Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:48:30 GMT

a few reasons totalimmersion.net/.../barra.html

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:29:20 GMT

I like the feeling when I reach the other side and I see the bottom coming up at me and I can stand again. It's like being in a plane thats landing...I cheated death again!! YEAH!! I took part in a night swim last week...wonderful...seeing the lights of the shoreline from out in the ocean...nothing like it..ever. On the down side...I hope Body glied works...I'd hate to need a rashguard!

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:35:50 GMT

I like looking to the north and seeing nothing but the water meeting the sky. I also think it's like a roller coaster ride when I'm in a group swim and 2-foot waves are throwing us up and down while we swim.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

adamsrd — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:31:19 GMT

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).

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:19:51 GMT

it provides the ultimate opportunity for stroke analysis...when i swim OW i can forget about pace and focus on the stroke and body balance, there are no turns to disrupt concentration/focus and simply gives me the chance to feel any symptoms of a non-symmetrical stroke. also, nothing works better for endurance for OW races than cruising out a mile or two non-stop. In southern VA we don't have the nice lakes like I grew up accustomed to in western NY so I have to try to replicate the OW experience once a week in a long course pool by doing various sets such as 1x1,800, 1x1,200, 1x800...but that's just not the same

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:24:42 GMT

Grabbed the teenagers to come along with Husband and me this morning. 14 year old daughter did a great job for her first time out. 15 year old son kind of freaked, but is willing to go again to try to get over it. It was nice to have a unique family experience in the summer--getting up at 5:30--especially with doughnuts and coffee afterwards!

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:06:22 GMT

Flexibility, compared to pool swimming. Last week I was on a business trip to Utah and New York State. On Wednesday, I swam (upstream) in the Colorado River. I made 20 feet of forward progress for every 10 minutes of swimming. Air temp: 102. Water temp: 65. Visibility: 2 inches. The hotel pool was 20 yards long and 87 degrees hot. On Friday, I swam upstream, then downstream in the Hudson River in Staatsburg, NY. Back to the local pond in Maine tonight. Hopper www.swimvacation.com

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:56:27 GMT

The La Jolla Cove is the most beautiful place I have ever swam,..I`m getting to love swimming around the kelp,..its like flying over the top of a forest. "swimming" over the kelp is interesting,..it is a great place to rest,..sort of like being in a water-bed. My husband feels exactly the same way and swims directly to the A buoy to lie on the kelp like an otter. I, however, do not share in your joy and hate the stuff.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:04:59 GMT

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:26:12 GMT

I have always loved being in the woods, and now,..I`m learning about the wildness of the open ocean,....plus,...my wife does not swim ,.but she encourages me, and after every swim in the Ocean,..I take her to dinner. We are starting to plan "trips" around swims!

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:12:45 GMT

Open water swimming a little history here in Wind Waves and Sunburn. This is not the complete book just some portions of the book. In the index at the end you will see I am mentioned on several pages. books.google.ca/books

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:59:42 GMT

Freedom. I don't do it as often as I swim in a pool, so it feels new and refreshing. The distance, I love swimming distance!

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:18:47 GMT

I swim almost every day from the same beach. What I like best is that it's always the same but always different. That is, though I swim in the same location every day, there are so many things that change every day: the waves, the tide height, the temperature of the water, the color of the sky and water. Beyond that, I find it so peaceful to get out several hundred meters and leave the rest of the world behind. I like the fact that I am doing something that most people won't or can't do. When I'm swimming I feel so connected with Nature and am left with a feeling of calmness for the rest of the day.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:40:07 GMT

I'm a new swimmer and the first time I swam in OW, I freaked out a little. Now, I'm a more comfortable and I'm really into it. I still get nervous but I'm more excited than anything. I like the idea of actually going somewhere, from point a to point b even if for only a short distance and even if I just turn around and go back. It's like running on the road versus running on the track. Oh, it's free too and you can go any time.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:05:40 GMT

I wanted to chime in here since I just swam OW for the first time since I was 14. I hyperventilate when I swim OW and have stayed out except when we were in Barbados and Hawai'i--that's too scenic to upset me. I also have my SCUBA certification, but again, I did that in the Carribbean. Anyway, I swam this morning and loved it--after I hyperventilated through the 1/4 mile. Went on to swim a mile and was very proud that I accomplished that, even though the distance is short. But it's a different type of distance. I hate the kelp and that I cannot see the bottom, but it's a very freeing experience. The entire world is around me, with nature and other fellow humans just paddling along. Seals barking to my right along the cliff line, with people above the cliffs strolling along watching. It is also a much more social experience than pool swimming. Groups of buddies hanging out, slathering on vaseline together...we went out to coffee with fellow swimmers after. I don't get that at the Y. The water here is 63*, and even though I wore a full wetsuit since it was my first time I think I'll wear my spring suit next week and eventually just my suit once I feel comfortable. I now see what you all love about it. I won't be a full convert to OW, but I will join in the fun once a week.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 14:41:25 GMT

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I like open water so much! Salt water makes me horribly (and reliably) sick. I have actually become quite skilled at hurling while continuing to swim. I also recently was inducted into the "attacked by jellyfish" club during an otherwise beautiful open water practice swim in VA Beach with my training partner. All I know is that it's incredibly fun to go out there and have Mother Nature knock you around. (Although I'd think I'd have to draw the line at being attacked by a shark...)

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 07:36:38 GMT

First open water event went better than expected. I love it! It was in fresh water - very clean w/ great visibility. When it got too deep to see the bottom it was just a dark blue color, but it didn't bother me like I thought it would. Since it was fresh water, there was no fear of sea life and since it was a race, I was never "alone" or had any fear of not being able to return to shore if I had a cramp or something. The cool temperature of the water - approx 65-68 degrees was perfect for me. My body heat stayed cool and I could work harder. I made some new friends and it was really fun. I am officially "hooked."

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:52:42 GMT

Everyone's passion for Open Water has convinced me to give it a try. I don't have a place to practice, but I am swimming in two Open Water events this month. The scariest part is all of the unknowns. My first goal is to finish the race (both are 1 mile) in a certain time frame and I will see how it goes from there. Great posts on this topic.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 07:34:02 GMT

The scenery. The peacefulness. The challenge of having to overcome unexpected challenges - tides, sealife, currents, sun in eyes, staying on course or getting back on course. . . It's something very different to do in your life.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 10:33:09 GMT

Way to go. Sorry the OW was more job than passion.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 16:09:23 GMT

I swam the in the World Proffessional Marthon Swimming Federaration races held All over Canada, USA, Argentina, Egypt and Europe from 1963 to 1970. Made money from prizes and sponsors. From october to July before the first races started in the summer I taught swimming at the George Park Swimming School.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 06:10:45 GMT

Originally posted by geochuck I never really liked open water swimming I had to doit to make money. How did you find a way to make money by open water swimming?

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

FindingMyInnerFish — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:39:13 GMT

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.) ;)

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 05:56:43 GMT

I never really liked open water swimming I had to doit to make money.

RE: Why do you like Open Water Swimming?

Former Member — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 11:35:57 GMT

On fathers day I swam around Round Island just south of Ketchikan Alaska. The water was warmish on one side and cold on the other, the bottom was more of a small shelf or cliff filled with seaweed, star fish (all colors), muscles and barnicles. When you picked your head up to look around the only things I saw were more islands, open water, birds, swimming partner and maybe the escort. So why I like open water swimming? I don't know, maybe I can't find a reason to dislike it.