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.
I learned to swim in salt water in a bay, and love when I can get the chance to return there to swim--the sun on the water, the rocking of waves, and the edginess of keeping an eye out for crabs and jellyfish (actually some jellyfish are pretty harmless and feel like... well ... jelly). The downside is seaweed, but even that keeps things interesting.
I only last year did my first open water ocean race, and that was more nervewracking b/c of going out through breakers and wondering what sorts of "finned friends" were looking for two-legged lunches, but at the same time, it was kind of cool once I settled into the swim and enjoyed the sun and waves. I tend not to see these events as 'races" only b/c my speed won't make me a contender, but rather as a chance for a protected group swim. As the others said, the camaraderie of being with others dealing with the same conditions is a great treat!
Also, in the pool, it can get crowded w/ trying to find a lane that's either empty or has a compatible swimmer, whereas there's no need to worry about that in open water.
However, I still enjoy swimming wherever I swim, including in a pool--since it's within walking distance of home, that's more convenient than going in search of open water. (There's a stream near my home, but as it's about a foot deep at its deepest, it kinda inhibits swimming.) ;)
I learned to swim in salt water in a bay, and love when I can get the chance to return there to swim--the sun on the water, the rocking of waves, and the edginess of keeping an eye out for crabs and jellyfish (actually some jellyfish are pretty harmless and feel like... well ... jelly). The downside is seaweed, but even that keeps things interesting.
I only last year did my first open water ocean race, and that was more nervewracking b/c of going out through breakers and wondering what sorts of "finned friends" were looking for two-legged lunches, but at the same time, it was kind of cool once I settled into the swim and enjoyed the sun and waves. I tend not to see these events as 'races" only b/c my speed won't make me a contender, but rather as a chance for a protected group swim. As the others said, the camaraderie of being with others dealing with the same conditions is a great treat!
Also, in the pool, it can get crowded w/ trying to find a lane that's either empty or has a compatible swimmer, whereas there's no need to worry about that in open water.
However, I still enjoy swimming wherever I swim, including in a pool--since it's within walking distance of home, that's more convenient than going in search of open water. (There's a stream near my home, but as it's about a foot deep at its deepest, it kinda inhibits swimming.) ;)
