Open water swimming is an exhilarating sport that combines the thrill, challenge and adventure of swimming in open water bodies such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and bays. Whether you’re a triathlete looking to improve your water leg, a traditional pool swimmer wanting to challenge yourself or simply someone who loves to be in the water, open water swimming provides both a physical challenge and mental escape that’s unmatched by pool swimming. Let’s plunge into the world of open water swimming, its benefits, challenges and how to get started on this wonderful aquatic adventure.
Understanding Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming, fundamentally, is swimming in any body of water that is not segmented into lanes like a traditional pool. This could mean swimming in a lake, river, ocean or even a man-made water body. This drastically contrasts with pool swimming, where lanes are defined, and the distance to be covered is predetermined. Open water swimming involves a degree of unpredictability courtesy of currents, tides, waves, marine life, and water temperature differences.
There are various forms of open water swimming including, but not limited to, sea swimming, lake swimming, river swimming, wild swimming (swimming in natural fresh waters), ice swimming, and marathon swimming. Competitive open water swimming events range from races over short distances, triathlons, and full-blown marathon events over distances more than 10 kilometers[^1^].
The Benefits of Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is not just physically demanding; it also offers numerous health benefits. The process of adapting to colder waters increases your metabolism, boosts immunity, improves circulation and provides an all-round cardiovascular workout[^2^]. Swimming in cold water also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing a sense of well-being and invigoration.
Besides physical benefits, it also offers significant mental health benefits. Being in nature, surrounded by open skies, benefits mental health and reduces stress levels. Connected to this is the notion of ‘blue space’, signifying the positive effect of proximity to water on human well-being.
Preparing for Open Water Swimming
Those new to open water swimming should certainly not dive in without adequate preparation. Unlike the pool, natural water bodies present their unique challenges including temperature differences, currents, waves and at times, marine life. A beginner should ideally start their open water journey in a supervised, designated swimming area with safety resources at hand.
First and foremost, make sure to have the right gear. A good quality open water swimsuit or wetsuit is a must, depending on the water temperature. While a swimsuit is adequate for warm water, colder waters call for a wetsuit for insulation. Additionally, a brightly colored swim cap will increase visibility, a paramount safety concern in open water swimming.
Next, focus on your swimming technique. In open water swimming, efficiency and endurance trump speed. Regularly practicing in a pool is advisable to improve your stamina and technique. It’s a common misconception that you need to radically change your pool swimming technique for open water. However, do understand that open water imposes more variables, so you should be prepared to adapt your stroke to the conditions.
Finally, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and challenges in open water swimming. Cold water could lead to hypothermia if you’re not adequately protected, and strong currents might move you off your intended course. It’s vital to understand the signs of distress and stay within your comfort level.
The Open Water Swimming Community
Just like any other sports community, open water swimmers form a tight-knit, helpful, and supportive group. Sharing experiences and advice, they foster a sense of belonging while also propelling the sport forward. Several clubs, groups, and organizations are devoted to open water swimming, often conducting regular swimming sessions, safety workshops, and events[^3^]. There are also numerous online communities where swimmers across the world can connect and share their open water adventures.
Jumping In
While the world of open water swimming may seem intimidating, conquering the open water can also be a truly exhilarating experience that gives you a sense of freedom and achievement. Do your research, understand the challenges, start slow, and always prioritize safety. The open water may be vast and unpredictable, but it also hides countless experiences waiting to be discovered. There’s no better time than now to take the plunge!
[^1^]: Beginner’s Guide to Open Water Swimming
[^2^]: Health and Fitness: The Benefits of Wild Swimming
[^3^]: How to get into open water swimming