Small details usually make a BIG difference and this is precisely what makes us achieve a higher level of excellence in what we do.
Perhaps a buoy turn doesn’t mean much quantitatively. It is only a few seconds that we can gain or lose from many minutes, but if a triathlete or open water swimmer is aware and has the resources to face the buoy turns, their competitive level will be higher. Which means higher qualitative level.
In many races the buoy turns are critical moments, especially in the first turn where the group tends to be more compact. Knowing how to position yourself and attack the turn with conviction, without fear and controlling your rivals will enable you to face the next stage of the race with greater guarantees and in a better position.
HOW TO CARRY OUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TURNS:
Always stay as close to the buoy as possible, without losing sight of it and controlling the rest of the competitors to take advantage of the gaps or possible mistakes in order to attack the test at that moment.
Now, you have to take into account that a funnel is produced in the buoys, so it is useful that before you get there, position yourself, accelerate the pace and win the position before starting the turn.
– 180 ° TURN: We will lean on the last stroke before turning with the arm closest to the buoy, we will lift our heads and start paddling with the opposite arm. We will coordinate this movement with a big kick to increase power and not lose speed.
– 90 ° TURN WITH BACK ROLLING: If we are going to turn to the right, the last crawl stroke will be with the right arm and the back one with the left arm, to face the next straight line visualising the buoy.
It must be a fast and coordinated movement, crawl, back, crawl
-90 ° TURN WITH OVER ARM: if we turn to the right the strokes above the water will be with the left arm, if we turn left backwards. With the arm that we have submerged we can carry out a half stroke.
This type of turn is more recommended if we reach the buoy in a group. We take air, we put our heads up and we carry out 4 or 5 strokes over-head.
Practice turns when you go swimming in open water and use any element to practice them. If you can’t go swimming in the sea, practice the buoy turns in the pool. You can do them without touching the wall, visualising the turn or using a partner as a buoy and you take turns doing relays.
