Feeding sticks are not quite de riguer among pro marathon swimmers, but if any competitive swimmer wants to compete at the world-class level, they have one. Feeding sticks are home-made and come in various sizes and styles.

But the basic features and benefits of feeding sticks used in competitive races are well-known among the world’s fastest swimmers.

The feeding stick should be long enough (at least 2 meters and up to 3 meters) to reach out beyond a feeding station that can be a boat, a dock, a pier or somewhere along the shoreline. Generally, they have to be checked in as luggage on air flights, so a sturdy composite material is recommended.

The feeding stick should have a cup holder, and preferably two. One cup holder can be used for food (e.g., gel packs) and the other for drinks. Or both holders can contain cups or bottles for drinks. Even the color and size of the cups can serve as confidential information between the athlete and the coach (e.g., red cups means your pace is good – white cups means to pick it up).

The feeding stick can be made out of golf ball retrievers or a variety of other instruments or products. It can also have special bits and features such as a clip at the end to hold extra gel packs or food. At the highest end, the feeding stick can have a flag for easy identification and even a camera to capture the sights and sounds of the athletes coming in and out of the feeding station.

The clever innovations of the open water swimming community are always a treat to observe at international competitions.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source