Triathlon Swim - Front Crawl or Sidestroke?

Hi there, have a question about the swim portion.

I am doing a Sprint Triathlon later this summer (500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) and am struggling with the swim training so far.  I do not yet have the endurance to do the whole 500m via front crawl.  Is it acceptable to do part of the swim doing the sidestroke?  The triathlon I am participating in is a local women’s only event that is very non-competitive.

Do other beginners typically perform different swim strokes during the swim portion of beginner triathlons?

My background is running (done two half-marathons, several 10k’s, 5k’s).  I was surprised by how little endurance I had once hitting the pool.

Lorraine B.

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Hi Lorraine,
Thank you for contacting TriathaNewbie.com and welcome to the world of triathlons!

Your question is a very common question. Yes, it is ok to do sidestroke, breast stroke or even backstroke (although you will bump into people and it is not recommended). Unlike swimming in a swim meet, triathlons do not disqualify you for stroke infractions or multiple stroke-changes.

We want you to be around to email us how wonderful it felt to cross the finish line so, for safety reasons, please be sure that you are able to complete 100 yards longer than the distance of your swim doing what choice of strokes you decide to do. If you are swimming in the ocean, you will be dealing with currents and waves. If you are swimming in the ocean, a lake or pond, you’ll have to swim around people. The total distance will definitely end up being longer than 500m, so be prepared.

If you have any other questions, please email again.

Be well,
Niki

Niki Jamieson
TriathaNewbie.com