Sometimes being a race director is like being the only flight attendant on an airplane. Or the principal of a school or a CEO in a corporate crisis.

Everyone it seems – from swimmers to their parents and coaches – is always asking questions and making requests of race directors before and after an open water swim.

Most athletes – fully intent on following the pack – are well-prepared after reading all the information and studying the course maps.

Others who may be newbies or occasionally an upset competitor seek answers or may want to complain or vent. A survey of some race directors around the world has generated some of the most common questions that they regularly hear. Below are a few of these questions:

WHO
1. Who is going to be there?
2. Who has the record?
3. Who is in charge?

WHAT
1. What buoys do we need to go around?
2. What do the buoys look like?
3. What is the water temperature going to be?

WHERE
1. Where is the start (or finish)?
2. Where are the restrooms?
3. Where’s registration?

WHEN
1. When does the race start?
2. When are the awards?
3. When are the results available?

WHY?
1. Why is the entry fee so high?
2. Why are the buoys so far apart?
3. It’s windy and raining, why are we still swimming?

Photo shows Jonathan and Robert Strauss of Swim Miami.

Copyright © 2013 by World Open Water Swimming Association