Drafting is an important and useful strategy in open water swimming competitions for many reasons, here are several of them:
1. Energy Conservation: By swimming closely behind or beside another swimmer, a swimmer can take advantage of the lead swimmer’s forward motion and reduce their own resistance in the water. Swimming in a layer of rising bubbles. This reduces the energy expenditure required to swim at a given pace, allowing swimmers to conserve energy for crucial parts of the race.
2. Reduced Water Turbulence: When swimming directly behind another swimmer, the lead swimmer creates a «slipstream» that helps break the water’s surface tension. This results in reduced turbulence and drag for the trailing swimmer, making it easier for them to maintain their speed and swim more efficiently.
3. Navigation Assistance: In open water races, swimmers often face challenges such as currents, waves, and sighting difficulties. By drafting behind a swimmer, a swimmer can use the lead swimmer as a guide and benefit from their improved visibility. This helps in navigating the course more effectively and reducing the risk of veering off course.
4. Mental Focus: When a swimmer is closely trailing behind another swimmer, they can maintain a heightened level of mental focus. By fixating on the swimmer ahead, they can set smaller goals, such as keeping a consistent distance or staying in their slipstream group, which helps distract from fatigue or doubts that may arise during a race.
5. Competitive Motivation: Drafting can ignite a sense of competitiveness and drive in the trailing swimmer. Being in close proximity to another swimmer can create a competitive spirit, pushing them to match or surpass the lead swimmer’s pace. This can result in increased motivation and a desire to perform at a higher level.
6. Tactical Advantage: Drafting allows swimmers to strategically position themselves during a race. They can choose to draft behind a stronger swimmer, conserving energy while waiting for the right moment to make a strategic move. This tactical advantage can provide a psychological boost, knowing that they have a plan in place to make a strategic surge when the time is right.
7. Reduced Anxiety: Open water swimming can be challenging, especially when swimmers face unfamiliar conditions and distances. Drafting behind another swimmer can alleviate anxiety and provide a sense of security. Having a “pacer” in front can create a feeling of safety and comfort, enabling the trailing swimmer to focus more on their technique and race strategy.