How can I remedy problem of trapped air on long swims?
Our resident Olympian answers your swimming questions
If I do a longish swim (ie, 3km plus) I often end up very bloated afterwards with trapped air. It can really hurt sometimes! Anything I can do to remedy this?
Becky Horsbrugh
If it is happening on long swims where you feed, try and burp when you stop at feed stations. This will help deflate your stomach and stop the pain. Also, if you do a bit of backstroke for a few strokes every couple of 100m it can help dislodge the air. I hope this helps as I know how painful it can be!
“Swimming was my whole life for over 20 years. I poured every ounce of enthusiasm into it. I am so fortunate to have found these new outlets for that enthusiasm.”
Cassie Patten won bronze in the first ever Olympic 10km marathon swim, in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Cassie now coaches and is a frequent commentator at open water events.
@cassiepatten
Email your questions to: editor@outdoorswimmer.com with the subject ‘Coach Cassie’
Outdoor Swimmer
Outdoor Swimmer is the magazine for outdoor swimmers by outdoor swimmers. We write about fabulous wild swimming locations, amazing swim challenges, swim training advice and swimming gear reviews.
