Swimming is the part of a triathlon that most athletes fear most. Though it’s the shortest portion of the race, even the best swimmers are faced with the stress of other swimmers all around them. And for those participating in a Kona Ironman, the toughest of all events, this feeling can last the entire 2.4-mile swim. Jay Peluso, founder of Peluso Open Water, set out to change this.

Peluso’s job is to help Richmonders become better swimmers so that they can handle the challenging characteristics of any race.

Peluso is tough. Most athletes in town know that. But his toughness comes from being truly passionate about making Richmond healthy. Whether training for a triathlon of any distance or just swimming for fitness, Peluso has made it his business to give local athletes the strength if they are dedicated enough to put in the time.

A two-time All-American swimmer, Peluso boasts a degree in Sport Management at UMass (where he earned multiple school records in swimming) and a law degree from the University of Richmond. He was inducted into the RI Aquatics Hall of Fame in 2004.

From open water and pool clinics to private instruction and Masters programs, Peluso has a goal of encouraging all Richmonders to jump into the sport of swimming. Most swims are at Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership (GRAP), in their 50-meter, eight-lane competition pool with movable bulkheads or a 25-yard course including 22 lanes. The pool, which is one of the fastest in the country, was used in the 2008 Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, where world records were set.

“We are different from other Masters programs in that we understand most of our swimmers are triathletes,” explains Peluso. “They are going to be running and biking, not just swimming. We design our practices and our programs to fit into that schedule. We also are the only adult swim training program in the area that trains in the open water. We don’t just jump in and swim for an hour but we practice skills and techniques that open water swimming requires and prepare our swimmers for the rigors of open water racing.”

While each athlete is different, Peluso reports that his group often sees trends firsthand. He says that new swimmers often do not understand that just pushing faster or harder will not make them faster. In fact, quite the opposite is true, say Peluso. “Technique is of the utmost importance when it comes to swimming. That’s why we have our stroke technique program that focuses on drills and technique and is swum in the warmer, shorter, instructional pool.” Peluso also offers video taping and analysis.

Peluso says that he uses winter training to prepare swimmers mentally and physically, while training during the spring months are often held outside in the James River. “See you on deck, on the shore, and at the start line,” says the local business owner.

Peluso feels that swimmers must get over the intimidation that open water presents. For him, there is just one way: Get in.