Swimming New Zealand homepage

The start of something extraordinary

MATT'S EPIC TIPS PART 2


The Epic Swim is one month away and this week 2017 Men's NZ Open Water Champion Matt Scott brings you his best tips on 'what to wear' and 'what NOT to do' when preparing for #EpicSwim2018

WHAT TO WEAR


When it comes to open water swimming, preference is a big thing.
If you’re not comfortable in what your wearing, find something else that is comfortable. For me I hate wearing things on my shoulders because I’m just not used to it. For me a full body race suit doesn’t work, sure it may be faster but if your shoulders get sore a couple of km's in, is it worth it? So i'd recommed, trialling a few options now and get used to it.

In terms of wetsuits... finding something that gives me freedom in the shoulders is key. This means a wetsuit with very flexible shoulders and the right size. I used to wear a sleeveless wetsuit to give me this freedom but now am more used to swimming with sleeves I have found a wetsuit that works for me. Do your research and try on some different brands and types of suit and find the one that works for you.

Remember, wetsuits give you buoyancy and keep you warm. But also there's nothing wrong with swimming in budgies and/or one piece.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN PREPARING FOR OPEN WATER SWIMS

Be smart. You know yourself and your body, so don’t do anything silly that may jeopardise your race and the goal you are setting out to achieve.

Oh, and one more thing... Don’t think about sharks, it just scares the sh*t out of you.


The way I think of it is, if i’m loving what I’m doing, I’m going to take that risk haha.

Keep up the awesome training. Next week at look at tips around swimming in chops.

- Matt Scott.


Follow Matt on Instagram: @matt_sco11

For more information and to enter the EPIC swim 2018 click here