Calculate observed open-water pace or build a transparent finish-time scenario from still-water pace, navigation distance, current, and sighting delay.
How the Open Water Pace Calculator Works
The observed mode converts completed distance to meters, divides by elapsed time for speed, and then reports pace per 100 meters and 100 yards. The projection mode starts with still-water speed and applies only the scenario adjustments entered.
| Scenario input | Effect in the model | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Extra navigation distance (%) | Increases the effective distance | 0% |
| Aiding or opposing current | Adds to or subtracts from still-water speed | None, 0 m/s |
| Total sighting delay (s) | Adds directly after moving time | 0 s |
Current model
The advanced current option assumes a constant flow exactly parallel to the course. An aiding value increases modeled ground speed; an opposing value decreases it. A nonpositive ground speed is rejected.
Navigation and sighting
Extra navigation distance represents a longer actual path than the nominal course. Sighting delay is entered separately so its effect remains visible instead of being hidden in a single adjustment percentage.
Sources
Sources: NOAA National Ocean Service, What Is a Current? and Currents Tutorial; National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP 811 conversion factors, current editions.