Open water swimming and sea swimming tips for beginners
Dive In: The Open Water Swimming Adventure
So, you’ve mastered the pool, clocked up countless laps, and can out-swim Kevin from the local swim club. But now, you’re itching for something more—something that doesn’t involve chlorine and lane ropes. Welcome to open water swimming! Whether you’re gearing up for your first triathlon, want to conquer a wild swim challenge, or just need a new way to escape life’s mundane routines, open water swimming has it all: excitement, unpredictability, and the occasional face-to-face with a jellyfish.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know: from tackling tides and currents to when you should squeeze into that wetsuit and when it’s better left at home. And for those just starting, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with beginner tips that will have you feeling more confident in no time.
How to Tackle Tides and Currents Like a Pro (or at Least Not Panic)
Swimming in the sea isn’t just swimming; it’s a strategic game of “How Not to Get Carried Away to Portugal.” Unlike the pool, where the biggest challenge is dodging slow swimmers, the ocean throws a whole heap of variables your way. Here’s how to handle it:
•Know Your Tides: The ocean breathes with the rise and fall of tides, and it pays to know when it’s exhaling. Check local tide charts online or through apps before you go. Swimming at high tide usually means deeper water and fewer obstacles, but low tide might reveal hidden rocks, sandbanks, and the kind of slimy seaweed that clings like a needy ex.
•Understanding Currents: Currents are like that one friend who always has a plan and never tells you. They can drag you left, right, or straight out to sea. The key is to understand which way they’re flowing before you jump in. If you feel yourself being pulled in a direction you didn’t sign up for, swim parallel to the shore to escape. And if you’re caught in a rip current, don’t fight it directly; swim diagonally across it to reach calmer waters. Remember, a current’s job is to push you around. Your job? Outsmart it.
•Pick Your Day: Not all sea days are created equal. A calm, sunny day with little wind? Perfect. Windy with whitecaps and choppy water? Maybe stick to the pool. A good rule of thumb is: if it looks rougher than a toddler’s tantrum, give it a miss.
Lake vs. River vs. Ocean: Who Wins the Open Water Showdown?
Not all water is the same. Each type of open water environment has its quirks, challenges, and occasional hidden terrors. Here’s a breakdown:
•Lakes: Still, peaceful, and great for beginners. Lakes are generally safer, with fewer waves and no tides. However, they can be surprisingly cold, even on a warm day, and you might have to contend with weeds and the occasional nibbling fish. Wind can also whip up mini-waves, turning a placid swim into a mini roller coaster.
•Rivers: Flowing water means you’re always on the move, whether you want to be or not. The current can be your best friend or your worst enemy—especially if it’s faster than you expected. Stick to swimming parallel to the bank, and always be mindful of river hazards like rocks, debris, and the errant swan who thinks you’re encroaching on their turf.
•Ocean: The big boss of open water swimming. Waves, tides, currents, and wildlife all combine to make ocean swimming a true adventure. But with that comes buoyancy (saltwater helps you float), stunning scenery, and a chance to feel like a total badass when you emerge from the surf victorious. Just watch out for sneaky waves, underwater rocks, and any mysterious floating objects.
The Great Wetsuit Debate: To Wear or Not to Wear?
You’ve seen the pros in their sleek black wetsuits looking like aquatic superheroes, but do you really need one? The wetsuit is the open water swimmer’s armour, offering warmth, buoyancy, and a touch of style. But it’s not always the right choice.
•When to Wear a Wetsuit:
•Cold Water (Below 18°C/65°F): If the water temperature has you shivering before you even dip your toes in, a wetsuit will help keep you warm and toasty.
•Long Distances: The longer you’re in the water, the more likely you are to lose body heat. A wetsuit helps you stay warm, stay buoyant, and ultimately, stay swimming.
•For Extra Buoyancy: New to open water? Wetsuits make you more buoyant, meaning less energy spent staying afloat and more spent perfecting that stroke.
•When to Ditch the Wetsuit:
•Warm Water (Above 20°C/68°F): Overheating is no joke. If the water’s warm, skip the wetsuit unless you want to feel like you’re swimming in a sauna.
•Short Races or Sprints: Sometimes the time spent wrangling out of a wetsuit isn’t worth the benefits it provides during the swim. Streamline, stay cool, and embrace your inner minimalist.
•When Practicing Sighting: Wetsuits can restrict movement slightly. If you’re honing your sighting skills, sometimes going without helps build better technique.
Beginner’s Guide: Open Water Swimming Without the Fear of a Meltdown
Everyone’s a beginner once, and no one ever forgets their first open water swim—it’s a rite of passage filled with nerves, excitement, and, occasionally, minor freakouts. Here’s how to ease into it:
•Start in Calm Waters: Begin in a small lake or a quiet bay where conditions are gentle, and the risk factor is low. Practice getting comfortable in your surroundings without the added stress of waves or currents.
•Buddy Up: Don’t swim alone, especially when you’re new. Not only is it safer, but a swim buddy can help keep you motivated, provide a second pair of eyes on the water, and, most importantly, laugh with you when you make rookie mistakes.
•Practice Sighting Like a Sniper: In the ocean, there’s no black line guiding you to the finish. Sighting is essential—every few strokes, lift your head just enough to check your direction. Find a fixed point on the shore (buoy, tree, the giant inflatable unicorn someone left behind) and use it to keep your bearings.
•Get Used to Cold Water: The shock of cold water can leave you gasping like you’ve just been told your Starbucks order is sold out. Acclimatize by starting with short dips, gradually increasing the time spent in the water. Focus on controlled breathing to keep the panic at bay.
•Learn to Relax: The ocean doesn’t care about your pace or your perfect technique. Focus on keeping a relaxed stroke, consistent breathing, and most of all, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by nature. The more you relax, the easier everything becomes.
Top Tips for Open Water Swimming Success
Here are the essentials to keep in mind as you embrace your open water adventures:
•Check the Weather and Water Conditions: Always do a quick check of the forecast, wind conditions, and water temperatures before you head out. Better to be prepared than surprised.
•Bring the Right Gear: Goggles, swim caps, wetsuits (if needed), and a brightly colored cap or tow float to increase your visibility in the water. Safety is key, and being visible to others reduces the chances of getting accidentally “collected” by a paddleboarder.
•Hydrate and Fuel Up: Even though you’re surrounded by water, your body’s working hard, and you need to stay hydrated. Drink plenty before and after your swim, and bring a snack for after to replenish those energy levels.
•Safety First, Ego Last: Leave a swim plan with someone on shore—let them know where you’re swimming and when you expect to be back. Don’t push past your limits, especially if you’re swimming alone. If in doubt, sit it out.
•Embrace the Weird: Open water swimming is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it fun. Laugh at the cold water, enjoy the feeling of freedom, and if you accidentally swallow some seawater, just think of it as a free electrolyte boost.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge, Don’t Fear It
Open water swimming is a blend of adventure, mindfulness, and a touch of chaos. It’s about pushing yourself in an environment that’s constantly changing. So take a deep breath, dive in, and remember: every stroke is a small victory. Enjoy the journey, stay safe, and embrace the unpredictability of the open water—you’re a swimmer, and this is your playground.