I am a beginning swimmer. I owe a lot to this forum for planting the seed and motivating me. I went from hating swimming to needing to swim, all in two months. Thanks.
Now that I've got the bug, I'd like to try open water this spring and summer. How do I transition from pool to open water? Are there CO2 activated life vests for swimming alone? I'm thinking of something that doesn't produce drag until activated such as an airline life vest. How does one navigate and keep clear or boats, fishing line, and logs? I live in Oregon where the seas are somewhat dangerous. How do you address rip tides, creeper waves, and sharks?
I'm also curious about what kind of goals I need to set to be able to participate in the organized swims. I swim between 45 and 60 minutes three to five times each week. How does this translate to distance?
I'm open to all advice.
Cheers
My first bit of advice is never swim alone in open water, especially if you are not completely confident of your open water abilities and the conditions at hand. If you can find an open water swim buddy you can not only learn from their experience but they are there for you in cases of emergencies.
As for flotation, instead of a life vest, I would suggest getting a wet suit (and I’ll hear it form the purists on this), but a wet suit not only provides buoyancy, it will help with that cold water and a colorful wetsuit makes you more visible to boats. And the best way to address sharks is to call then Sir.
As for goals able to participate in the organized swims – talk to the swim organizers and ask what they require for participation. 45 minutes to an hour 3 to 5 times a week sounds like a great base to get started, so talk to the Oregon masters and see how they can get you holed up.
My first bit of advice is never swim alone in open water, especially if you are not completely confident of your open water abilities and the conditions at hand. If you can find an open water swim buddy you can not only learn from their experience but they are there for you in cases of emergencies.
As for flotation, instead of a life vest, I would suggest getting a wet suit (and I’ll hear it form the purists on this), but a wet suit not only provides buoyancy, it will help with that cold water and a colorful wetsuit makes you more visible to boats. And the best way to address sharks is to call then Sir.
As for goals able to participate in the organized swims – talk to the swim organizers and ask what they require for participation. 45 minutes to an hour 3 to 5 times a week sounds like a great base to get started, so talk to the Oregon masters and see how they can get you holed up.
