Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

When there is a pack of swimmers, where should you swim?

If you breathe primarily to the right, you want the pack on your right as you draft and sight off the lead swimmers.

If you breathe primarily to the left, you want the pack on your left as you draft and sight off the lead swimmers.

If you breathe bilaterally, either side works and the choice may be dictated by the winds, waves, or location of the turn buoys.

If you are ready to make a break, swim up the side of the lead swimmer, conserve energy as you draft for a while, and then make a break as you create separation.

If you are getting tired and need some time to catch your breathe, position yourself in the middle of the pack and allow the pack to help get you going again.

If you wish to set the pace and dictate the direction of the pack, swim out in front.

Photo shows the field at the BCT Gdynia Marathon in Poland.

Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association