Open water swim! So I began swimming about 3.5 months ago and have made some pretty sweet gains. I can now swim 1000 yards straight fairly easily at a MUCH faster pace than when I started(2:15 to 1:45’s). I recently got a wetsuit and I want to attempt a open water swim before my actual one in two weeks(yikes!). I guess I’m curious if I’m able to go out for an OWS by myself to atleast figure things out and test out the wetsuit, or if I will need someone with me(probably won’t be able to because of my scheduling conflicts). If anyone could give me advice on OWS training and specifically how they do it by themselves. I have a lake that is about 30 min from my house near the napa valley!
Can you do your open water swim and stay near the shore or in shallow water? It’s all a matter of how confident you are and how self-sufficient you are. I OWS by myself at times but it can get a little creepy in the middle of open water knowing no one can help you. I like having someone around if it’s a long swim in the middle of nowhere.
I am a big fan of OWS. I alternate between lake and ocean swims and can say that it is a more “free” feeling than in the pool. My advice to you would be to either start swimming along a shoreline first (as stated above) or try to swim with other people until you are comfortable on your own. See if there is a group that swims at the lake and try to join them for a swim or two. Also, OWS is where you can see just how bad you are at staying in a straight line. I know for me, when my form start to go to shit I pull to my right and need to correct myself before I go too far off track. The beauty of OWS is that it allows you to get into a good rythmn with your stroke and breathing without having to stop for walls. I get into a zen like state and everything just flows.
Many people are affraid of OWS do to the scary creatures you may encounter, don’t be scared. Ever stick your hand in a fish tank and see what the fish do…they stay far far away from you, same thing in OWS. Just do it and embrace it. Oh, and practice your sighting so you can learn to stay in a straight line and avoid swimming in zig-zags.
as everyone is saying. Swim in shallow water first where you can save yourself if needed
swim with other swimmers who can save you if needed
swim where there is a lifeguard and if you’re really scared just let them know first
Once you have done it for a little while your confidence will grow. Its so much more fun that pool swimming! Dont let your confidence make you stupid though. I wouldnt do a OW swim on my own where I am very far from shore (200 meter plus I guess) and I cant stand unless I knew someone was either with me or at least could see me from shore. I am a strong swimmer but you just dont know whats going to happen, cramp, heart problems, boats etc etc Dont swim where you get jet skies etc zooming around and just realise that boats etc can not see you as easily as you might think, using a bright swim hat may help a little!
enjoy and I would say defo do it before doing it in a race! dont forget also that your race may involve a mass start and that is not fun if you dont have some confidence. Keep sighting as much as you can so you dont swin extra meteres that you dont need to.
