Articles Index
Beaufort Wind Force Scale
An empirical measure for describing wind velocity based mainly on observed sea conditions. (noun)
Abandonment
A swimmer may retire from a race due to injury, exhaustion or time limits. A race may be abandoned and restarted at a later time due to unsafe conditions on the course. (noun)
Yellow-carded
To be warned by a referee during an open water race. (adjective)
Yellow Card
A yellow-colored penalty card that indicates an official warning to a swimmer due to unsportsmanlike conduct or an infraction of the rules during an open water race. (noun)
Whitecaps
Small ocean surface waves that break offshore due to the wind. These are irritating to open water swimmers because they tend to impede forward progress and reduce visibility. (noun)
Whiteboard
A smooth, glossy sheet of white plastic that can be written on with a colored pen or erasable marker in the manner of a blackboard. The board is used by coaches or referees to provide instructions to swimmers during an open water race. (noun)
Wake
The track of waves left by an escort boat, JetSki or other watercraft moving through the water or across the path of swimmers in an open water race or solo swim. (noun)
Veer Off Course
To swim off of the optimal path during an open water race. (adjective)
Vaseline
A well-known trademark used for a brand of petroleum jelly that is used to coat the skin of swimmers, especially to friction points (e.g., underarms, inside thighs, chin and neck) in order to prevent chafing. (noun)
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Inappropriate or unprofessional acts committed by swimmers during an open water race that can lead to a warning or disqualification by the referee or that are not in the spirit of the competition. These acts can include obstruction, interference or making intentional contact with another swimmer that can lead to a warning or disqualification by the lead referee, whether made by the swimmer or the swimmer's escort boat or crew. (noun)
Turn Buoy
A distinctively marked colored float in the water, anchored to mark the course for swimmers. (noun)
Transponder
Light, waterproof timing devices with GPS capabilities that are worn on both wrists of swimmers at FINA-sanctioned races. (noun)
Touch Pad
Finish plates placed vertically (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the water) at the end of open water races that identify the race finish and can be electronically tied to the official timing system. (noun)
Toss and Turn
The fourth rule of feeding when the swimmer quickly discards the fuel (e.g., gel pack) or hydration (e.g., water cup or bottle) received from his/her coach and immediately turns over on his/her stomach to begin swimming after a momentary feeding stop. (noun)
Three-wide
Three (3) swimmers swimming side-by-side during a race. (noun)
10km - 10K - 10 kilometer
6.2 miles or 10 kilometers, the standard distance of the Olympic marathon swim. The swimmers will swim four loops in the rowing basin during the Olympic 10K Marathon Swim. (noun)
Swell
A long wave or series of waves in the ocean that move continuously without breaking. (noun)
Surface Chop
Wave action at the surface of the water caused by wind. Small, frequent waves that are irritating to open water swimmers because they impede forward movement and can reduce visibility from the surface of the water. (noun)
Strung Out
To become separated from one another during an open water race, especially in the later stages of the race after the swimmers have been swimming together in a pack. (adjective)
Starting Pontoon
A dock or floating structure where the swimmers stand to start an open water race; each swimmer is given about 60 centimeters or space on the starting platform. (noun)
Starting Platform
A dock, pier or other floating structure where the swimmers stand to start an open water race; each swimmer is given about 60 centimeters or space on the starting platform. (noun)
Split Time
A time for a set distance within a race. (noun)
Solo Swim
An individual swim that is not part of an official race. (noun)
Slip Streaming or Drafting Vessels
Intentionally taking advantage of the wake of escort boats or officiating watercraft on the course; rules prohibit this action by swimmers. (adjective)
Sighting
The act of seeing in the open water races, generally towards landmarks, turn buoys, escort boats or the finish. Lifting the head to look ahead in order to decide the optimal direction to be swimming in an open water race; a view of the race course. (noun)