Training tips and recommendations

As a club we are committed to making your training and racing safe and enjoyable.  We have listed below some simple tips and common sense recommendations that we ask all members to read and consider.

We also recommend that club members join Triathlon England, not only for the third party insurance cover you receive but also to support the sport you love and for the reduced race entry fees!  You can do this here or via the red Triathlon England logo on the Join us page and the club will receive a £5 payment from Triathlon England, at no additional cost to you.

 Pool Swimming

We recommend that swimmers abide by good lane etiquette at all times;

  • Swim in the direction highlighted on the instruction board or as advised by a coach.
  • Share a lane with swimmers of a similar ability and change lanes as requested by a coach.
  • Check before pushing off at the start of a swim to ensure you are not about to collide with another swimmer.  Allow the swimmer in front of you a 5 second gap before pushing off.
  • To overtake, politely (but firmly) tap the swimmer in front on the foot. The swimmer being overtaken should stop at the end of the lane to allow the over taking swimmer to pass.
  • Rest out of the way to the non-entry side of the lane to allow other swimmers to turn or finish a full length.
  • Pay attention to adequate hydration and electrolyte balance during training sessions by bringing a drinks bottle to the poolside.
  • If possible bring a range of swim aids to sessions (e.g. pull buoy, fins).
  • Pay attention to other swimmers in your lane and alert a coach or Lifeguard if any swimmer appears in trouble or distressed.
  • Always swim with at least one other swimmer when in open water.
  • Don’t swim if you have any open wounds (to reduce the risk of infection).

Sea swimming

We recommend;

  • Swim from one of the lifeguarded beaches - between the red & yellow flags and within the yellow buoy-marked areas
  • Speak to the beach lifeguard before you go in. They love to chat anyway, but it also means:
    • that you know they are keeping an eye on you specifically
    • they can give you any specifics to watch out for in that area; tide, current, boats etc
    • telling them your rough swim plan means they can see if something out of the ordinary is happening
  • Go with a buddy. We make more sensible decisions when we’re looking out for another person, so it’s safer as well as more fun.
  • Unless you are an experienced open water swimmer, wear a wetsuit. Cold water can do strange things to people.
  • Don’t go in unless you’re feeling good. Swimming ability is reduced in cold water, so ask yourself whether you really are up to it.
  • Don’t swim when you are fatigued from running or in any way dehydrated. A cramp in deep water is a LOT more serious than a cramp in the swimming pool!

 Cycling 

We recommend that whilst cycling on your own or with the club;

  • You should carry some form of ID with you that outlines any relevant medical conditions. You should also carry money, phone, spare inner tube, a mini-pump or CO2 canister.
  • Learn how to change an inner tube at home, before you have to do it roadside!
  • Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition.
  • Strive to improve the image of cyclists at all times.
  • Ensure that your bike is illuminated adequately as required by the law.

Whilst cycling on group rides;

  • you should keep to the left where possible. You should ride two abreast only where conditions allow, riding single file on narrow roads.  An orderly riding pattern should be maintained at all times.
  • You should learn and use recognised calls and hand signals for alerting other riders to hazards (e.g. pot holes, glass, parked cars etc).
  • You should not use tri-bars within a pack of riders.
  • Where possible, a group leader and sweeper should be appointed from either coaches, or more experienced riders to ensure that the group stays together and slower riders are not left behind. The leader and sweeper should share their telephone number with the rest of the group.
  • If any member decides to leave a group ride they should alert another rider, leader or sweeper before departing.

Racing

Brighton Tri Club does not condone the transfer of race places.  This should be taken up with race organisers.