Boost Your Open Water Swim Skills

Swimming is an amazing exercise for individuals who want to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not only is it an excellent way to build strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness, but also a great form of stress relief. Swimming in open water, however, presents unique challenges that many people are not accustomed to. Unlike a pool setting, open water swimming requires exceptional swimming skills, mental resilience, and a deep understanding of the environment. In this article, we will explore the various techniques, tips and strategies for boosting your open water swim skills.

Build your confidence

The first step to enhancing your open water swim skills is to build your confidence and overcome your fears. Open water swimming can be incredibly intimidating, especially when you consider the vastness and depth of the ocean. Fear of the unknown can cause anxiety and even panic, which can ultimately lead to poor performance. However, with the right mindset and preparation, you can conquer your fears and gain the confidence needed to succeed.

To build your confidence, start by practicing in a pool setting. Begin by swimming laps in the deep end and gradually increase the distance you cover. As you progress, try swimming without holding onto the edge of the pool or using kickboards. This technique will help you to develop your balance and build stamina. Furthermore, it will enable you to acclimate to the feeling of being in deep water.

Once you are comfortable swimming in a pool setting, transition to open water swimming. Begin by practicing in calm, shallow water near the shore or with a coach or experienced partner. Swimming in shallow water and close to the shore will enable you to gain familiarity with the environment and adapt to the water conditions. As you become more confident, gradually increase the distance you swim from the shore.

Perfect your swimming technique

The next step is to perfect your swimming technique. Swimming correctly is crucial for open water swimming. Unlike pool swimming, open water swimming requires you to adapt to the water’s conditions, which can be unpredictable at times. Proper technique allows you to maintain efficiency and save energy, which is essential for long-distance swimming.

Adopt a streamlined body position, which means that your body should be parallel to the water’s surface. This will enable you to move through the water with minimal resistance. Swim with your head in line with your body, keeping your arms and legs in sync as you move through the water.

Breathing is also an essential aspect of open water swimming. Unlike pool swimming, there are no lane ropes or clear markers in open water. You must learn to lift your head and navigate to position yourself and breathe properly. Practice lifting your head forward slightly to take a breath, allowing your mouth to clear the water entirely during exhalation. A common mistake is rotating the entire shoulder to breathe, which poses the risk of over-rotation and losing balance in the water.

Practice in different weather and water conditions

To become better at open water swimming, practice in different weather and water conditions. It is essential to prepare for the possibility of rough sea conditions. Doing so will enable you to learn how to adapt to these changes quickly. Swimming in various water conditions provides an opportunity to improve endurance and increase mental resilience. Therefore, take advantage of the different water conditions to learn how to swim efficiently in different environments and gain useful experience.

Navigation

Another critical aspect of open water swimming is navigation. Unlike in a pool, there are no clear landmarks, lane markers, or pool walls to guide you. Therefore, you must rely on your ability to navigate successfully through the environment. Learn to sight effectively to stay on course and avoid swimming outside the designated area. Keep your head down to maintain your proper swimming technique and head forward every six to ten strokes for navigation.

Stay safe

In open water swimming, safety always comes first. Therefore, it is essential to understand the potential dangers that exist in the open water, such as rip currents, marine wildlife, unexpected weather changes, and other water users such as boats. Make sure that you are swimming in a safe environment, following the designated swimming routes and the guidance of the authorities. Always wear proper swimming equipment such as a wetsuit, goggles, and swim cap.

Stay hydrated

It’s crucial to stay hydrated when swimming in the open water. Without hydration, your body may overheat, resulting in fatigue and exhaustion. Make sure that you hydrate correctly by taking frequent water breaks or sips from a hydration system. It is also essential to consume pre-swim nutrition to ensure that your body has enough energy to perform optimally.

Set achievable goals

Improving open water swimming skills takes time and persistence. Therefore, it’s vital to set achievable goals and strive towards them. Keep track of your progress, recording the distance covered, speed, and quality of each swim. This approach helps you in understanding the areas where you need improvement, providing clear indications of how you are progressing.

Strong mindset

Finally, understand that open water swimming is a mental game; therefore, you need to have a strong mindset. Maintain a positive attitude, focus on your goals and stay calm in challenging situations. The mental game is crucial in open water swimming as it enables you to overcome fear and anxiety, maintain focus, and persist.

In conclusion, open water swimming is an excellent form of exercise and an enjoyable activity to undertake. To be successful at open water swimming, it is crucial to build your confidence, perfect your technique, learn navigation, and prepare for potential dangers and safety hazards. Make sure that you stay hydrated, set achievable goals, and develop the correct mindset to succeed. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to enhancing your open water swimming skills. Get ready to experience the freedom, adventure, and joy, which comes from open water swimming. Happy swimming!