I've been swimming competitively in the pool for something like 15 years now, but I am interested in trying an open water race, either in a lake or in the ocean this summer. I have absolutely zero experience in open water other than just playing around at the beach. I've looked around this website but I would like some more info. Does anyone have any good books/websites/resources for someone who wants to try open water swimming for the first time? I'll take any and all tips!
What no one told me about Open Water Swimming.
1) swimming in a bay is not the same as swimming in the ocean;
2) swimming directly into the ocean towards deep sea, is not the same as swimming along the shore behind the waves;
3) swimming in the ocean varies considerably from beach to beach;
4) you will feel more comfortable swimming in a group, rather than swimming by yourself;
5) ocean swimming is a different kind of swimming that requires an approach all its own, mind, body, technique;
6) my appreciation/respect for Diana Nyad, and others like her (ocean/distance swimming) has gone through the roof;
What happened this weekend that enlightened me? I joined a group of 30 swimmers and who did the following:
A) swam around the Balboa Pier;
B) swam around the Newport Beach Pier;
C) swam around the Huntington Beach Pier:
D) swam around the Seal Beach Pier;
All in one morning. The bus left at 8:00 am, we were done by 12:00 noon. I only swam around the fist two piers as thats were my comfort level was at. Will I repeat this event next year. YES!!!
This group of swimmers was the most supportive of any group of swimmers I have ever encountered in my four years of swimming.
This group of swimmers included: pool swimmers, open water swimmers, three lifeguards, two olympians (water polo); two father/son, three swimmers from the #2 swim team in the PAC 12, a few US Masters Swimmers (3 clubs representated), and an assortment of others made up the rest. Some of these swimmers have swum from Catalina Island to San Pedro/Long Beach. This is/was a very accomplished group of swimmers. I was very fortunate to be asked to join them. I am very glad I took them up on their offer.
Was this an official swim? No, it was not sanctioned, or recognized. This was all for fun, and what a fun time it was!
Have I been converted to Open Water swimming? No. I will continue to swim in pools and compete at USMS pool events. I will, however, while the water is still warm, I will add open water swimming to my workouts on a regular basis. I will swim in bays, and in the ocean.
The next time I show up at a swimming event with my arm floaties this group of swimmers will say "right on!", while that other group of swimmers will say "OMG that is not how swimmers are suppose to behave. Don't dress like that.". I say relax, you are taking swimming way too seriously, and I've already defeated you mentally.
What did this group of swimmers chant at the end of the day?
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
Thank you folks for allowing me to join you on this aquatic adventure.
What no one told me about Open Water Swimming.
1) swimming in a bay is not the same as swimming in the ocean;
2) swimming directly into the ocean towards deep sea, is not the same as swimming along the shore behind the waves;
3) swimming in the ocean varies considerably from beach to beach;
4) you will feel more comfortable swimming in a group, rather than swimming by yourself;
5) ocean swimming is a different kind of swimming that requires an approach all its own, mind, body, technique;
6) my appreciation/respect for Diana Nyad, and others like her (ocean/distance swimming) has gone through the roof;
What happened this weekend that enlightened me? I joined a group of 30 swimmers and who did the following:
A) swam around the Balboa Pier;
B) swam around the Newport Beach Pier;
C) swam around the Huntington Beach Pier:
D) swam around the Seal Beach Pier;
All in one morning. The bus left at 8:00 am, we were done by 12:00 noon. I only swam around the fist two piers as thats were my comfort level was at. Will I repeat this event next year. YES!!!
This group of swimmers was the most supportive of any group of swimmers I have ever encountered in my four years of swimming.
This group of swimmers included: pool swimmers, open water swimmers, three lifeguards, two olympians (water polo); two father/son, three swimmers from the #2 swim team in the PAC 12, a few US Masters Swimmers (3 clubs representated), and an assortment of others made up the rest. Some of these swimmers have swum from Catalina Island to San Pedro/Long Beach. This is/was a very accomplished group of swimmers. I was very fortunate to be asked to join them. I am very glad I took them up on their offer.
Was this an official swim? No, it was not sanctioned, or recognized. This was all for fun, and what a fun time it was!
Have I been converted to Open Water swimming? No. I will continue to swim in pools and compete at USMS pool events. I will, however, while the water is still warm, I will add open water swimming to my workouts on a regular basis. I will swim in bays, and in the ocean.
The next time I show up at a swimming event with my arm floaties this group of swimmers will say "right on!", while that other group of swimmers will say "OMG that is not how swimmers are suppose to behave. Don't dress like that.". I say relax, you are taking swimming way too seriously, and I've already defeated you mentally.
What did this group of swimmers chant at the end of the day?
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
"Four More Piers"
Thank you folks for allowing me to join you on this aquatic adventure.
