Garmin 305 Forerunner - Swimming
 

I just got this Garmin 305 Forerunner for Fathers Day already took it for a 2 bike rides and run I really like this thing. Anyways I was wondering if anyone has ever used it for swimming, I know it is not really water proof but has someone done something so you can use it. I know I can't use the heart monitor in the water but I was hopeing I can get my distance and speed clocked. Thanks for the help.

distance and speed checking isn't generally something you will be doing while you are busy using your arms to swim, but I have heard that the forerunners are made so they can survive an Ironman swim.

I was thinking more along the line of checking and useing the data after a race or training session once I upload it to my computer.

Make sure you buy the footpod for training on a treadmill and the speed/cadence module for your bike. I received a 305 from my wife this spring and it's one of the coolest training gadgets that I've ever used. Have fun with it!

It says in the manual that it's not made for submersion. The new 310 or whatever they have is the one you can use for all 3 sports.

Again I understand it is not waterproof, what I am asking is does someone have this Garmin and have they done something, put in a plastic bag, put in swim cap or something that does allow it to be used in the water.

That has been done. I'd google it, can't find the link. Exactly as you described.

The new 310xt or whatever is designed for swimming as well.

for the price of these things I would not risk it.

I've gone with the plastic bag/under swim cap approach for practice (pool & open water) as well as my first triathlon this may. It worked great for distance/time splits, but it won't pick up HR data from underneath the wetsuit (my original polar 720i that I used on the bike will give me HR data during a swim, but of course no distance).

With a little practice, I can easily start/stop and hit lap button whenever I need to record a split during the swim.

mcfc57 is right - the new 310xt appears to be the way to go if you want a device truly designed for triathlon. If it had a barometric altitude reading, It also is supposed to have a significantly better battery life (20hrs). But it's pricier than the $149 or so I paid for the 305 at costco.