Slipstream

Stephen Clendenin
English 202, Writing About Sports

03/06/11

Slipstream
In the wide world of swimming, most people find drafting to be an effective way of keeping up with somebody in front, while not doing quite as much work. When swimmers catch a draft, it is much like a cyclist catches a draft. They ride almost directly behind the cyclist in front of them, using that cyclist as a shield against the wind. The same can be said for open water swimmers. By swimming close on the heels of somebody in front, that swimmer can catch hold of water that is already moving. The swimmer in front may have their eyes on any bumps and bangs that creep up, but they have to break the water and waves themselves, and this uses a lot of much needed energy. The swimmer drafting along in the slip stream on the other hand, can conserve energy until the right moment, and then use that extra reserve to help them slip past the swimmer in front. Open water swimmers are able to calculate how hard their working by using their pulse. A swimmer who is going against the waves might have a heart rate of about 160. A swimmer who is drafting will go the same speed, but only have a heart rate of about 140. Conserving energy is what drafting is all about. Plus, the swimmer in back only has to focus on the swimmer in front's feet, and doesn't need to worry about where they're going. "Drafting reduces energy expenditure by a marked reduction of resistive forces against a swimmer." This lessening of resistance makes for a better swim all around.

The best place for drafting is in the bubbles given off by the swimmer in front. Another rule of thumb: find a swimmer with a strong kick to swim behind. The slipstream created will be better. Be aware however, that once the swimmer behind touches the swimmer in front's feet, the swimmer in front knows they're there, and may decide to try and break away.