Open is working with seven race organisers to give swimmers a chance to see how good a swimmer they are against their age-group peers. Swimmers will have to complete three of the seven races to participate and will be awarded points based on their finishing position. The top swimmers in each age group will be crowned national champions at the end of the year. Race distances range from 1 mile to 5 km and take place in the sea, rivers and lakes.

&quot;As a triathlete with a swimming background I&rsquo;d strongly urge triathletes to work on their swimming,&quot; says Griffiths. &quot;A good swimmer can complete 1500m in 20 minutes and come out feeling stronger and fresher than a weaker swimmer who takes 25 or 30 minutes, and it&rsquo;s hard to close down a 10 minute gap in an Olympic distance race.&quot;

&quot;The other thing about swimming, compared to running and cycling, is that it rewards technique and experience over strength and fitness, and so it&rsquo;s important to get in the water as often as possible. We&rsquo;d therefore really encourage triathletes to complete as many open water races as they can, without having to worry about the other two disciplines afterwards, and if they take part in the Series, who knows, some may find they&rsquo;re quite competitive nationally.&quot;

For more information about the H2Open Day and the National Open Water Ranking Series see www.h2openmagazine.com]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Last chance to enter Speedo ‘Swim The Year’ competition]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9412.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Today is the last chance to enter the competition run by Human Race which will see one lucky swimmer win entry into all six races in the 2012 Speedo Open Water Swim Series and a Speedo triathELITE wetsuit.

With the series encompassing rivers, lakes and swims and each event including a number of different distances, the prize means a full year of swimming in some of the most picturesque locations in the UK. The series kicks off with the Eton event in May which features numerous distances from 750 metres up to the full 10 kilometres swimmers marathon before the WomenOnly Swim at Dorney Lake a few weeks later. Following that, the series takes to moving water with swims in the River Thames at Windsor, Hampton Court and then Marlow during June, July and August before the finishing on a high with a sea swim in the stunning location of Sandbanks, Poole in September.

According to John Lunt, MD of series organisers Human Race, the competition is perfect for those new to the sport, as well as seasoned open water swimmers. &ldquo;Because all the events in the series have achievable distances as well as challenging longer courses, whoever wins will be able to swim all year and experience just how much the UK has to offer from an open water point of view.&rdquo;

Along with entry to all six races in the series, the lucky winner will receive a Speedo triathELITE wetsuit designed specifically for open water swimming and a host of other goodies from the official sponsors and partners of the Speedo Open Water Swim Series to help them prepare for a year of swimming open water.

To enter the competition email organisers Human Race on races@humanrace.co.uk  with &lsquo;I WANT TO SWIM THE YEAR&rsquo; in the subject line by midnight tonight!
More details on the 2012 Speedo Open Water Swim Series can be found at www.openwaterswimseries.co.uk]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Win entry to Speedo Open Water Swim Series]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9316.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[To celebrate the opening of the 2012 Speedo Open Water Swim Series, organisers Human Race are offering one lucky winner a free entry into all six events across the year. With the series encompassing rivers, lakes and swims and each event including a number of different distances, the prize means a full year of swimming in some of the most picturesque locations in the UK.

The series kicks off with the Eton event in May which features numerous distances from 750 metres up to the full 10 kilometres swimmers marathon before the WomenOnly Swim at Dorney Lake a few weeks later. Following that, the series takes to moving water with swims in the River Thames at Windsor, Hampton Court and then Marlow during June, July and August before the finishing on a high with a sea swim in the stunning location of Sandbanks, Poole in September.

According to John Lunt, MD of series organisers Human Race, the competition is perfect for those new to the sport, as well as seasoned open water swimmers. &ldquo;Because all the events in the series have achievable distances as well as challenging longer courses, whoever wins will be able to swim all year and experience just how much the UK has to offer from an open water point of view.&rdquo;

Along with entry to all six races in the series, the lucky winner will receive a Speedo triathELITE wetsuit designed specifically for open water swimming and a host of other goodies from the official sponsors and partners of the Speedo Open Water Swim Series to help them prepare for a year of swimming open water. 

To enter the competition email organisers Human Race on races@humanrace.co.uk with &lsquo;I WANT TO SWIM THE YEAR&rsquo; in the subject line. Entries close on Friday the 9th of December with the winner announced on Monday 12th December. More details on the 2012 Speedo Open Water Swim Series can be found here.
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Speedo Open Water Swim Series open for entries]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9255.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Following the success of the 2011 series, which saw over 5,000 swimmers take to the UK&rsquo;s rivers, lakes and seas, the Speedo Open Water Swim Series is back in 2012, with the addition of a brand new event just for women.

The series kicks off with the Eton Swim on Sunday 27th May. The first event takes place at 2012 Olympic rowing venue of Dorney Lake and includes the 10 kilometre &lsquo;swimmers marathon&rsquo; event, along with multiple distances from 750m up to 3k. According to John Lunt, MD of Human Race, the 10k is set to become an iconic feature on the UK&rsquo;s endurance calendar. &ldquo;We had 300 swimmers take on the longest distance last year and with the growing popularity of open water swimming, we hope to see even more take on this amazing challenge in 2012.&rdquo;

Also back are the three Thames Swims that were so popular in 2011, with the Windsor Swim on the 1st of July and the picturesque Marlow Swim on the 26th August. The latter will see some tweaks to the course following feedback from this year&rsquo;s event, says Lunt. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ll be extending the swim area upstream to give participants more room and to take in more of this perfect location for open water swimming.&rdquo;

Sandwiched between those two sits the flagship event in the series, the Hampton Court Swim on Sunday 15th July. The 2.25 mile downstream swim from Hampton Court Bridge to Kingston Bridge has become a &lsquo;must do&rsquo; for anyone interested in open water swimming and is set to sell out quickly.

Following the success of the WomenOnly Triathlon and WomenOnly Run events organised by Human Race, the swim series now includes the brand new Speedo WomenOnly Swim on Sunday 10th June. According to Lunt, this event will provide the perfect atmosphere for ladies to get a taste of swimming in open water. &ldquo;We know open water swimming can be daunting, and the &lsquo;washing machine&rsquo; of the start especially, which is exactly why we&rsquo;ve launched this event just for women. The atmosphere at all of our existing WomenOnly events is always great, we love putting them on and we know more and more women are looking for a new challenge and open water swimming certainly is that!&rdquo;

The last event of 2012 will see the series take to the sea in the glamorous setting of Sandbanks in Poole on Sunday 16th September. Forming part of the annual WindFest event and with a course that follows the beach along one of the most desirable places to live in the world, this event really is open water swimming with a difference.

The Windsor, Marlow, Poole and WomenOnly events will all include choices of 750m, 1500m and 3k swims while Eton will feature all of those plus the full 10k. Hampton Court is a point-to-point 2.25 mile event. More information on every event in the series plus online entry is now available at www.humanrace.co.uk.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Open water swim camp with Dan Bullock]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_9250.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Club La Santa have put together a new open-water swim camp with Dan Bullock from SwimForTri. The camp is aimed at beginner and intermediate level triathletes and open water swimmers looking to find clear, concise and helpful coaching towards faster swimming in open water, with more confidence.

This is the camp to start developing skills to help you swim just the race course distance without straying off the course. During the camp you will learn how often you personally should sight, about breathing patterns, front crawl technique (this can differ from pool swimming) and wetsuit fitting skills. Race tactics will be covered to help both triathletes and those racing in open water competitions.

The course will run from January 26th to February 2nd 2012 and is hosted by Dan Bullock, Head Coach at SFT, Speedo&#039;s Open Water Advisory Coach, National Open Water Champion 2010, 2011 and now qualified with ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association) as well as the BTF and ASA. The course is restricted to guests staying at La Santa and will cost &pound;140 which includes all coaching, seminars and lectures and an end-of-week dinner but does not include flights or accomodation costs.

For more details see this page on the La Santa website.]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Virgin Active Video Training Series #7]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_8822.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Preparing for Open Water Swimming with Speedo presented  by Olympian, Marc Jenkins
Here Marc shows how to prepare for the open water swimming  leg of a Triathlon. Marc and a training partner demonstrate deep-water starts  and tips for how best to be positioned in the water whilst waiting for the gun.  Marc also covers sighting, practicing turns, tumble turns and the rolling  technique when pulling round the buoy, which helps maintain momentum. Marc also  shows how best to exit the water.

Why not check out the entire series?

  Planning your Training and Getting the Most Out of  Race Day with Virgin Active
  Tips for race day, with Team Freespeed Virgin Activators
  Essential Kit for Triathlon with Olympian,  Marc  Jenkins
  Choosing the Best Wetsuit, Goggles and Tri suit with  Speedo presented by Dermot Hayes and Olympian Marc Jenkins
  The Right Shoe for Running Efficiently and Comfortably,  with Asics
  Getting the Most Out of Your Watch and Training with  Timex presented by Olympian, Marc Jenkins
  Preparing for Open Water Swimming with Speedo presented  by Olympian, Marc Jenkins
  Transitions with Team Freespeed and Team Challenger World  UK
  Pre Race Bike Check with Olympian, Marc Jenkins
  Changing a Punctured Tyre with Olympian,  Marc  Jenkins
  Running Techniques with Olympian,  Marc Jenkins
  Nutrition Strategies to Improve Performance, with  Maxifuel
  Monitoring Hydration and Calculating Sweat Rates with  Gatorade presented by Dr. Ian Roll

Find out more about the launch of the Virgin Active London Triathlon   Triathlon Training Series HERE
]]></description></item><item><title><![CDATA[Product review: Robie Robe]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.tri247.com/article_8739.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[The new &quot;ultimate changing robe / towel that makes changing faster, easier   and warmer&quot;.
An interesting item that is tugging at your wallet for 2011 is the Robie   Robe. I have something very similar for my daughter to use after her swimming   lessons and here is my version, bigger, more practically coloured and that bit   more useful than just a towel.
Made from 100% machine washable cotton with soft velour on the outside and   toweling on the inside it is great for drying off or keeping warm after an   event. Side splits for your arms give you the freedom to change whilst keeping   your dignity in public.
This is the perfect thing for after a morning training swim at the lake   whilst enjoying your bacon buttie as the sun rises. And in fact for a whole host   of occasions. This is not a triathlon exclusive item but seems to be suitably   fit for purpose.
Very easy to use and ample sizes make this feel like a worthwhile purchase   even if it is quite a bit more money than a standard towel. That said, decent   beach towels are not that much cheaper. Price aside, it will no doubt be eyed up   by fellow swimmers or other members of the family, so you better keep an eye on   it!&nbsp;

Adult Sizing:

  Measurements for Standard Size Robie Length 110cm (Width 80cm)
  Measurements for Extra Long Robie Length 130cm (Width 80cm)

Measurements are taken from the shoulder down. Choose the extra long robe if you are over 6ft tall!
Childrens Sizing:

  The Length of the 6-10yrs robe from shoulder to hem is 70cm. Width   &nbsp;70cm.
  The Length of the &nbsp;3-6yrs robe from shoulder to hem is 65cm. &nbsp;Width   55cm.

&quot;Stay warm and get dry FAST after your swim!&quot; You can find out more at www.fit4swimming.com
Special offer: Free TYR drinks bottle with every Robie Robe orderd from   www.fit4swimming.com - while stocks last!]]></description></item></channel></rss>
