From cavalry charge-style mass swim starts to running full tilt from the beach into the lakes, rivers and ocean, swimming begins almost all triathlons. The most technical of all triathlon disciplines is often the most challenging to many newcomers. But if you are lucky, you might just find a dolphin to accompany you on your rounds around the buoys.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Large walls of Pacific Ocean waves greeted 850 triathletes at the start of the Superfrog Triathlon in San Diego.

Two-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack looks up at the sky before the start at Kona.

Friends and rivals – two pros shake hands before the start of the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.

Pro jumping into Tempe Town Lake before the start of Ironman Arizona.

Navy SEAL Derek Oskutis uncorks a stylish frog dive into the water at the CapTex Triathlon in Austin, Texas

Age group start wave at the Wildflower long course triathlon.

Mass start at XTERRA World Championship in Maui.

Abu Dhabi pro women’s swim start.

Age group mass start at Ironman Arizona.

Pro start wave at Wildflower.

Flat out horizontal dive at Abu Dhab swim stari.

Impressionistic blur at Ironman Arizona swim start.

Swimming through the kelp on a glassy morning at Pacific Grove, California.

Halfway through the 10 kilometer swim at Ultraman Hawaii in Kailua-Kona.

Body surfing back to the beach at Superfrog.

High intensity run to the beach halfway through the 1500 meter swim at the ITU World Triathlon Series women’s event in San Diego.

My favorite triathlete heads out on the second lap of the swim at Pacific Grove.

Volunteers help Physically Challenged triathlete out of the water.

Woman competitor runs up to T1 at Wildflower.

Happy swimmer's big smile after making her way through the kelp at Pacific Grove.