Hi there-
I've never done an open water swim before in my life. There will be a 1-mile swim in July that I'd like to attend (plenty of time to prepare). LC season is right around the corner (sorta)... but any advice that you could give me would be great. I quickly read over the recent article in our magazine about 'swimming tirelessly' - but I just wanted to get some more tips and pointers. I will really only have access to a LCM pool... BUT, I'm going to be vacationing somewhere near the Atlantic Ocean in June - any advice on how I can maybe get my bearings there (for the July swim), too?
Not expecting to be breaking records or anything, I just want to see if I can do it.
Thanks.
You should swim in the waters where the race will be held, before the race, and establish landmarks you can use as navigation aids while you are swimming. Learn to navigate by looking ahead every 5 strokes or so. The landmarks need to be stationary things you can see quickly when you look ahead. Staying on a straight course is key in open water swimming.
The other option is to know someone who is swimming the race who is a good navigator, and key off their direction.
You should swim in the waters where the race will be held, before the race, and establish landmarks you can use as navigation aids while you are swimming. Learn to navigate by looking ahead every 5 strokes or so. The landmarks need to be stationary things you can see quickly when you look ahead. Staying on a straight course is key in open water swimming.
The other option is to know someone who is swimming the race who is a good navigator, and key off their direction.
