How to Master Open Water Swimming
Swimming / Beginner
Diving into the water and being able to move freely without having to worry about lanes or walls can be so liberating, and that’s exactly what’s so appealing about open water swimming. Whether you’re looking to compete in high-paced competitions or just trying the sport for the first time, let’s cover everything you need to know to become a master at open swimming.
WHAT IS OPEN WATER SWIMMING?
Open water swimming refers to any swimming activity or competition that takes place outside of a regular swimming pool. Participants can swim in a lake, river, loch, reservoir, or even the sea. Of course, that doesn’t mean open water swimmers can swim wherever they like, but the sport usually sees clubs going to safe areas where they can swim freely.
The sport can be enjoyed casually and competitively, and anyone can participate. The only requirement is that swimmers should be confident swimming in deep water, as they will spend a lot of time in deep water.
MASTERING OPEN WATER SWIMMING: TOP THINGS TO CONSIDER
With introductions out of the way, let’s look at some of our top tips for becoming a master at open water swimming. As with other sports, practice and consistency are key to building the strength and stamina to take on open-water swimming, but there are other things you may also want to consider.
The Importance of ‘Sighting’
When you’re open water swimming in the UK, the water is likely to be quite dark. This significantly limits your underwater vision, and you will likely not be able to see your hands in front of you while swimming. This is why the skill of ‘sighting’ is very important.
‘Sighting’ refers to the trick of looking straight ahead when taking a breath in order to see which direction to go. A classic technique involves alternating between taking breaths on either side before taking one ‘sighting’ breath.
This isn’t easy to do at first, but the more you practise this technique, the more you will figure out which ratio is best for you. We recommend practising in the pool first to correct the technique and get used to lifting your head up to the front. This may feel very strange at first, but it will feel more natural after a few sessions and repetition.
Wetsuit or No Wetsuit
If you’re just starting out, we advise wearing a wetsuit and a swimming cap to prevent your core body temperature from dropping too quickly. If you struggle with the cold, you can also get neoprene swimming gloves and boots to keep out the cold.
If you do not want to wear a wetsuit or are transitioning from wetsuit to non-wetsuit, gradually acclimatising your body is the way to go. Try entering the water slowly, pausing every few inches as you go. This will give your body time to adjust and prevent you from hyperventilating from the cold-water shock. Once you feel more comfortable, you can start submerging your face and head for 1 second at a time.
If you start to experience any muscle cramping or teeth chattering, it's time to get out of the water. These are signs that your core body temperature has dropped and you need to get warm. The best way to warm up is to dry off quickly and put on warm clothes, such as a woolly hat and fluffy socks! If you are still struggling to get warm, increase your heart rate by running on the spot or doing star jumps.
Our Last-Minute Swimming Tips
You can take several key steps to prepare for your open swim, but what are some small-but-mighty tips for making the most of your swim session or race?
Wear Goggles: With clear-lensed goggles, you can see your underwater surroundings more clearly. If the sun is out, be sure to pick a pair with tinted lenses to prevent glare from the water.
Pick Out Landmarks: Use distant landmarks to keep track of where you are going. This could be trees, buildings, or floating buoys.
Double Swimming Cap: Wearing two swimming caps in cold water can help prevent brain freeze and earache. Wearing earplugs can also help if you struggle with cold ears.
