Site logo

Lani Pallister: Open water vs surf swim strategies

Triple World Short Champion and four-time Lorne Pier to Pub winner, Lani Pallister, shares her tips on navigating the flat water vs the surf.

“The difference in strategy from a race like Pier to Pub (flat open water) compared to a Summer of Surf race (surf race) is how I start the race out,” said Lani.

“The Pier to Pub race is a water start so it is more of a sprint straight away out in the open water, whereas Summer of Surf is a run start which means you have a little bit more momentum going into the swim.

“I am fairly used to swapping between distances, considering I race the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle in the pool.

“For me, doing the longer swims sits a little closer to my heart and it’s a lot easier for me to get a rhythm going by the end of the race.

“I do think the Summer of Surf races are a bit more splash and dash and there is a little bit more luck involved with the waves on the way in. So because of that, I try to make sure I am at least two waves ahead so that I have my pick and people don’t catch waves on me.”

Lani’s top open water vs surf swim strategies

  • In-water starts you need to go hard from the start to sit in the front pack
  • For a run start use the momentum from your run to carry into your first few strokes
  • Because surf races can be involved luck make sure you are ahead of the pack

Brought to you by Starlight Super Swim & Speedo.

Be a Super Swim Hero for sick kids this February. Sign up now or donate to Team Speedo here.

Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Related articles
Follow us
Subscribe


Upcoming events we recommend