Fitness
Drafting Behind a Swimmer
Drafting behind a swimmer reduces drag in open water and pool sets—saving energy when you stay legal, close, and smooth off another swimmer's feet.
Drafting behind a swimmer means sitting in the reduced drag pocket off another swimmer's feet or hips—often saving five to fifteen percent energy at the same pace. In open water, legal drafting stays close without impeding; in pools, lane etiquette still applies.
Slightly deeper kick and a longer reach can keep you connected without sighting every stroke. Practice on easy aerobic sets before racing.
Exit drafts before buoys if the line is messy.
Common questions
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How close should you draft in open water?
Roughly six to twelve inches off the lead swimmer's feet or hip line—close enough to feel the pull, with quick sighting to avoid collisions at turns.
Related terms
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