Sports
Swim Tips for IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo
A former race director details the rowing course swim, jump start tactics, navigation, and transition safety.
Learn what to expect during the 1,900-meter swim at the USP Olympic rowing basin for IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo. Gui Siga shares essential advice on water conditions, goggle selection, and jump start safety.
The swim leg of the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN 70.3 São Paulo offers unique characteristics compared to open-water ocean races. Held in a controlled environment, the Olympic rowing basin has no ocean swells or currents, providing a flat and sheltered course. However, factors such as water temperatures around 68 °F to 70 °F (20 °C to 21 °C), murky visibility, and jump start logistics require triathletes' full attention to avoid setbacks.
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Start Logistics and the Jump Entry
One of the main novelties for amateur athletes is a jump-in start, whereas professionals start directly from within the water. For athletes who are not used to diving headfirst while wearing a wetsuit, the practical recommendation is to jump in feet-first to prevent goggles from slipping off upon impact. The wetsuit's buoyancy ensures that swimmers quickly resurface.
The moment of entry is considered one of the course's most critical points. The golden rule is to hit the water and start swimming immediately. Stopping right after jumping in to adjust a watch or goggles creates a serious risk of collisions and accidents with athletes diving in right behind.
Course Navigation and Goggle Selection
The 1,900-meter course follows a straightforward layout: about 500 meters to the first turn buoy, a short 50-meter lateral stretch turning on the right shoulder, and a long final straightaway of approximately 1,300 meters. The reference buoys along the lane are aligned, and the narrow banks make sighting easy without needing to lift your head constantly. Sighting once every 15 to 20 strokes is enough to stay on track.
Because the water is naturally dark and murky, and morning weather in São Paulo is often overcast, clear or lightly tinted goggles are recommended. Even if the sun rises ahead along the basin wall, diffused light conditions favor lenses that provide enhanced contrast and visibility.
Water Exit and Transition Precautions
The swim exit requires extra caution. Access to the transition area involves climbing bleacher-style concrete steps, which can become very slippery when wet. The best approach is to walk firmly up the stairs, take advantage of the support offered by race volunteers, and wait to unzip your wetsuit and sprint toward the bike until you reach the flat asphalt at the top.
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