I love to swim in places where I can see the bottom. So, I don't mind snorkeling in the Caribbean, but I can't seem to get excited about open swimming in other places.
I'm not trying to be controversial here, I was just wondering what is it about OW that you like, beyond the obvious reasons such as not confined to a pool/lane, it is outside, no flip turns, etc.
Interesting question. And a good one. There are lots of reasons why I enjoy open water swimming. One is avoiding the tyranny of the clock--I'm not able to compare myself to my younger fitter self. I can make up for some lack of conditioning with some guile. Which is good because I have more guile than conditioning.
The physical challenge implicit in every open water swim is rewarding. And fun.
The different views and locations are great. Seeing a turtle in Hawaii, a reflected snow cap mountain in Elk Lake, catching an outside wave at Manhattan Beach, etc. All those are vivid memories. Trying to swim and sight a course and trying to find a better route than anyone else so I can sneak ahead.
The camaraderie which someone mentioned surrounding doing an open water swim, which contrasts with spending time on a pool deck for a pool meet is great.
The constant variety between different swims. Salt water, fresh water, calm, choppy, currents. Even from year to year the same swim can be entirely different and you have to figure it out. Everyone once in a while, you get it wrong no matter how many swims you have done. That's OK too. Means you don't get bored. Or shouldn't.
Interesting question. And a good one. There are lots of reasons why I enjoy open water swimming. One is avoiding the tyranny of the clock--I'm not able to compare myself to my younger fitter self. I can make up for some lack of conditioning with some guile. Which is good because I have more guile than conditioning.
The physical challenge implicit in every open water swim is rewarding. And fun.
The different views and locations are great. Seeing a turtle in Hawaii, a reflected snow cap mountain in Elk Lake, catching an outside wave at Manhattan Beach, etc. All those are vivid memories. Trying to swim and sight a course and trying to find a better route than anyone else so I can sneak ahead.
The camaraderie which someone mentioned surrounding doing an open water swim, which contrasts with spending time on a pool deck for a pool meet is great.
The constant variety between different swims. Salt water, fresh water, calm, choppy, currents. Even from year to year the same swim can be entirely different and you have to figure it out. Everyone once in a while, you get it wrong no matter how many swims you have done. That's OK too. Means you don't get bored. Or shouldn't.
