hi everyone! i absolutely love swimming but i'm new to the idea of open water swimming, so i thought this might be a good place to get advice. i was wondering what a good way to get started is and if making the transition from pool to open water is a big deal. i'd really like to be in races like the fat salmon, etc. one day (the sooner the better!). any tips would be great and also, what were your first open water experiences like?
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First open water swim was in Ocean off Narragansett RI in late June. All I had was a speedo. Water was COLD. My coach buddied me up with a triathlete acquaintance in a wetsuit who took off on me. I never saw him again. I started to get pretty hypoed after about a half mile and was freaking. Tried swimming in to shore, and wasn't sure I was going to make it back. I am still here but that was not pleasant. I liken this experience to taking your friend to the top of a ski mountain on a steep trail and saying "you can do it, see you at the bottom."
Experienced ocean swimmers need to remember how terrifying open water is to the newbie, and make the transition from the pool to the ocean as safe and comfortable as it can be.
Help the newbies!
