Triathlon 101: Epic Open Water Swim Skills & How to finish your First Triathlon with a Smile on your Face!

Thought about trying a triathlon but found yourself too full of questions to give it serious consideration? We’ve got the answers for you ! How do I train? What kind of bike should I ride? What should I wear? Can I wear fins when I swim? Do I need a wetsuit? Can I wear a life jacket? Where can I buy triathlon clothes? Is it okay to ride a mountain bike? How will I know where to go? Where do I change after the swim? How can I make my transitions faster? How do I swim faster? What if I get a flat? I swim fine in the pool but in open water?! What should I eat? All these questions and more will be addressed during this program specifically tailored to help you get off the couch and into the water, on the bike, and out on the trail.

You will be divided into 3 groups based on level and experience with our 3 most EPIC swim coaches!

Group 1: Able to swim, but never anything beyond playing around in the water.
Group 2: Able to swim laps for exercise
Group 3: Have participated in a triathlon and looking to Improve swim time.

Open Water Swim Clinic

It's time to start thinking about open water!

Here is a great opportunity to work on your strokes and get start training for the 2024 season!
This is a 2-hour swim clinic geared towards triathletes looking to improve their open-water swimming skills.
We will address overcoming fear and anxiety in the open water, navigating, and sighting tips and skills to give you an advantage in the swim start.
You will be divided into 3 groups based on level and experience with our 3 most EPIC swim coaches!

Never done a tri? Join our triathlon 101 presentation at 3 p.m and jump in the pool at 4 p.m.

USAT Level 2 Race Director and triathlon coach, Eva Solomon will present all you need to know to train for and complete your first triathlon. 

Join the growing ranks of triathletes from the age of 7 to 70+. Even if you have never swam in a lake, ridden a bike more than a few miles, or even run a mile, you can train to complete a triathlon this summer! Topics covered will include: How do I train? What kind of bike should I ride? What should I wear? Can I wear fins? Do I need a wetsuit? Can I wear a life jacket? Where can I buy triathlon clothes? Is it ok to ride a mountain bike? How will I know where to go? Where do I change after the swim? I’m slow, is that ok? Can I wait for my friend after I get out of the water? How do I swim faster? How can I get faster transitions? What if I get a flat? I swim fine in the pool, but I’m nervous about open water. What should I eat? These questions and more will be addressed at the Epic Races Tri Clinic.

But wait... there's more!! All swim participants get a FREE race belt and swim cap! $20 value!!

Your Coaches

Ann Kehn

Ann is a certified USA Swimming coach and US Masters Swimming coach and has spent 25 years coaching and teaching swimming. She fell in love with teaching adults how to swim, how to swim better and how to swim faster while teaching at The Health and Fitness Center at WCC. Ann has a passion for the best outdoor sport - OPEN WATER SWIMMING! Having taken many swimmers from the pool to the inland lakes, rivers and big lakes, Ann is always excited to share insights to make the swimming leg of your Tri the best, most comfortable and most competitive leg! She has all the tips, techniques and tricks for you to tackle the swim!

Lou Ann Dixon

Lou Ann has been a competitive swimmer for over 50 years! She was an Indiana High School state finalist, NCAA division 1 Ohio University swimmer, Master Swimming state record holder in Indiana and Michigan, FINA Masters world champion, USMS National Champion, and continues to compete competitively in open water competitions. She is also the master behind the setup and logistics on race day.

 Christi (Vedejs) Mersereau has over 50 years of competitive swimming under her belt. She was Team Captain, All-American, and a Big Ten Champion in multiple events while swimming at UM-Ann Arbor. Christi was also a member of the US National Team. She has coached lots of open water swimmers, from beginner to advanced levels, and has competed in OWS races for over 20 years. Notably, she swam around Mackinac Island in 2022, did the Straits of Mackinac in 2023 and is currently training for the STTM 15k in August, 2024.