I'm getting more and more spooked by algae, seaweed, etc...
Former Member
hello all, i've been swimming in a lake in upstate NY the last few weeks and I'm finding I get more and more spooked when I see algae, leaves, branches, etc. Any suggestions on how to work on this? I found when I concentrated and counted strokes, I could keep my form and do well. But it didn't last. I'd start to spook myself out again and my form would deteriorate because i keep trying to sight what's ahead of me.
How do you deal with the harmless debris you might bump into on your lake or ocean swims?
The lake i'm in is relatively clean, though murky. 3-4 feet visibility. I also have a kayaker accompany me.
Chris
Several years ago, I was swimming in Miami Beach and my husband and I saw--a leg.
I know it sounds crazy but literally, foot to calf. Soooooo disgusting. And so close to me I would have hit it if my husband hadn't screamed to warn me.
We've often wondered about the poor person who lost it.
After that, any debris pretty much pales in comparison. It's actually quite amazing to me that I stuck with open water after that since I am incredibly squeamish.
In Belize last year, there were some terrible silver fish that go after swimmers. They don't bite so much as nip, and especially if you have scars--their personal favorite. The first encounter resulted in me screaming and flailing a bit, which I stopped when I realized everyone on the beach was looking, and possibly getting ready for a rescue. After that, I sucked it up when they "attacked".
I've also had a man-of-war sting. Not fun.
Why do I do this again???
Several years ago, I was swimming in Miami Beach and my husband and I saw--a leg.
I know it sounds crazy but literally, foot to calf. Soooooo disgusting. And so close to me I would have hit it if my husband hadn't screamed to warn me.
We've often wondered about the poor person who lost it.
After that, any debris pretty much pales in comparison. It's actually quite amazing to me that I stuck with open water after that since I am incredibly squeamish.
In Belize last year, there were some terrible silver fish that go after swimmers. They don't bite so much as nip, and especially if you have scars--their personal favorite. The first encounter resulted in me screaming and flailing a bit, which I stopped when I realized everyone on the beach was looking, and possibly getting ready for a rescue. After that, I sucked it up when they "attacked".
I've also had a man-of-war sting. Not fun.
Why do I do this again???
