By Amelia Harper
Open water swimming is simply what it says on the tin. You swim in open water. It is, however, very different from the more popular pool swimming. Any open water swimmer will tell you that the sport is the rebellious cousin of the swimming pool.
Without the confines of lane ropes or walls, it’s liberating, adventurous and unique.
Open water also appeals to the adrenalin-seekers. Competitive races are often frenetic and fierce, with swimmers hustling and bustling for position.
Where can you swim?
Open water venues include:
· Lakes
· River
· Lochs
· Seas
· Reservoirs
Most people find the freedom and lack of chemicals so invigorating they can’t help coming out of the water feeling happy and relaxed.
However, you do have to consider there are plants, fish and other things living in the water which add to the fun!
The history of open water swimming
Swim England has a long association with open water swimming and has run a national open water championship for more than 100 years.
Competitive swimming at the Olympics traces its roots to competitions in the sea, lakes and rivers rather than pools, although modern open water swimming races tend to be held over longer distances than are swum in the pool.
The sport has increased in popularity since men’s and women’s 10km Marathon races were included in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing 2008.
English swimmers Keri-anne Payne and Cassandra Patten won silver and bronze respectively for Team GB in Beijing.
Can anyone do it?
Open water swimming is for everyone of all abilities and age groups as long as you have the ability and confidence to swim without being able to put your feet down.
Remember it’s very likely you’ll be out of your depth for some of the time (if not most of the time).
You can take it as seriously or as casually as you want to, from social swimming to elite level. All we ask is that you try and enjoy what you do.
Tips for getting into open water swimming:
You need to be a competent swimmer. Become a strong pool swimmer first then it’s a fairly simple transition into open water.If you are competent, then practise for open water swimming in the pool.
Be honest with yourself about how fond you are of fish, slimy vegetation, and insects. Yes, you could see and feel them all. This is not a chlorine controlled pool environment. Get into open water swimming with a friend. Swimming alone in open water is not recommended. The temperature and choppiness of the water can make things difficult.
Open water is cold, buy a wetsuit. They help insulate against the cold and keep you buoyant in open water. They are also great fun to wear.If you have got the level where you are considering open water swimming you may want to think about joining a swimming club.
They are a great way to find fellow open water wannabies. They will also help you develop your swimming in a supportive environment.
But how do you know where you are going?
Open water swimmers keep themselves on course with "sightings": quick, above-water glances made throughout a swim.
Experienced swimmers will typically only need to sight every 10 or 15 strokes, but beginners may need to sight twice as often.
The more you keep head below water, the better your swim time, so keep your sightings low-key. Raise your head only just enough to get your goggles above water then look back into the water and keep on swimming..
Finding the right event for you
If you have dipped your toes in and want to give it more of a go, then you could consider trying an open water race!
Open water races can take place in any large outdoor body of water. They are usually 5km, 10km, or 25km, but can be from 1km to 80km.
And they are not just about the swimming. They often have a great social life around them making them a great day or weekend out. Have a look at them and choose one that suits you.
A great place to start is at the Great Swim.
There are a five Great Swims: Ipswich, Lake District, London, Manchester and Strathclyde in Scotland.Distances start at half a mile (806m) and go up to 2miles (3,219m).
Comentarios