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 love the variety of open water swimming. In open water swimming, you can swim planned routes and try to better your previous times. Or you can swim at a easy pace along the shore line, observing the underwater life as you go along. You can swim during a downpour or in the bright sunshine. Swimming in the rain is actually a lot of fun. Reminds me of playing in the rain as a kid.
I swim on a lake in upstate NY during the summer. While swimming on the lake, I often discover underwater outcroppings, interesting underwater rock formations, fish hiding in the weeds, beaver dams, lily pads. Sometimes I encounter dropoffs along the shoreline that disappear into underwater oblivion. During an open water swim one can stop along the shore anytime for a break. My dog often swims with me and she loves it when we stop to explore the shore line. On a lake one can swim out to an island and explore a newly discovered beach.
Swimming explorations can last as long as you like. I did a 4 mile lake swim in which I explored the shoreline of seven islands. Took my time enjoying the sights under and above the water. During this swim, I swam fast sometimes and at other times did a leasurely *** stroke. Took 3 hours.
I love to swim in the early morning when the lake water is clear and very calm. During these times, the lake can be like a sheet of glass. You glide through the water seemingly effortlessly.
Swimming in high wind is a real challenge, but doing so gives you a sense of real accomplishment. You can plan a route that starts by heading into the wind, in which you have to battle it out with the waves. Then on the return home, you cruise along at top speed with the aid of wind and waves.
Swimming into the wind is a challenge. While turning your head to breath into the wind, you have to turn your face skyward so as to avoid taking a gulp of water from a crashing wave. But you get pretty good at battling the waves. With much practice, you can learn to take a broadside hit from a wave and still get a breath of air. Of course, it is much easier to get a good breath on the leeward side (looking with the wind).
I love the variety of open water swimming. In open water swimming, you can swim planned routes and try to better your previous times. Or you can swim at a easy pace along the shore line, observing the underwater life as you go along. You can swim during a downpour or in the bright sunshine. Swimming in the rain is actually a lot of fun. Reminds me of playing in the rain as a kid.
I swim on a lake in upstate NY during the summer. While swimming on the lake, I often discover underwater outcroppings, interesting underwater rock formations, fish hiding in the weeds, beaver dams, lily pads. Sometimes I encounter dropoffs along the shoreline that disappear into underwater oblivion. During an open water swim one can stop along the shore anytime for a break. My dog often swims with me and she loves it when we stop to explore the shore line. On a lake one can swim out to an island and explore a newly discovered beach.
Swimming explorations can last as long as you like. I did a 4 mile lake swim in which I explored the shoreline of seven islands. Took my time enjoying the sights under and above the water. During this swim, I swam fast sometimes and at other times did a leasurely *** stroke. Took 3 hours.
I love to swim in the early morning when the lake water is clear and very calm. During these times, the lake can be like a sheet of glass. You glide through the water seemingly effortlessly.
Swimming in high wind is a real challenge, but doing so gives you a sense of real accomplishment. You can plan a route that starts by heading into the wind, in which you have to battle it out with the waves. Then on the return home, you cruise along at top speed with the aid of wind and waves.
Swimming into the wind is a challenge. While turning your head to breath into the wind, you have to turn your face skyward so as to avoid taking a gulp of water from a crashing wave. But you get pretty good at battling the waves. With much practice, you can learn to take a broadside hit from a wave and still get a breath of air. Of course, it is much easier to get a good breath on the leeward side (looking with the wind).
