Table 9.

Open water swimming events place a significant emphasis on nutrition.

Event	Length	Physiological Difficulties	Dietary Emphasis	Feeding Approach
5 km	~0 m–1 h	TH	▪Maximise glycogen storage ▪Improve hydration before racing in hot weather ▪Prevent overheating in hot conditions ▪Use caffeine ▪Take supplements to boost buffering ability	Minimal
10 km	~1 h 40 m –2 h 10 m	TH GD FO	▪Achieve ideal glycogen storage ▪Improve hydration before a race in hot weather; consider precooling methods for hot conditions ▪Enhance the rate of carbohydrate oxidation ▪Utilise caffeine ▪Take supplements to boost buffering capacity.	Floating platforms and on body
25 km	~4–5 h	TH GD FO GI	▪Achieve ideal glycogen storage ▪Enhance hydration before a race in hot weather; use precooling techniques in hot conditions ▪Boost the rate of carbohydrate oxidation ▪Hot conditions may benefit from consuming warm food and drinks ▪Utilise caffeine ▪Consider sodium requirements in hot environments	Floating platforms mainly
>25 km	>5 h	TH GD FO GI	▪Achieve optimal storage of glycogen ▪Enhance hydration status before a race in hot weather; employ techniques to cool the body in hot weather ▪Increase the rate at which carbohydrates are converted into energy ▪Consuming warm food and beverages may be advantageous in cold weather ▪Utilise caffeine ▪Adopt a balanced food and beverage composition to ensure gastrointestinal comfort ▪Consider sodium requirements in hot environments	Floating platforms, assisting vessels (accessible at intervals of 2.5 km)