5.31.2009
Utah Open Water Swim Group
5.29.2009
Swim Las Vegas

I was recently introduced to our neighbors down south: Swim Las Vegas. Swim Las Vegas is Nevada's only open water and triathlon specific US Masters team. They are led by Paul Fritz, Kara Robertson and Jackie Arcana, all of whom have extensive swimming and coaching experience.
The team is well organized and offers services including private lessons, group training plans, underwater videotaping, stroke clinics and workout swims.
Their mission is as follows:
Also, be sure to check back for details about an open water swim at Lake Mead this October...
5.21.2009
Wetsuit Rentals at Wasatch Running Center


8946 South State Street
Sandy, UT 84070
(801) 566-8786
5.17.2009
Stansbury Lake Open Water Clinic

To start out, we spent some time on the shore talking about everything from nutrition to how to choose a pair of goggles and how to put on your wetsuit and swim cap.
Once we were in the water we simulated a race start and talked about positioning and start strategy. We practiced sighting and linear swimming, getting past swimmers who are in your way, drafting and turns. Shannon helped put to ease a lot of the worries that face first time open water swimmers by letting them experience what it will be like on race day.
All in all it was a great clinic that I highly recommend to open water swimmers and triathletes. The clinic is geared towards beginners, but there are tips and ideas for all levels of swimmers. The clinic is a bargain at only $20 for over an hours worth of instruction and practice.
The PEAK Academy at the University of Utah has several other open water clinics this summer including another clinic at Stansbury Lake on Tuesday May 19th. Please visit their website for more information.
Stansbury Lake is a great venue for open water swimming and I am looking forward to the Stansbury Tri next weekend. Water conditions were calm with good visibility and moderate temperatures. I didn't bring a thermometer, but I would guess the temperature was in the mid 60's.
I would love to see a swimming race at Stansbury Lake. The lake itself is oval shaped with homes on an island in the middle. It would be an exciting race to start at the boat dock and swim around the island to the road and back. I swam down one side and back and it was just under 2 miles. I would guess that to swim around to the road and back would would be about 3 miles.
Here is a GPS map of my swim using the method outlined in this post.

5.14.2009
Taking Notice of the Deer Creek Open Water Marathon Swim
Click here to read the post and watch a short video report about the race.

I participated in the race last year and had a great time and am looking forward to this year's swim. Whether you are a swimmer and are looking for a new challenge or a triathlete looking to get some open water experience, don't miss out on Utah's only open water marathon swim. With distances ranging from 1 mile to 10 miles, there is something for all ability levels.
Photo from the Deer Creek Open Water Marathon Swim website.
5.05.2009
University of Utah PEAK Academy Open Water Swim Clinics
The clinics are 100 minutes long and include dry land instruction as well as time in the water. Discussion may include: wetsuit, entrance/exit, race strategy, technique, turns and more. They recommend that you bring your own nutrition and towels as well as a pair of flip flops or other shoes.
You will be required to print and sign a "waiver" form and bring it with you to the clinic. Wetsuits are required and can be rented from Wasatch Running Center for $15 per day. Swim caps are also recommended to help keep you warm. Transportation is not provided.
Here is a list of the upcoming clinics:
Date | Time | Day | Location |
| | Saturday | |
| | Wednesday | |
| | Saturday | |
| | Saturday | |
| | Wednesday | Spanish Fork |
| | Saturday | Jordanelle Reservoir |
| | Saturday | Jordanelle Reservoir |
| | Wednesday | |
| | Wednesday | Spanish Fork |
| | Wednesday | |
| | Wednesday | Spanish Fork |
| | Wednesday | |
| | Saturday | |
| | Saturday | |
| | Saturday | |
| | Saturday | Spanish Fork |
| | Wednesday | Spanish Fork |
Contact Shannon Mulder at Shannon.mulder@utah.edu or visit the PEAK Academy website for more information.
5.04.2009
May 2009 Open Water Events in Utah
Date | Race | City | Venue | Distance | Website |
Saturday May 9 | SGTri | St. George | Sand Hollow Reservoir | 750 / 1500 | |
Saturday May 23 | Stansbury Tri | Tooele | | 750 / 1500 | |
Saturday May 30 | Salem Spring Tri | | | 800 yards |
I have raced the SGTri a couple times and love the swim venue at Sand Hollow Reservoir. This year is the first year for the Stansbury Tri and I am looking forward to swimming in Stansbury Lake for the first time. I have been meaning to register for the Salem Spring Tri for the last couple years, but something has always come up. Anyone familiar with this venue?
I will do my best to post the overall results as well as the swim results for each race when they become available.