Sighting

The Topgun Pilots at Jetstar always put a great deal of planning into how to get from A to B in the most efficient of ways and, fortunately for us - although not as much study is involved, we as open water swimmers can practice our sighting techniques so that we can get around the course as quickly and as directly as possible.

Find some helpful tips in the video below and see how close you can get to swimming straight in between the buoys in the next round at Christchurch!

Keeping Warm Pre-Race

As swimmers, most of us are a custom to kickstarting the day before dawn by taking our clothes off in less than ideal colder temperatures and plunging into a pool - the water temperature always making sure that if we weren't awake before we got in, the fresh rush of liquid hitting the skin from the toes down to the feet would certainly awaken the senses!

I find this to be a fantastic sensation while training but not so much for a race. Luckily - there are aids to help keep warm on race day. Just like the big Jetstar Jets, staying warm comes from an internal heat to combat the external ambient conditions. So regulating your body temperature right from the start of your trip to the race will make it easier to combat those stiff winds all too often experienced in Wellington.

See below for handy tips and be sure follow Michael_Sheil on Instagram and Twitter for more helpful hints!

Harbour Crossing - Nutrition Tips For Travel

If you're a carbohydrate enthusiast like I am, travelling to new places can open up a whole new world of delicious cuisines to tickle the taste buds. On the other hand, I've been to plenty of places around the world where I'm either time poor from transiting or there just aren't too many options to choose from. Although those potato chips at the airport or the confectionery at the hotel often seem too appealing to pass up, there are plenty of other options to make sure your body is in tip top shape for that big swim you'll be tackling.

Everyone is a little different in what they can eat so it's always a good habit to know what kinds of food groups the body responds well to when training for the big race. This way you'll know what to eat on race day and you'll have an idea on how to get the best nutrition from what is available at the venue.

Check out below for some handy hints and feel free to follow my social media pages for some extra tips. Enjoy your morning out on the water - this race is truly one of the most fun that I've competed in!