In the ToSwim open water swimming education program, coaches and athletes are introduced the concept of feeding in the open water swimming world, whether it is during a solo channel crossing or in a competitive race (like the upcoming .
“We divide the concepts into bite-sized segments in what they call the 6 T’s of Open Water Feeding: Tools + Techniques + Timing + Tactics + Turf + Taste” explains Steven Munatones.
Tools
- the feeding instrument: feeding stick, hand-to-hand, or rope-attached cup
- the marine vessel: boat, RIB, kayak, or paddle board
- position: floating feeding pontoon, pier, or jetty
- feeding vessel which can be a cup, gel pack, or water bottle
Technique
- how to position your body, approach the marine vessel, and grab and return the feeding vessel using the following four basic steps [see video below]:
- Step 1: Seek and Spot or when the swimmer heads toward the feeding pontoon and identifies his/her coach standing on the pontoon
- Step 2: Reach and Roll or when the swimmer extends his/her hand to grab hydration from his/her coach on the feeding pontoon, then turns over on his/her back to consume the hydration
- Step 3: Gulp and Go or when the swimmer quickly consumes hydration received from his/her coach on the feeding pontoon, then immediately begin to swim again after the momentary stop
- Step 4: Toss and Turn or when the swimmer discards or hands back the water bottle received from his/her coach and immediately turns over on his/her stomach to begin swimming
Timing
- includes the amount of time between feedings, the amount of time of the feedings (and its impact in turbulent or tidal conditions), and the amount of time since the start and from the estimated finish
Tactics
- includes when to feed depending on whether the swim is a competitive race, a relay or there are currents, chop or waves involved in a solo swim
Turf
- includes the water conditions in terms of waves, swells, chop, temperature and marine life
Taste
- includes how you feel (warm, cold, physically stressed or fatigued, frustrated, injured or discomforted by jellyfish stings) and what you need during their swim (more hydration, more carbohydrates, a boost through their favorite food or medication)
Feeding During Competitive Races
Video below shows the feeding station at the 60th Traversée internationale du lac St-Jean in Canada. Watch the top Canadian and American open water swimmers fed while competing in the 10 km races at the USA Swimming National Open Water Championships that will be live-streamed on the USA Swimming Network (watch for free here with Mike Lewis as the race announcer).
Feeding During Channel Crossings
There is a delicate balance between what swimmers need physically and what soothes them psychologically.
For example, while many swimmers prefer scientifically balanced gel packs, after hours of consuming gel packs and other nutritionally formulated electrolyte drinks, sometimes the swimmer is best served by a simple piece of chocolate, their favorite cookie, defizzed Coca-Cola, plain pasta, jelly babies, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich wedge, or hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Because open water swimming is such a mental game, a psychologically driven athletic endeavor, these commonly available foods and drinks can satisfy athletes in ways that a packaged gel pack cannot.
Potato Chips with John Muenzer
Many swimmers intuitively know what works best for their system. Sometimes, their selection was easy. Sometimes, their selection took months of trial and error. John Muenzer explains, “I actually stumbled across what foods and drinks have a positive effect on my stomach by accident during the 37 km Tampa Bay Marathon Swim. The conditions for the Tampa Bay swim in 2009 were less than favorable.
Just underway by about an hour or so, the winds picked up and with Tampa Bay a relatively shallow body of water, the waves were 3-4 feet. Then the waves settled in at 4 feet. The angle of the waves were coming directly at my side making it difficult to breathe on the right side. Near the five hour mark, I became quite sick, vomiting several times before the dry heaves entered the picture. I swam for another hour and for the first time I actually thought to call it a day. It was at this moment that I tried my new diet.
I ate potato chips and drank some Coca Cola. I was surprised to experience my stomach cramps and vomiting disappeared. For the remainder of the swim I continued to eat 10 or so chips and drink 5-6 oz of Coca Cola. Upon my return to Chicago, I implemented this into my training for my attempt to swim the English Channel in July. What I found was every time, I felt sick I ate the potato chips and drank the Coca Cola. Every time it worked. It settled my stomach and I was able to go back to my regular training diet.
That year during my swim across the English Channel, I ate potato chips and drank Coca Cola twice. It settled my stomach both times. Many people will dismiss this as foolish, but you want every advantage to help you accomplish your marathon swim.”
Chocolate Ice Cream with Penny Palfrey
Penny Palfrey could not no better sponsor than Frank Flowers.
In June 2011, Palfrey’s throat was inflamed and her lips and tongue were painfully swollen due to being in the salty Caribbean Sea for 108 km between Little Cayman and Grand Cayman Island.
Palfrey, garbed in a stinger suit to protect from box jellyfish, was being escorted by two 65-foot escort boats, 2 ribs, and 2 escort kayakers, but nothing could help the effects of being submerged for so long in the salt water.
Her support crew came from 11 different countries people and worked in shifts, but when the 48-year-old International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame inductee could not swallow any more food on her 40 hour 41 minute crossing, Mr. Flowers called in additional help in the form of a helicopter team. In the middle of the Caribbean Sea far from land, a helicopter came into view from the horizon and did a fly-over to cheer her up. As her tongue swelled up so much that she could barely talk, Mr. Flowers delivered a huge tub of chocolate ice cream that hoisted down to the escort boat by the helicopter crew.
By the time, the large tub of ice cream was onboard and delivered in scoops to Palfrey’s escort kayakers, it had melted to slushy perfection and was easily enjoyed by the Australian marathon swimmer.
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