Swim Questions
Q: How deep is the pool?
Q: What is the pool temperature?
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
Q: How do the waves start?
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Q: How will I know I have completed the 500 yards?
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
Q: The run to transition is almost a quarter of a mile, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
Q: Am I allowed to use any swim gear while swimming?
Q: How deep is the pool?
A: The pool depth in Dixon is 5ft and in Langton is 10ft.
Q: What is the pool temperature?
A: The pool temperate is usually kept at 80 degrees.
Q: Is there an aid station at the swim start?
A: No, but there is water available to athletes near the transition area.
Q: Will there be a swim warm-up?
A: Yes, there will be warm-up lanes in the dive well in Dixon and on the other side of the bulk head in Langton starting at 7:30am. Warm up time in these areas is unlimited. You will have to get out of the pool and head to the starting mat between warming up and starting.
Q: Are spectators allowed in the pool?
A: Yes, there is a spectator area. Spectators will not be allowed on the pool deck in Langton, there is a balcony for viewing. Spectators can keep their shoes on.
Q: Is there a gear check at the swim start?
A: No. All gear you bring into the pool, you must take with you after the swim. Unless you are going to put them back on before transition, we recommend leaving all warmups in the transition area prior to your wave start.
Q: Can I give my warmups/shoes to my friends/family?
A: Yes. If you have spectators at the race, you are welcome to give any gear you have to them.
Q: Can I use any stroke in the swim portion?
A: You may use any stroke that allows you to get from one end of the pool to the other.
Q: Will I be disqualified if I hang onto the lane lines?
A: No. You may stop and rest during the swim, however we strongly encourage you to rest at the wall instead of on a lane line.
Q: Will the locker rooms be available?
A: Yes, the locker rooms will be available from 7:00 am until 1pm.
Q: Can I change in the locker rooms between the swim and the bike?
A: Yes, but we don't recommend it and actually discourage it. Your swim time does not stop while you are changing, and you MUST exit the pool through the east end of the pool to get your swim time and be able to re-enter transition.
Q: How do the waves start?
A:
1. Staging Area
You will be assigned to a specific wave time. You can expect to start within 15 minutes of this wave time. When you arrive at the pool, you will be greeted by the swim coordinator and will enter the staging area. You can go to the staging area early if you are ready and you may get to start early. Priority will be given to those who are assigned that wave time. Once in the staging area, you can choose up to 3 other people to swim with who are also in the staging area. All people in a wave have similar swim times.
2. Lane Check In
Once you have chosen your new swim buddies, you will line up as a group in the lane check in area. When a lane clears out from the previous 4 swimmers, you will meet your lap counting volunteers.
3. Starting Line
You will then proceed to the starting line with your 3 buddies. The official starting volunteer with send you across the timing mat 5 seconds apart. You must WALK to your lane and get in FEET FIRST. Any diving will result in a restart of your swim without a restart of your time.
When in doubt, ask/follow volunteer instructions.
Q: How many people will be in each lane?
A: 4 people will swim in each lane.
Q: Is there passing? How do I pass or what if someone needs to pass me?
A: Yes, passing is allowed. Athletes will circle swim in the counter-clockwise direction. To pass, it is recommended that you tap the person’s feet in front of you. They should then “pull over” at the next wall allowing you to pass safely. Please DO NOT pass mid-lane as this will likely result in a head on collision with another swimmer - OUCH!
Q: Do I have to wear a swim cap?
A: No. Swim caps are optional, but bright colored caps help our volunteers tell people apart in the lane so if you have one, wearing it would be helpful.
Q: How will I know I have completed the 500 yards?
A: We will be having our volunteers count laps to try to verify that everyone is completing the 500yds, but you cannot depend on them. Please count your own laps, and the volunteers will do their best to help out.
Q: It looks like it might be cold on race day, can I bring a towel and my jacket to put on before I leave the pool area?
A: This is the Beaver FREEZER after all. Yes you can towel off and put on clothing, but your swim time will not stop until you exit the pool area. Please do not block other racers from exiting the building. Do not leave anything on deck as you cannot leave and come back in during the race.
Q: The run to transition is far, what is the surface like and can I wear shoes?
A: The surface is astroturf, pavement and sidewalk. It will be swept on race morning, so it should be free of rocks. You are welcome to wear shoes from the pool to transition. When I did this race, I used my fuzzy boots! Bathrobes are pretty good, too.
Q: Am I allowed to use any swim gear while swimming?
A: A swim cap and goggles are allowed. A snorkel may be worn during the swim. A poll buoy, fins, and kick board are not allowed to be used.
