Travel Tips
For
Swimmers and Coaches
It is a fact that most swimmers compete numerous times away from
their own home pool. Swimmers not only have to overcome the
stress of the competitive environment, but all the challenges that
come with staying away from home.
The general principle is simple. If you remove as many stresses as
possible, it makes it easier to do your best when away from home.
Control the controllable is the concept.
1. When travelling, take your own pillow.
Your own pillow feels and smells like home. It can be used to support your neck when
travelling. It feels great to relax on your own pillow when sleeping in a strange bed in a
hotel room. Strange versions of “pillows” that may not suit the swimmer may
significantly effect the quality of sleep.
2. Take your own battery-operated alarm clock – make sure the
batteries are new.
Having your own alarm means that you need not depend on team mates or team staff
for wake up calls. It also means you can limit afternoon naps to required time limits - or
it can act as a reminder to do things. If there is a power black out, a battery-operated
alarm is more reliable.
3. Always carry a water bottle when travelling.
Most forms of travelling can be dehydrating. Drink regularly when travelling and
competing.
4. Always make sure you take your own snacks and sports drink.
This means that you have control over the quality and timing of your meal supplements.
Include a range of light healthy snacks like dried fruits, nuts, breakfast bars and rice
cakes. If you use sports drinks take your regular one with you in case it is not available
where your are competing.
5. Make absolutely sure of your medications before you leave home.
It is a swimmer’s responsibility to have checked all medication issues with the home
doctor before leaving home. Take prescriptions and a note from your doctor indicating
what the medications are for, and in what dosages you might need to take them.
Coaches should check with parents/guardians of young swimmers to go over their
medications, illnesses and health problems.
6. Two or three of everything.
e.g. goggles, towels, togs, warm clothes. Have your training equipment and have ALL
equipment clearly identifiable as yours. This should include a good pair of comfortable
walking/jogging shoes.
7. Take something to keep you entertained.
Music, books, magazines, computer games, puzzlers, homework (don’t go overboard
with computer games).
8. Changing Rooms.
Make sure you know where the change-rooms are, where the marshalling area is and
what the warm up and swim down arrangements are. Don’t rely on someone to tell you
—find out.
BE PREPARED
By controlling what is controllable, you provide a situation that’s
more likely to be conducive to fast swimming and your own best
personal achievements.