When it comes to flatwater racing, a good start can make all the difference. With no waves to navigate or surf to push through, it’s all about positioning, pacing and finding the right feet to follow.

Whether you’re racing in a lake, river or sheltered bay, getting your start right can set you up for a smooth, fast swim rather than spending the first few hundred metres battling through the washing machine.

Here are our top tips for nailing your flatwater race start.

Find your spot on the start line

Where you position yourself can make or break your opening few hundred metres.

If you’re a confident, competitive swimmer looking to get out fast, lining up towards the front and centre can give you a more direct route to the first turning buoy.

If you’re newer to racing or prefer a little more breathing room, starting towards the outside of the pack can help you avoid the chaos. You might swim a few extra metres, but you’ll often find clearer water and be able to settle into your rhythm sooner.

The key is to be realistic about your swimming ability and line up alongside swimmers of a similar pace.

Avoid the washing machine

Even without waves, flatwater starts can get messy. Arms flying, feet kicking, and swimmers fighting for the same patch of water can quickly turn a calm lake into a washing machine.

If you don’t enjoy the hustle and bustle, give yourself some space. Starting slightly wider or hanging back a few seconds can help you avoid the worst of the congestion.

Remember, you don’t win a race in the first 100 metres, but you can certainly waste plenty of energy fighting your way through the pack.

Should you go hard early?

It’s tempting to sprint off the start line, especially when everyone around you is doing the same.

A strong start can help you secure a good position, find faster feet and avoid getting caught behind slower swimmers. But going too hard can leave you struggling to maintain your pace later in the race.

If you’re racing competitively, a controlled burst of speed might be worth it to establish your position. For everyone else, focus on building into your race pace rather than going all out from the gun.

The goal is to find a rhythm you can maintain, not spend the rest of the swim recovering from your start.

Find the right feet

One of the biggest advantages of flatwater racing is the opportunity to draft.

Swimming directly behind another swimmer can reduce water resistance and help you conserve energy, making it easier to maintain a faster pace.

But not all feet are worth following.

Look for someone swimming at a pace that’s slightly quicker than your own, without forcing you to work too hard to keep up. Ideally, they should also be swimming a straight line and sighting regularly.

Avoid blindly following the swimmer in front. If they’re heading off course, you’ll be going with them.

And if the feet you’re following are too fast, don’t be afraid to let them go and find another pair.

Settle in and swim your own race

Once the initial rush is over, it’s time to settle into your race.

Focus on relaxed breathing, maintaining a strong stroke and keeping your effort under control. Check your direction regularly, even if you’re drafting, and resist the temptation to chase every swimmer who passes.

Flatwater racing rewards consistency, so finding your rhythm early can make a big difference over the full distance.

The bottom line

The perfect flatwater start isn’t necessarily the fastest one. It’s the one that puts you in the best position to swim your strongest race.

Find your spot, avoid unnecessary battles, choose your feet wisely and save some energy for the finish. After all, there’s no point winning the first 100 metres if you’ve got nothing left for the final sprint.