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
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.
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.
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."
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...)
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
