Why Open Water Swimming Is Different
Open water is not a pool. It is a different sport. No walls. No lanes. No black line to follow. You must sight, look where you are going. No visibility. You cannot see the bottom.
Open water is not a pool. It is a different sport.
No walls. No lanes. No black line to follow. You must sight, look where you are going.
No visibility. You cannot see the bottom. For some that is calming. For others it is terrifying.
Waves and current move you. You swim against drift you cannot see.
The water is cold. Even in summer, open water is cooler than a pool. Wetsuits help.
You cannot stop. No wall to grab. You float and rest, or you keep going.
The mental game is huge. Staying calm when the water is dark and the shore is far.
Start with a group. Learn to sight and navigate. Then the open water becomes freedom.