How to be a Good Support Swimmer
Posted by Scott Zornig, 1 April 2014
During my first marathon swim, I used support swimmers. I appreciated having them in the water as it was comforting to me. Most of my support swimmers did a good job, but I did not give them any direction beforehand as it was my first swim. I still remember in hour 9, my masters swim coach alternating between backstroke and breaststroke 15 yards in front of me. I knew I was moving slow and he was a constant reminder. Although well intended, he was not helping and was actually depressing me in my attempt to cross the channel.
My guess is that over 70% of SBCSA soloists use support swimmers. A good support swimmer can lift spirits and provide peace of mind. Poor support can be disruptive and mentally break a swimmer. Below is my list of “do’s and don’ts” in support swimming:
The 20 do’s and don’ts of support swimming
- Discuss all rules of engagement beforehand with the marathon swimmer
- Do not swim ahead or in front of the swimmer
- Do not provide a draft for the swimmer
- Do not do breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, sidestroke or any stroke but freestyle
- Always swim freestyle. If the swimmer is going slow, switch to one arm freestyle, but try to mask this from the swimmer.
- Swim a few feet behind the swimmer (on the left or right)
- Swim on the side which is preferred by the swimmer and stay there unless told otherwise
- Do not eat in front of the swimmer. If you need to feed, it is probably a good time to change swimmers
- Do not complain about the water being cold
- Do not scream as you jump in the water to start your leg of support
- Do not complain about the conditions
- Do not run into or bump the swimmer
- Do not rest on the kayak
- Do not wear a wetsuit, neoprene cap or fins unless previously cleared with the swimmer
- Do not physically assist the swimmer
- Do not announce anything you see under the water unless it is positive (ie, Dolphin)
- Do not do anything which might remind the swimmer that they are moving slowly
- Provide the observer with useful information about the swimmer
- Encourage, encourage and encourage some more
- Respect the rules of the sanctioning organization