https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/open-water-training-and-technique/25006/venturing-into-open-water-swimmingHey, short intro name is Doug I am a 22 y.o. male. Have been swimming in the pool at the YMCA over the winter, and enjoy increasing my distance as I go. At the moment on average for 2 days a week swim 4 to 5 miles total. I will be prospectively lookingen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/266909?ContentTypeID=1Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:23:22 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:ba718d1d-510b-4eac-9fdd-90c6a48b3162Former MemberMy longest OW race has been 10K. I generally tuck 4 gel packs into my suit. There have been some I only need 2, and some that 6 would have been better. I also eat 2 - 3 gels in the hour leading up to the race (I first started doing this for triathlons). It depends on the course conditions, water temperature and fitness level. If I am swimming in salt water I take in a lot of fluids for 2 hours before the race, and if I am in fresh water I just drink as necessary. Unfortunately for me I have to stop stroking to urinate. Just can&#39;t seem to do it any other way.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/266859?ContentTypeID=1Sun, 28 Mar 2010 07:15:28 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:e184a6eb-9ff7-47b0-b2e8-075afb9925bbFormer Memberdoug, for most swimmers i know, &quot;feeding&quot; during a swim involves liquids and sport gels. for longer swims (20 miles and longer) quite a few people will include a &quot;treat&quot; to help them get through the dark hours. what ever this is, it should be easy to consume, without chewing..... chocolate, marshmallows, soft bread, oatmeal, hot tea with lots of honey and milk etc. another thing to consider is whatever feed you use should not be too offensive coming up (there is always the possibility) i always feel more confident going into a swim when i have completed the distance in training.<div style="clear:both;"></div>