Monterey Bay Swimming Association
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Feeding Methods

In addition to choosing what to eat, you'll have to decide how your crew will get your food and liquids to you without providing supportive contact. No matter which method you choose, it's critical that you practice this skill long before the day of your swim.

Tips & Techniques

Feeding Method:
The two most common food delivery methods are:
  1. Food delivered to you by your safety paddlers.
  2. Food delivered to you from the boat.
Both methods have their pros and cons. Receiving food from paddlers can be faster, but it also requires practice as a team, and precise synchronization between swimmer and paddler. Feeding from the boat also requires practice, but just about anyone can do the "food throwing" (or handing off if using a feeding pole and basket to pass food).

Paddler Feeding:
If you are receiving food from a paddler, your paddler will need to be well-stocked with your next feed, prior to feeding time. This creates an extra logistical challenge that can be resolved by having two paddlers in the water or another paddler to run food to and from the paddler.

Boat Feeding:
If you are receiving food from the boat, your feeder will need to attach the food or drinks to a long piece of floating nylon rope and throw the food to you in the water or use a long pole and basket as a food delivery system.
When attaching food to a rope, the feeder should attempt to land the food directly in front of you as you are swimming. Once you are done feeding, the feeder reels everything back to the boat. Some people like to put a small float (a half pull buoy works well) on the line for extra flotation.

Feeding at Night:
When feeding a night, be sure to attach a glow-stick to the feeling lines and water bottles.

Warm Feeds:
Some people prefer to have warm food and liquids during their swim. Warm feeds are highly recommended during Monterey Bay swims.




Additional Information & Articles

Marathon Swim Prep
Nutrition: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Feeding: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Feeding from a Kayak: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Feeding Poles: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Warm Feeds: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Nutrition Horror Stories: Marathon Swimmers Forum
Sample marathon swim feed schedule: Lone Swimmer
Factors in marathon swim feeding: Lone Swimmer
Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes
Carbo Pro Product Information
Perpetuem and Hammer Product Information
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