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.
Former Member
Ocean swimming in Australia has grown dramatically over the last 10 years.So much so that the most popular races are limited to 2000 entries.We have a circuit in Sydney that goes for about 5 months.
The reason I like it so much is that it involves more strategy and variation in skill.In a pool you may as well run time trials these days as many races are just races against the clock.I still pool swim and will continue to however the open swim allows a pack (no lanes) of swimmers to compete with each other in an unpredicatable field that involves
surf,wind chop,swell,currents,rips,slip streaming,teaming up,short runs,wading,navigating,stingers,sand bars and more.Pool swimming needs to be more technical,skillfull in starts/turns and should be very well planned. Try planning for the above.You see in ocean swimming (rough water) the best technical swimmer does not always win.That combined with an atmosphere of a "day at the beach" makes it more fun for me.I still pool swim though because I like swimming the medley of strokes.
The feeling of freedom it gives me, plus I like a gentle surf to play in going in close to the beach then going out. It is different then pool swimming and the taste of saltwater gets in you. As far as seeing the bottom most of the time I cant which is good so i dont see some of the critters sharing the water with me. It does not really bother me but I dont swim with a wetsuit (cap and goggles yes) and now and then something does touch me and yes it gives me a start!
I love that I can just keep going and going. It feels like you can swim forever. Walls and flip turns seem to be constant reminders of how far you've gone and when you're tired, it's easy to think "i already swam X distance" and each extra lap can become a chore. But in open water, you become independent and it's just you and the fish in your own world. It's like walking rather than driving too. Your body is your own method of transportation.
It is a completely different feeling than going back and forth in the pool. Especially in Sweden where we have long and cold winters it is wonderful to be able to swim outdoors. I start swimming in one of the few outdoors pools and as soon as the temperature allows me I will enjoy swimming Open Water.
It also gives me great workout!!
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.
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.) ;)
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?
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.
