DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023 unveils swimming tracks

One week before the competition day, the organizers announced the swimming route details for all distances, including the Aquaman (2 km swim, 21 km run) and the Half Aqua (1 km swim, 10 km run).

Both distances start with a straight 150 m segment, followed by an inverted triangle-shaped course, and then wrap up with another straight section.

The Aquaman athletes will complete two laps of the triangular course, while those participating in the Half Aqua will complete one.

Duong Hai Anh, the track design expert for Aquaman Vietnam, said that there were several options for the competition, such as U-shaped and T-shaped routes. After conducting extensive research and seeking advice from professional partners, the organizers selected the inverted triangle shaped route.

The swimming routes of 2 km and 1 km distances at DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023. Graphics by DNSE Aquaman Vietnam

The design of the route, with fewer turns and changes in direction, offers athletes better performance and ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

The straight swimming section, spanning over 100 meters, not only enhances performance but also creates more distance between groups, reducing the likelihood of crowding.

"With this layout, the water flow remains consistent with smooth waves. As athletes swim farther, the waves become calmer, allowing them to conquer forward, horizontal, and reverse waves," Anh said.

During the Aquaman Vietnam tournament on Oct. 29, Phan Thiet beach is forecast to be calm. The tournament will be held at Bikini Beach within NovaWorld. The farthest part of the route is only 200 meters from the shore, and approximately 3 meters deep, making it suitable for athletes of all levels, from elite competitors to first-time participants.

For the Sprint Aqua (500 m swim) and AquaKid (200 m swim) distances, athletes only have to swim in a straight line.

Swimming track of Sprint Aqua at DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023. Graphics by DNSE Aquaman Vietnam

The buoy system is placed along the entire swimming route. A large triangle buoy marks the turning point, while tube buoys and float ropes help athletes navigate and handle unexpected situations.

Participants are only permitted to hold onto the buoy for stability, not to use it to move forward.

A rescue team with rowing boats and motorized boats will be ready to provide support.

On the day of the race, adjustments will be made if necessary, considering the weather conditions in order to ensure the safety of the athletes.

Further information regarding the running route will be announced soon.

Swimming track for participants aged 6 - 10 at DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023. Graphics by DNSE Aquaman Vietnam

Before the competition day, athletes are allowed to experience the swimming lane and transition area from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 28 to get familiarize with wave, current, and wind conditions.

On competition day, athletes have 5 hours to complete the course. The cut-off times are 80 minutes for the swim course, 2 hours 30 minutes for the Half Aqua distance (including 40 minutes for swimming), and 1 hour and 30 minutes for the Sprint Aqua distance (including 25 minutes for swimming).

Athletes test the swimming route of DNSE Aquaman Vietnam 2023. Photo by DNSE Aquaman Vietnam

The first event, a 2 km swim and a 21 km run, will start at 6 a.m. The Half Aqua event and Sprint Aqua event will start at 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

The children's competition, Aqua Kid, takes place on Oct. 28, at 7:00 a.m. AquaKid has a cut-off time of 30 minutes for the swimming portion and one hour for the entire distance.