CEBU CITY, Philippines (Aug 2026) — Surviving a chaotic open water swim requires much more than just clocking massive hours inside a local swimming pool. During the recent Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu in Cebu, Pinoy triathletes faced wild chop and heavy currents that forced shortened courses and strict cut-offs. In the second episode of The SBR Show, Coach Kevin Eijansantos breaks down the extreme conditions to help athletes build true confidence in rough water.
Why pool training isn’t enough
According to Eijansantos, raw pool mileage does not automatically translate to open water confidence. The severe chop in Cebu proved that mental and physical resilience must be trained in actual rough water conditions. Triathletes need specialized preparation to handle unpredictable currents and keep their composure when the environment turns hostile.
Gear, mechanics, and handling a DNF
The discussion also covers proper gear usage, comparing standard pull buoys against the hidden dangers of using oversized paddles in unpredictable currents. For athletes who faced a did-not-finish result, the coach offers advice on how to process a rough race day and use it as fuel for future start lines.
Pacing your race execution
Looking ahead to the rest of the race, the episode outlines key targets for 21-kilometer run pacing and details how to manage hourly carbohydrate and hydration planning.
Pinoy triathletes can watch the full conversation on the SBRPH YouTube Channel to gather practical insights for their next big event.
