10 tips for a successful open water swim

Open water swimming is an exhilarating and challenging sport for swimmers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, there are several tips and tricks you can use to make your next open water swim a success. In this article, we’ll share 10 tips for a successful open water swim that will help you prepare for your next race or personal challenge.

1. Train in Open Water

To succeed in open water swimming, it’s important to train in open water. Swimming pools are great for building technique and endurance, but open water presents unique challenges that can only be simulated by training in the open water. Consider joining a local open water swimming group or club to get started. These groups often offer coached sessions and can provide feedback on your technique and form in the water.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Course

Familiarizing yourself with the course is critical for a successful open water swim. Knowing the distance, water conditions, and any hazards that may be present can help you plan your race strategy and reduce anxiety on race day. If possible, try to swim the course before the event to get a feel for the water conditions and course layout. For larger races, reviewing course maps and any available race reports can also help you prepare.

3. Get the Right Gear

Choosing the right gear can make all the difference in your open water swim. A wetsuit can provide buoyancy and insulation, making swimming in cold water more comfortable. Goggles are also essential for open water swimming, as they allow you to see your surroundings and navigate the course. It’s a good idea to try on gear ahead of time and make any necessary adjustments before race day.

4. Practice Sighting

Sighting is the act of looking up and orienting yourself towards a marker or buoy during a race. Practicing this technique can help you stay on course and avoid swimming extra distance. When sighting, lift your head slightly out of the water to locate a marker or buoy in the distance, then continue swimming while keeping that point in your line of sight. Aim to practice this technique in open water whenever possible, as sighting can be more difficult in the open water compared to a pool.

5. Build Your Endurance

Open water swimming requires a different kind of endurance than pool swimming. Distances are often longer and the conditions can be more challenging. It’s important to build your endurance through regularly scheduled swims and gradually increasing your distance over time. A good rule of thumb is to add no more than 10% of your usual swimming distance each week to avoid overtraining and injury.

6. Learn to Draft

Drafting is the technique of swimming behind another swimmer in order to conserve energy. Learning to draft can be a huge advantage in open water swimming, as it reduces the effort needed to maintain your speed and can help you conserve energy for the final stretch of the race. To get started, find a swimmer who is slightly faster than you and swim directly behind them, a few inches from their feet. This will help you save energy while still maintaining a good pace.

7. Practice Your Starts

In open water races, the start can be chaotic and stressful. It’s important to practice your start to reduce anxiety and ensure a successful race. Try to practice starts in open water whenever possible, and consider practicing with a group or coach to simulate race-day conditions. When the race starts, aim to sprint for the first 50-100 meters to get ahead of the main pack and avoid getting stuck in the crowd.

8. Develop Mental Toughness

Open water swimming can be mentally challenging, especially when facing choppy water conditions or swimming in a pack of other swimmers. Developing mental toughness can help you stay focused and calm during the race. Try to visualize a successful race before the event, and practice different mental techniques during training to build resilience. Examples of techniques include positive self-talk, relaxation techniques, and visualization exercises.

9. Practice Feedings

For longer open water races, it’s important to practice feeding to ensure your energy levels are maintained throughout the race. Test different types of energy gels or drinks during training to find what works best for you, and practice taking them during your long swims to get used to the process. Aim to take in small amounts of energy every 30-45 minutes during the race to keep your energy levels steady.

10. Don’t Forget about Safety

Finally, it’s important to prioritize safety in open water swimming. Always swim with a buddy or in a group, and make sure to have a safety plan in place in case of an emergency. Consider carrying a whistle, wearing bright colors for visibility, and wearing a swim buoy to make yourself more visible to boats or other water craft. Don’t take unnecessary risks during the race, and always trust your instincts if something feels off.

Conclusion

Open water swimming is a challenging and rewarding sport that can push you to your limits. By following these 10 tips for a successful open water swim, you can prepare for your next race or challenge with more confidence and skill. Remember to train in open water, familiarize yourself with the course, get the right gear, practice sighting, build your endurance, learn to draft, practice your starts, develop mental toughness, practice feedings, and prioritize safety. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to conquering your next open water swim.