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Step 1
Find an object to focus on. Usually buoys are bright colored, making them easier to locate. Note the number of buoys and also the finish, which will be the object at the end to sight.
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Step 2
Rotate your head forward while breathing during the freestyle stroke. The water line should be visible midway up your goggles. This works best if a breath is taken, then your head is rotated, making it a more fluid motion.
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Step 3
Locate the buoy or sighting object with your head turned forward. If unable to locate the object, wait a few strokes and try again.
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Step 4
Decide how many strokes between attempts to sight. Usually this is around 6 strokes. Remember that sighting will slow your pace, and the less sighting, the faster the time. Since swimming is just the first part of a triathlon, a good time is very important.
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Step 5
Follow the pack as much as possible. This allows for less sighting. Sighting should be done just to make sure you are following the course, but you won't have to do it frequently. The odds of all the swimmers going the wrong way are low, but it is still a good idea to check that you're on the right track.
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Step 6
Practice sighting first in a pool. Sighting is fairly difficult, and the first attempt at it shouldn't be during a triathlon.
