At 37, I have been swimming since I was a kid (15 years of that were coached and competitive). I don't compete now, but I swim a couple of times a week and do 1.5 miles each time (in a short course pool, borrring), no rests.
Bottom line: I feel like I'm a pretty good swimmer. All these dolorous short course laps have made me interested in trying some open water... but I have NO idea what to expect.
Anybody have advice for a swimmer of my quality making the jump to some open water? I'm in Minnesota, so (I assume) our water won't be swim-worthy until about July.
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
Open water is different. You need to adjust to the idea of swimming in crowds and be prepared to think about drafting (either avoiding the parasite on your feet to doing it cooperatively with a small group).
I grew up in a lake and I'm very comfortable in open water. The lack of visibility, currents, choppiness, and cold spots can be a little disconcerting. You'll also need to develop a strategy for keeping your line toward the next turn. I usually take a stroke with my head up every 25 yards or so to make sure I haven't veered off course. Others may have a better strategy.
There is something magical about a still lake surface just after dawn. Find a good spot for a morning workout and breathe it in. You'll be hooked.
Open water is different. You need to adjust to the idea of swimming in crowds and be prepared to think about drafting (either avoiding the parasite on your feet to doing it cooperatively with a small group).
I grew up in a lake and I'm very comfortable in open water. The lack of visibility, currents, choppiness, and cold spots can be a little disconcerting. You'll also need to develop a strategy for keeping your line toward the next turn. I usually take a stroke with my head up every 25 yards or so to make sure I haven't veered off course. Others may have a better strategy.
There is something magical about a still lake surface just after dawn. Find a good spot for a morning workout and breathe it in. You'll be hooked.
