Sometimes it takes a long-running drought such as the one affecting California in 2014 to remind everyone to appreciate the very existence of lakes, rivers and oceans – without which triathlons would be duathlons. Here are some of Timothy Carlson’s favorite shots of triathlon racing and training in California, Israel, Canada and Colorado.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

The new swim start at Wildflower

Tyler Butterfield trains at the Colorado Athletic Club in Boulder.

Two young stars at the national triathlon training center of Israel.

Most of the 2,000-plus triathletes in the 2.4-mile swim at the inaugural Ironman Boulder.

Age group swim wave at Ironman Boulder.

Awaiting the dawn swim start at Israman in Eilat.

Wildflower age group swim start.

Siri Lindley leads her squad in a swim workout at RallySport in Boulder.

Swimming for home at Israman.

While two-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Melissa Hauschildt is better known for her run and bike skills, she has worked hard to become a proficient swimmer. At Challenge Laguna Phuket.

Snorkel-wearing triathlete jumps feet first into the RallySport pool.

Ironman 70.3 Boulder swim start.

Despite a drought that turned most of Lake San Antonio into an arid wadi, there was enough water left at the deep end of the reservoir to keep Wildflower a triathlon.

Nearing the end of the Andaman Sea portion of the swim at Challenge Laguna Phuket.

Kickboarders coming and going.

The Kona Kids Triathlon at the end of the swim.

Hand paddle swim training.

A steep climb back to shore at the end of the swim at Wildflower.

Pro men swim start at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Mt, Tremblant.

Wetsuit clad swimmer readies for the start at Eilat.