First OWS Event!

Good luck Kathryn,

The best way to answer your question is to encourage you to make the time to do some OWS before your race.  Then, almost all shall be reveals, so-to-speak. 

1. As Force mentions, OWS can be a contact sport (incidental).  Unless you expect to be in contention for a medal, hang back at the start or start off to the side to avoid the mayhem of the start.  Then, pick a pace that is comfortable and not overly hard until you settle in.
2. Some people warm-up before the race. Depends on your conditioning and the water temp.
3. Get used to lifting your head to look forward for sighting your location.  Sighting can be done during a freestyle pull or simply switching to breaststroke.  If the water is really clear, you might be able to follow others who are swimming a straight line.
4. You might have to pee before the race and don't have time to run to the toilet, so get used to peeing in your suit/wetsuit. Wade into the water.
5. The water surface could be choppy - unlike a pool.  Expect to swallow water or choke from time to time.  Bilateral breathing can be helpful in especially choppy water.  
6. If the water is a bit murky, not being able to see very far can be disconcerting for those new to OWS.  Alcatraz is among the worst.  Conversely, if the water is really clear, you might see things you don't want to see (fish, weeds, etc.).  Just get used to it.
7. Do more non-stop swims of 500+ yards.  Even work up to a mile non-stop, so you know you are capable of it.
8. If the water will be chilly and you expect to be cold after the race, bring hot water.  Or, buy a wetsuit or a neoprene cap to keep warm during the race.  bring warm clothes for after the race - just in case.
9. For a mile swim you don't need to worry about hydrating or nourishment during the race.

Have fun -   Paul

Good luck Kathryn,

The best way to answer your question is to encourage you to make the time to do some OWS before your race.  Then, almost all shall be reveals, so-to-speak. 

1. As Force mentions, OWS can be a contact sport (incidental).  Unless you expect to be in contention for a medal, hang back at the start or start off to the side to avoid the mayhem of the start.  Then, pick a pace that is comfortable and not overly hard until you settle in.
2. Some people warm-up before the race. Depends on your conditioning and the water temp.
3. Get used to lifting your head to look forward for sighting your location.  Sighting can be done during a freestyle pull or simply switching to breaststroke.  If the water is really clear, you might be able to follow others who are swimming a straight line.
4. You might have to pee before the race and don't have time to run to the toilet, so get used to peeing in your suit/wetsuit. Wade into the water.
5. The water surface could be choppy - unlike a pool.  Expect to swallow water or choke from time to time.  Bilateral breathing can be helpful in especially choppy water.  
6. If the water is a bit murky, not being able to see very far can be disconcerting for those new to OWS.  Alcatraz is among the worst.  Conversely, if the water is really clear, you might see things you don't want to see (fish, weeds, etc.).  Just get used to it.
7. Do more non-stop swims of 500+ yards.  Even work up to a mile non-stop, so you know you are capable of it.
8. If the water will be chilly and you expect to be cold after the race, bring hot water.  Or, buy a wetsuit or a neoprene cap to keep warm during the race.  bring warm clothes for after the race - just in case.
9. For a mile swim you don't need to worry about hydrating or nourishment during the race.

Have fun -   Paul