A beginner’s guide to open-water swimming

08 Apr 2017

Heading out into the sea for a swim may be challenging, but if you are prepared, it’s absolutely exhilarating.

If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, or even a lake, why not consider using these bodies of water as your gym? While building up the required endurance for open-water swimming can be a challenge, thanks to the changing currents and water temperatures, it’s also an exhilarating way to exercise that will leave you wanting more.

Dress for success

Before you even set foot in the water, make sure you’re dressed for the tough workout that lies ahead. A wetsuit, goggles and brightly-coloured swim cap will help get you started. And if you’re particularly sensitive to other variables like cold water, a pair of silicone ear plugs will undoubtedly come in handy.

Test the waters

Don’t go running into the nearest ocean you can find – be sure to do some preparation work at your local pool first. Now’s the time to focus on your stroke and get used to the way it feels to swim in your brand new wetsuit. From there you can begin to add some open-water sessions to your routine.

Working out on dry land is also a good idea, paying particular attention to core strength exercises to help you maintain a strong, streamlined body position in the water. Planks and working with a physio ball will be a big help, as well as working on building your upper body strength.

Be prepared

When it comes to open-water swimming, it’s crucial you’re prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. Adjusting to chilly temperatures can be tricky, as well as learning to work with the waves and ocean swells in an effort to avoid seasickness. While some people might find navigation difficult, others will be more wary of what marine life lurks beneath the surface.

But no matter what the challenge, the best way to overcome it and get more comfortable is to simply get into the water. In this sport, patience is the key to longevity and success.