Ten Things To Consider About Hydration In The Open Water
When considering how much fluid to take during open water swims, several parameters must be considered by open water swimmers and their coaches. Proper hydration depends on:
1. Distance of race
2. Water temperature
3. Solar radiation
4. Air temperature
5. Training hydration habits
6. Amount and quality and timing of last two meals before the swim
7. Ability to take the hydration (from a boat, kayak, feeding pontoon)
8. General physiological condition (i.e., no upset stomach)
9. Ability to urinate
10. Amount and timing of fuel consumed (i.e., solid foods like fruits, chocolate, carbohydrates or gel packs)
Photo shows Olympian Mark Warkentin drinking at the 2007 World Swimming Championships.
Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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