Why is the pool harder than the ocean??

Hi all!

63 year old male swimmer in Laguna Beach here. Question for the group. 

I swam this whole last winter in the ocean no wetsuit averaging 3 swims a week of between 1-2 miles each. According to my Apple Watch I was on a 1:40-1:50 pace for my 100’s.

wanting to diversify I jumped in our local pool the other day and thought I’d knock out a quick 3,000 yards and was absolutely gassed after swimming the first 200...

I have been swimming for 55 years-Age group, high school, college, ocean lifeguard. 

why so much harder in the pool than the ocean?

thanks!!

Parents
  • You doing flip turns?  Try open ones.  I spend half my warm up doing open turns before going to flip turns.  When you flip turn, you disrupt your breathing pattern, as you have to hold your breath for the time it takes to lead into the wall, flip, push off, and break out.  It is very, very different than open water.

Reply
  • You doing flip turns?  Try open ones.  I spend half my warm up doing open turns before going to flip turns.  When you flip turn, you disrupt your breathing pattern, as you have to hold your breath for the time it takes to lead into the wall, flip, push off, and break out.  It is very, very different than open water.

Children
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