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!
Former Member
I should warn you about open water swimming....it gets you in its arms and will not let you go. My daughter when 10 years old, entered an open water swim on a whim. Now 14 years and an English Channel, Catalina Island, Manhattan Island and coutless other swims later this is what she does. It is so compulsive, that I, not a swimmer ever, have now done a number of 1 and 2 mile swims and am looking forward to the Little Red Lighthouse swim this year....:)
Go for it! I started swimming two years ago (after all pool) and did a 2.4 mile swim in the ocean off Portland, Maine last year. It was great!
You might have to adjust your stroke a little to accommodate the water (and waves - search youtube for open water swimming technique), but it is more of a mental thing to swim without a wall nearby to rest on. In addition to swimming in the pool to get ready, I worked on treading water and getting out the rivers and lakes near me.
I was able to borrow an old wetsuit from a buddy of mine who does triathlons, and I might consider getting my own at some point but he hasn't asked for it back. Otherwise, find some fresh water and a swimming buddy, and take the splash! :)
