Racing in a lake, river, or sheltered bay might seem easier than tackling the ocean, but without waves and currents to shake things up, flatwater racing often comes down to positioning, pacing and smart decisions.

From finding the right spot on the start line to timing your final sprint, here’s how to get the most out of your next flatwater race.

Get your start right

A good start can set you up for a great race, but that doesn’t mean you need to sprint off the line like you’re racing a 50m freestyle.

Position yourself according to your swimming ability. If you’re a confident, competitive swimmer, starting towards the front can help you find clear water and avoid getting caught behind slower swimmers. If you’re newer to racing, starting slightly wider or further back can give you more space to settle into your stroke.

The key is to get away cleanly, establish your rhythm and avoid wasting energy fighting through the pack.

Make drafting your secret weapon

One of the biggest advantages in flatwater racing is drafting.

Swimming directly behind another swimmer, or alongside their hip, can reduce water resistance and help you conserve energy.

Find someone swimming at a pace you can comfortably maintain and settle into their slipstream. Keep close enough to benefit without constantly touching their feet.

Just remember to sight regularly. Following someone else’s feet is only helpful if they’re heading in the right direction!

Find your pace and stick to it

With no waves to interrupt your rhythm, flatwater swimming is all about consistency.

It’s tempting to go out hard, especially when everyone around you is sprinting off the start line, but burning too much energy early can leave you struggling later.

Aim to settle into a strong, sustainable pace once the initial rush is over. Focus on maintaining your stroke length, breathing rhythm and technique.

If you’ve paced yourself well, you’ll have something left in the tank when it matters most.

Master the buoy turns

Buoy turns can be where races are won, lost or turned upside down.

As swimmers converge on a turning buoy, things can get crowded quickly. Position yourself early and aim for a smooth, efficient line around the marker.

Taking the tightest line isn’t always the fastest option, especially if it means getting caught in a traffic jam.

Sometimes swimming slightly wider and maintaining your momentum is quicker than fighting for the inside.

Once you’re around the buoy, accelerate back into your rhythm and look for an opportunity to improve your position.

Know when to make your move

Flatwater racing can be tactical, particularly when swimmers settle into groups and draft off one another.

If you’re feeling strong, resist the urge to surge too early. Instead, look for opportunities to make your move when others might be losing momentum.

A well-timed acceleration after a buoy turn, or a gradual increase in pace over the final few hundred metres, can help you break away from your group.

The trick is knowing your strengths and making sure you can maintain your speed once you’ve committed.

Finish strong

You’ve paced yourself, navigated the buoys and stayed with your group. Now it’s time to bring it home.

As you approach the finish, gradually increase your kick and stroke rate while keeping your technique together.

Make sure you know exactly where the finish line is and sight towards it rather than simply following the swimmers around you.

If the race finishes on land, keep swimming until your hands are close to touching the bottom before standing up and running through the finish chute.

And if you’ve saved enough energy for one last sprint, now’s the time to use it!

Race smarter, not just harder

Flatwater racing might take the surf and swell out of the equation, but it brings a whole new tactical challenge.

Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or simply looking to improve your time, getting your positioning, drafting, pacing and turns right can make a big difference.

Because in flatwater racing, it’s not always the fastest swimmer who gets the best result. Sometimes, it’s the one who swims the smartest.