Question on Critical Swim Speed (CSS) - it can be set on the watch, but is it used?

Former Member over 5 years ago

I just saw the Fenix 6x (and presumably other models) can estimate Critical Swim Speed through a test on the watch and CSS can be manually set on the watch. A question in two parts. First, where and how may this value be used? I cannot find any reference to CSS in Connect iPhone app or the Connect web page. Nor in the workout creator on the Connect iPhone app or Connect website. Second, is CSS used in the background to determine effort/output like FTP/HR is for bike and run?

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Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to matmayer +1

Thanks. I had seen DC Rainmaker's review and figured by now, with the updates, something may have changed. Apparently not. The idea is clearly to position CSS as a kind of FTP test for swimming: https…

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0 matmayer over 5 years ago

Hi,

From what I understand, for now, it is just to be used to check over time how it evolves.

Have a look at this review : https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/garmin-swim-2-openwater-pool-gps-watch-review.html
"The idea though is that you’ll trend this over time. Though at present, it’s not viewable anywhere within Garmin Connect or Garmin Connect Mobile. I’ve gotta believe that’s on the way, since there are so many other performance metrics that are trended over time already on Garmin Connect."

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to matmayer

Thanks. I had seen DC Rainmaker's review and figured by now, with the updates, something may have changed. Apparently not. The idea is clearly to position CSS as a kind of FTP test for swimming: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=h56ydwZxU8A7oi2OSh0y66 Which is interesting. But it seems Garmin should provide graphs or other trend data for CSS *and* SWOLF. I guess that's for the wishlist.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

I have just done the CSS and I was wondering exactly the same thing as you ! Will it be helpful to compute the training load ? (And by the way I don't even know how Garmin analyzes bike, run and swim workouts, I had on my mind that they merely use the heart rate)

0 RustysTbone over 4 years ago

I just did the CSS yesterday. I am interested in how this will be used as well, and may incorporate it into my workout routines later. I hope they give some information on how this is to be used soon.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago

Garmin didn't invent Critical Swim Speed or VO2 max monitoring, they added them to their devices because many coaches use them in their programmes to help athletes create training sessions around HR and track their progress. Google search for Critical Swim Speed results give you Swimsmooth who probably made CSS training popular and other sources who have adopted it: