If there was one piece of advice that you could give a new comer to open water swimming, what would it be? Keep in mind I do swim competitively, and have for around 14 years, just have not swam in an open water race.
Parents
Former Member
Get creative in the pool now:
Do longer, continuous swims
Practice mid-pool sighting using sight objects like starting blocks
If you have a willing lane mate, have them swim RIGHT ON your feet and vice-versa to get used to people sharing your personal space
If you don't bilateral breathe, now might be time to try it on for size
If you know you're going to switch goggles, start wearing them now in the pool. I am so fussy about goggles that it took me a while to get used to a larger field of vision for my open water pair.
As soon as you can get outside, do it. Nothing prepares you for open water like open water.
I have spent an entire lifetime in the pool, and I forced myself out there into the deep last summer. I set a goal of a lake race, a river race, an ocean bay, and an ocean swim, and did all three types a few times over. It's a whole 'nother beast. I didn't instantly fall in love with it, and I will never give up the comfort of the Long Black Line, but it's cool, fun, and the people you'll meet are incredible. Be nice to the support guards and kayakers, too!
Get creative in the pool now:
Do longer, continuous swims
Practice mid-pool sighting using sight objects like starting blocks
If you have a willing lane mate, have them swim RIGHT ON your feet and vice-versa to get used to people sharing your personal space
If you don't bilateral breathe, now might be time to try it on for size
If you know you're going to switch goggles, start wearing them now in the pool. I am so fussy about goggles that it took me a while to get used to a larger field of vision for my open water pair.
As soon as you can get outside, do it. Nothing prepares you for open water like open water.
I have spent an entire lifetime in the pool, and I forced myself out there into the deep last summer. I set a goal of a lake race, a river race, an ocean bay, and an ocean swim, and did all three types a few times over. It's a whole 'nother beast. I didn't instantly fall in love with it, and I will never give up the comfort of the Long Black Line, but it's cool, fun, and the people you'll meet are incredible. Be nice to the support guards and kayakers, too!
