Triathlon Swim - Can I do Backstroke?

I am going to be doing my second triathlon in August and it
is a much longer swim than my first tri, 350 meters compared to 70 m. It is
in a pool, but I am not ready to swim the whole thing freestyle. I know it
is okay to do different strokes like the breaststroke, but since it is in a
pool do you think it would be acceptable if I completed most of it via
backstroke (which is just as fast, if not faster than my freestyle)? I tend
to panic when I cannot breathe and the backstroke allows me to finish as
best as I can. I just do not want to look stupid or doing something
"incorrect" in the tri world. I was just wondering about your opinions.
Thank you for your time! And by the way your website has been wonderful in
my training for both triathlons.

Jean from Lousianna

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Hi Kayla,
Thanks for your kind words regarding TriathaNewbie.com! We're thrilled that you are able to find the information you need here.

Regarding your swim, we'll always encourage our readers to swim proper freestyle whether they are in the ocean lake or in a pool. A forward-facing stroke is always the preferred and standard method. We realize, however, that it's not always a reality for every beginner.

Where the swim is 350m in a pool, we're guessing that it's geared towards true beginners and the backstroke might not be too out of place. We suggest that you call the race organizers and find out what they think though. Our guess is that if your race includes you sharing a lane with another person, they may say no for safety reasons. If you have the lane all to yourself, they may lean towards the yes. The sooner you call the race organizers the sooner you can mentally and physically prepare yourself for your race.

Let us know how it goes!
Be well,
Niki

Niki Jamieson
TriathaNewbie.com