Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!
Discussion: First Open Water Swim: Washout :(
Subject: First Open Water Swim: Washout :( By: Ritesh L. Written on: 2006-05-19 01:17:25 Message: Hi all, I am looking for some tips on transitioning to open water swim from pool. Here's my swim training so far. I learnt freestyle stroke last year October and have been slowly building up my swim endurance. When I was able to do 3/4 miles in 32 minutes in the pool last week, I thought I am ready for the real deal. Time: Monday 2pm Location: Santa Cruz beach, California Water: 51F, medium swells I was jittery and anxious, managed to get past the waves, and about 25 yards from the beach: Total Panicked washout! and gasping breaths. And then I realized that unlike in the pool, I couldn't just stand up in the water. All I could do in my panick was turn on my back, and backstroke my way to the beach. It took me 2 days to get my nerve back, and I am going to try again this weekend. Hopefully I will be able to make it at least to the 1/4 mile marker buoy this time. Anyone care to share how they managed their transition from pool to ocean? Any tips/advice? Thanks everyone, -Ritesh
Subject: RE: First Open Water Swim: Washout :( By: John H. Written on: 2006-05-19 03:57:08 Message: I hope you're going with a buddy since you're not familiar with ocean swimming. It is quite different with waves, current, winds, perhaps not being able to see bottom. But remember to relax and enjoy. Try to time your breaths when you're on top of the wave, same with sighting. If you're swimming parallel with the waves try and breath facing away for the wave direction. It's good to keep on going out for short swims until you familiar and comfortable in the ocean.
Subject: RE: First Open Water Swim: Washout :( By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-05-19 08:49:37 Message: I agree with John on the timing for breathing and sighting. The top of the waves or swell is the best time. The main thing I focus with on the swim is consistency. Don't try to start out too hard. Take it easy. I always believe it is smarter to start slow and then as you become comfortable with the current and waves increase your speed instead of hammering out and then fading. I would not suggest swimming against a current. I have yet to be in an Ocean swim TRI where they have you swim against the current. Go with the flow and relax. I presume since the water is 51 degrees that you have on a wetsuit at least. A wetsuit should always keep you very bouyant which is an advantage. You did the right thing after panicking to roll on your back. Best wishes with your next swim.
Subject: RE: First Open Water Swim: Washout :( By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-05-19 13:46:15 Message: Is there any way you could swim open water without it being in the ocean? Are there any lakes nearby? This might help get you used to swimming in open water without the extra variables that come with the ocean. When you first get there this weekend (wherever it is), you might try spending a little time on the shore just relaxing and focusing on your breathing. Watch the water, see yourself swimming comfortably through it. Try to get your confidence and sense of relaxation up before going in. And maybe do some breaststroke when you first start (is this a problem given the waves?), to just get used to being out there. One step at a time is sometimes the only way. Good luck - let us know how it goes this weekend.
Subject: RE: First Open Water Swim: Washout :( By: Ritesh L. Written on: 2006-05-19 23:31:32 Message: Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will be going next weekend (they're forecasting rains and clouds this weekend) and trying out your tips. Will keep you posted on how it turns out. -Ritesh
Back to Discussion Index Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness