Open Water Wednesdays

The Workout

The main workout takes place on a 300-yard buoy course set up just off shore.  A coach will be in a kayak at a corner of the course leading the workout.  They will call different sets of 50 yards, 100 yards, or more and you'll swim in groups of swimmers of similar speed.  You'll get a ton of practice navigating turns, sighting, and swimming close to others. It's a great combination of open water practice and interval training to make you faster!  The coach will give you a short explanation each night at our meeting spot near the boat launch and then we'll head to the water for a lap or two of warm-up. Expect to work hard, have FUN, and get faster!

 

If you are new to open water swimming and/or would like to practice closer to shore for awhile, a second coach will be in a kayak ready to learn a little about you and help you prepare to head out to the buoy course. Some swimmers stay near shore for a workout or two or three - there's no pressure to go to the buoy course but the coach will encourage you to do that when you're ready. You can also move from the buoy course to the shore workout to get some coaching on your stroke or help with specific skills.  The buoy course is the best place to practice turns and sighting and prepare you for open water swimming in a race. 

 

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are mandatory at these practices.  There are loaner wetsuits available at Northwest Tri & Bike that you can pick up prior to the workout.  The type of wetsuit you bring is very important! If you need to purchase or borrow a wetsuit for a workout, see the info on the 'Wetsuit' page.

 

Details

Parking is limited and depending on the weather, the park can be crowded. There is limited availability in the boat launch parking lot, where we meet.  Don't park in the spots intended for trailers-only. You can get ticketed for that. 

There is more parking in the Main parking lot off Kent-Kangley Road.  The Soos Creek Trailhead is 1/4 mile away and has more parking. Plan to arrive early, if possible, especially when the weather is warm and there are a lot of public users in the park.

 

The workout will begin at 6:30: You might arrive a little early so you can check in and suit up.. There are bathrooms a 5-minute walk away from our meeting spot. It's most convenient to arrive with your swimsuit on and get into your wetsuit at our meeting spot. WETSUITS ARE MANDATORY. 
 

An RTB staff member or volunteer will check you in when you arrive.
 
If you sign up for a specific date and can't make it, we can easily transfer you to other dates anytime during the series without advanced notice. Please come on the nights that work best for you. 
 
You may leave your belongings at check-in. A trustworthy RTBer will look after them for you.
 

The workout ends at around 7:30pm. 

 

Questions? Email admin@weraisethebar.com.