Ocean swimming

Hi there Dorianblade, the only difference I feel with ocean vs pool is the water movement in the ocean, both underwater (current) and on top (waves). Also, because there is no line to follow underwater, many people swim crooked. But swimming in the ocean makes me more "aware" of how I "feel." With time and experience, an ocean swimmer can actually offset these two things. It becomes a more natural thing when a wave is coming from the right, to pull a little harder with the left arm stroke. These things come about with ocean time. Navigation is a consideration: look for buoys, anchored boats, coconut trees, anything stationary along the way. If there is not much turbulence, breathing is the same as in a pool; if there is turbulence, a swimmer may have to roll or rotate a little more to make sure that you don't breathe when a wave breaks. Also swimming in saltwater is a natural buoyant factor; easy to stay on top of the water and not tire as easily. I seem to have to work harder when swimming in chlorine so I guess salt water has made me a little lazy!!! There are times, like right now, when the seas are angry and I am swimming. I have been swimming in 10 foot seas this week and get thrown around all over the place and many times when I try to take a breath, I look up and skip that breathe entirely because the wave is breaking at that very moment. Ocean swimming sure makes one very aware of everything from the environment that you are in, as well as your own swimming. But I will tell you this, I love swimming in rough seas; it makes me so much stronger and efficient, so when the ocean is calm and flat as glass, my strength is very apparent; it feels like I am flying across the water. I absolutely LOVE ocean swimming and never did any of it until I moved here 6 years ago; I wouldn't trade it for anything; lots to see, get to work with tide and currents, get a tan at the same time!!! Donna

Hi there Dorianblade, the only difference I feel with ocean vs pool is the water movement in the ocean, both underwater (current) and on top (waves). Also, because there is no line to follow underwater, many people swim crooked. But swimming in the ocean makes me more "aware" of how I "feel." With time and experience, an ocean swimmer can actually offset these two things. It becomes a more natural thing when a wave is coming from the right, to pull a little harder with the left arm stroke. These things come about with ocean time. Navigation is a consideration: look for buoys, anchored boats, coconut trees, anything stationary along the way. If there is not much turbulence, breathing is the same as in a pool; if there is turbulence, a swimmer may have to roll or rotate a little more to make sure that you don't breathe when a wave breaks. Also swimming in saltwater is a natural buoyant factor; easy to stay on top of the water and not tire as easily. I seem to have to work harder when swimming in chlorine so I guess salt water has made me a little lazy!!! There are times, like right now, when the seas are angry and I am swimming. I have been swimming in 10 foot seas this week and get thrown around all over the place and many times when I try to take a breath, I look up and skip that breathe entirely because the wave is breaking at that very moment. Ocean swimming sure makes one very aware of everything from the environment that you are in, as well as your own swimming. But I will tell you this, I love swimming in rough seas; it makes me so much stronger and efficient, so when the ocean is calm and flat as glass, my strength is very apparent; it feels like I am flying across the water. I absolutely LOVE ocean swimming and never did any of it until I moved here 6 years ago; I wouldn't trade it for anything; lots to see, get to work with tide and currents, get a tan at the same time!!! Donna