I am a first year swimmer (Of the older kind) and I have committed myself to a 1 mile open water swim on July 20th.
My pool workouts have gone up to 3500 yards so the distance itself is not the big deal. The problem is that I get nervous when I am in open water for no particular reason. (Actually, I am fine if I wear a snorkel, but I need to get weaned off of that.)
I am looking for a kind and gentle soul to swim (or paddle) with me to the quarter-mile buoy and back. I am swimming about a 36 minute mile. (That shouldn't exclude many people!) I need to get used to the sensation of being out there, and I need to learn the basics of staying on course, and other errata.
Any help or suggestions will be eternally apprciated,
thanks,
Parents
Former Member
Hi Eric,
I have no helpful ideas other than Ron's--go to the LJ Cove club's website.
I swim Fridays at 6:15 a.m.-ish. I've come back after being psychologically blocked from swimming OW at 13. What helped me was to get fins and swim on my back as long as I needed to get adjusted. Once I warmed up I could turn around and put my face in. Now I'm fine. I swim 3 strokes and then put my head up and look. I recommend swimming early in the morning (especially during the summer months) because there are less swimmers and you can maneuver your way towards the bouys. Also, don't be afraid to ask those who are just entering what to buddy you or what their strategies are. The Cove swimmers are a wonderfully friendly bunch of people. Oh, and make sure you go to the LJ Starbucks after--that's where they all congregate. They're easy to spot with their wetheads!
When you actually swim the mile be aware that there will be a jostle of people at the start. You may want to hold back if you're uncomfortable.
Good luck--just completing it is a feat in itself!
Hi Eric,
I have no helpful ideas other than Ron's--go to the LJ Cove club's website.
I swim Fridays at 6:15 a.m.-ish. I've come back after being psychologically blocked from swimming OW at 13. What helped me was to get fins and swim on my back as long as I needed to get adjusted. Once I warmed up I could turn around and put my face in. Now I'm fine. I swim 3 strokes and then put my head up and look. I recommend swimming early in the morning (especially during the summer months) because there are less swimmers and you can maneuver your way towards the bouys. Also, don't be afraid to ask those who are just entering what to buddy you or what their strategies are. The Cove swimmers are a wonderfully friendly bunch of people. Oh, and make sure you go to the LJ Starbucks after--that's where they all congregate. They're easy to spot with their wetheads!
When you actually swim the mile be aware that there will be a jostle of people at the start. You may want to hold back if you're uncomfortable.
Good luck--just completing it is a feat in itself!
