Bring It In
Reaching the end of the swim course is one of the most rewarding aspects. This last home stretch can be the most difficult aspect of the swim, largely due to the blind nature of swimming towards land with waves at your back. Incorporate the following tactics into your training and your swim exit will be smooth and comfortable.
Breathe Back
Just as you consistently look forward as you make your way out past the surf, the same principle should be applied as you cruise back in. Rather than looking directly to the side during each breath, angle your gaze back over your shoulder so you can see the waves forming behind you. This increases your visibility and allows you to gauge where the wave will be breaking and plan accordingly.
Work With the Water
The beauty of swimming into shore is that you oftentimes get some assistance from the waves' momentum. If you notice a wave will be crashing right behind you, dive early so that you can avoid the commotion above. If a wave crashes more than 10 to 15 feet behind you, maintain freestyle and the whitewater will help push you in.
Hit Mainland
Triathletes oftentimes stop early in chest-deep water and attempt to trudge through the slow, turbulent waters. To avoid the chaos, continue your freestyle until your hands hit sand multiple strokes in a row. This guarantees that you're in shallow water and can quickly pop up to run up the beach into transition.
