Taitung Living Water Lake Open Water Training Guide: Training Tips from the Triathlon Holy Land

Introduction

Taitung Living Water Lake, located in Taitung City, Taitung County, is a man-made lagoon connected to the Pacific Ocean, with the water surface gently rising and falling with the tides. It is an important development hub for triathlon in Taiwan, having hosted IRONMAN Taiwan and the Taitung International Triathlon multiple times, and is also a place where countless athletes train in open water year after year. For Taiwanese swimmers looking to improve their open water swimming skills, Living Water Lake is almost an indispensable training ground.

Characteristics of Living Water Lake

Understanding the characteristics of the training venue is a prerequisite for developing an effective training plan.

The water quality of Living Water Lake is affected by the seasons; visibility decreases after the rainy season, and algae can occasionally proliferate. It is recommended to check local water quality announcements before training, as official events typically conduct water quality testing beforehand.

Training Plan Recommendations

Beginners (Open Water Introduction)

For swimmers visiting Living Water Lake for the first time, it is recommended to start with the following process:

• First session: Swim along the shallow water areas near the shore to experience the differences of the open water environment and practice swimming in a straight line without walls
• Sighting practice: Choose a fixed distant target (buildings on shore, buoys), and lift your head every 8–10 strokes to check your direction
• Distance goal: For the first session, it is recommended to swim 400–800 meters, prioritizing adaptation to the environment over chasing distance

Intermediate Athletes (Triathlon Preparation)

If you are preparing for the swim leg of a triathlon, Living Water Lake provides a training environment closest to race conditions:

• Drafting practice: Find a training partner to practice drafting, swimming behind or slightly to the side of their legs to feel the drag-reduction effect
• Start sprint practice: Simulate the mass start of a triathlon by entering the water quickly from the shore, maintaining higher intensity for the first 50 meters
• Exit timing practice: Time yourself from exiting the water and running to T1, practicing the smooth motion of removing your swim cap and goggles

Long-Distance Athletes

For athletes preparing for the Sun Moon Lake Swim or other long-distance events, it is recommended to use Living Water Lake for:

• Long-distance endurance training of 2–3 laps per session (approximately 3–4.5 km)
• In-water fueling drills (carrying energy gels, practicing eating while swimming)
• Pacing consistency training: keeping the time difference between the first and second halves within 5%

Training Safety and Regulations

Living Water Lake has its own training regulations that you must understand before entering:

• Opening hours: Usually from 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM (subject to seasonal adjustments)
• Swimming direction: Swim in a fixed direction (usually counterclockwise) to avoid head-on collisions
• Carry a safety buoy: Carry an orange or red safety buoy during training to increase visibility; water management staff typically require it
• No solo training: Train with at least one other person, or confirm that a lifeguard is on duty

Surrounding Resources and Transportation

Living Water Lake has comprehensive supporting facilities around it:

• Shower and changing rooms (paid use during certain hours)
• Bicycle rentals (you can cycle along the Taitung coastline after training)
• The Taitung Triathlon Association regularly holds training courses; athletes from other counties can check and join
• For accommodation, it is recommended to stay in downtown Taitung, about a 10-minute drive from Living Water Lake

Transportation:

• By car: Head along Zhonghua Road in Taitung City; parking is available
• Public transport: Bicycles can be rented near Taitung Railway Station, with a ride of about 15–20 minutes

Practical Tips

• Pay attention to sun protection during summer training; there is little shade around Living Water Lake, so rehydrate immediately after exiting the water
• Given Taitung’s high temperatures and humidity, it is recommended to reduce training volume by 10–15% compared to usual to avoid heatstroke
• If you plan to train at Living Water Lake long-term, consider joining a local Taitung swimming or triathlon club—not only will you have more training partners, but you will also stay updated on the latest venue information
• When filming underwater training videos, the shallow green water of Living Water Lake is quite photogenic and suitable for documenting your progress
• After each training session, record your feel in the water, water temperature, and pace to build your own training log

Conclusion

Taitung Living Water Lake is not just a training venue; it is an important symbol of Taiwan’s open water swimming culture. Many of Taiwan’s top triathletes have honed their skills here, and these waters have witnessed countless people’s growth and breakthroughs. The next time you visit Taitung, consider bringing your goggles and safety buoy in the early morning, stepping into this holy land, and experiencing for yourself why so many people can’t stop thinking about this place.

Related Reading

• Taitung Living Water Lake: The Calm Waters of an Artificial Lake and a Triathlon Base
• Taitung Living Water Lake Swim Race: Technical Challenges and Race Preparation in Inland Open Water
• The Beauty of Taitung Triathlon Festival: Experience the Purest Triathlon Spirit in the Paradise Beyond the Mountains
• Open Water Training Venues: Lakes, Reservoirs, and Coastal Areas Suitable for Practice in Taiwan