OPEN WATER SWIMMING FOR BEGINNER TRIATHLETES | No need to be nervous!

Summary

Open water swimming can be intimidating for beginners, but with the right tips and preparation, it becomes an enjoyable experience. This guide offers essential advice, such as swimming with a buddy, pacing yourself, practicing bilateral breathing, and mastering techniques like the high elbow catch and faster stroke rate. Building confidence is key, so learning self-rescue skills and preparing for unexpected sensations in the water are important. The video also highlights the importance of acclimating to your wetsuit and trusting your pool swimming abilities when transitioning to open water. With these strategies, you'll feel more comfortable and confident in open water.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start slow: When transitioning to open water swimming, slow down your pace to avoid exhausting yourself. Trust the wetsuit to help you stay buoyant and move efficiently.
• 😀 Don't swim alone: Always swim with a buddy who can rescue you if needed. Make sure they are nearby and capable of helping in an emergency.
• 😀 Practice bilateral breathing: Being able to breathe on both sides is crucial in open water to handle waves and maintain rhythm without being disrupted by water conditions.
• 😀 Work on your stroke: Focus on a high elbow catch and increasing your stroke rate. These techniques help maintain momentum in the waves without slowing down.
• 😀 Develop confidence: Know how to self-rescue by back floating and rolling over from your front stroke. This will help you stay calm if you need to take a break or recover during your swim.
• 😀 Prepare for unexpected sensations: You will encounter things in the water, like plants or debris, touching you. Mentally prepare for this so it doesn't cause panic during the swim.
• 😀 Know your environment: Understand what lives in the water where you swim. If there are no dangerous animals, there's no reason to worry about what's in the water.
• 😀 Get comfortable with your wetsuit: Before diving in, walk into the water slowly and let the wetsuit fill with water. This will help you adjust to the feel and warmth of the suit.
• 😀 Warm up with your wetsuit: Allow the water inside your wetsuit to warm up before swimming, which can help you stay warmer and feel more comfortable.
• 😀 Trust your pool experience: If you're comfortable swimming distances in the pool, you can trust that you'll manage those same distances in open water with the help of your wetsuit.
• 😀 Practice before race day: If you're preparing for a triathlon, make sure to practice open water swimming beforehand, including handling the waves and adjusting to the conditions.

Q & A

Why is swimming outdoors in open water intimidating for beginners?

Swimming in open water can be intimidating due to factors like not being able to see the bottom, waves affecting your strokes, and the feeling of being far from shore. These challenges can create anxiety for beginners who are used to the controlled environment of a pool.

What is the first tip for easing into open water swimming?

The first tip is to swim at a slower pace. When transitioning from pool swimming, many swimmers try to swim too fast because they can't see the bottom. It's important to trust that you’re still moving and avoid exhausting yourself.

Why is bilateral breathing important in open water swimming?

Bilateral breathing allows you to breathe on both sides, which helps you avoid swallowing water during waves. It also helps you adapt to conditions where one side might be impacted by the waves, ensuring you maintain your rhythm and comfort while swimming.

How does a high elbow catch improve your open water swimming?

A high elbow catch improves your stroke efficiency by minimizing resistance from waves. It helps you pull the arm more smoothly through the water and reduces the chance of hitting the waves, which can slow you down.

Why is it important to practice increasing stroke rate in open water?

In open water, the waves can disrupt your form, so increasing your stroke rate without increasing your speed helps maintain momentum and efficiency. It’s important to practice this in the pool before transitioning to open water.

How can practicing self-rescue techniques boost your confidence in open water?

Knowing that you can self-rescue, such as rolling onto your back to float, boosts your confidence by allowing you to stay calm during unexpected situations like swallowing water or getting hit by waves. This mental preparation helps you feel secure in the water.

How does visualization help with the fear of things touching you in the water?

Visualization helps you mentally prepare for situations where you might feel something touch you in the water, like plants or debris. By anticipating these moments, you can react calmly and avoid panicking when it actually happens.

What should you do if you’re afraid of touching unknown objects or creatures in open water?

You should first ensure you’re swimming in safe waters by researching the area for dangerous creatures. Then, mentally prepare by accepting that touching plants or other harmless objects might happen, and maintain the mindset that it's nothing to fear.

What is the best way to adjust to wearing a wetsuit in open water?

To adjust to the wetsuit, walk slowly into the water and allow water to enter the suit. This warms up the water inside the wetsuit and helps you feel more comfortable. It also reduces the shock of cold water and helps your body acclimate.

How can wearing a wetsuit improve your open water swimming experience?

A wetsuit increases buoyancy, helping you float more easily, which allows for less energy exertion while swimming. It also keeps you warmer and more comfortable in colder water, which can help you swim longer distances without feeling fatigued.