How Scary is Open Water Swimming?
Open-water swimming is a great workout. But it can be a scary experience for first-timers.
Temperature, waves, and currents can make open-water swimming a lot more challenging than pool swimming. But it’s possible to overcome your fears!
1. Temperature
The water temperature can make a big difference in how you feel and how long you can swim in it. If it’s too cold you will have a harder time breathing and if it’s too hot you will be uncomfortable.
For most swimmers, it’s important to stay within a safe range of temperatures when swimming in open water. The safest temperature is about 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the same as the average pool temperature.
But this is not the only factor to consider. You must also take into account your skill level, body morphology and wet suit ‘fit’.
Another factor that can affect your swim is how much heat you lose through sweating. Warmer water makes you sweat more than cool water, and this can quickly dehydrate you.
When you’re exercising in warmer water, it’s vital to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food. These can help you replenish your electrolytes and prevent your muscles from cramping.
You can also apply a layer of wool fat to your neck, armpits, wrists and ankles to keep heat in. This will help your body regulate its temperature and will ensure that you don’t get too cold while you’re swimming in the open water.
If you’re not able to find a way to acclimate to the cold, it can be dangerous. But those who do can swim for longer periods without feeling as though it’s too cold to enjoy the activity. It’s just a matter of knowing how to approach it and what safety precautions you need to take. It’s a very personal choice and it should be made carefully.
2. Currents
When swimming in open water, it’s important to understand the currents that are moving in and out of the water. These currents are much stronger and more unpredictable than the ones you’re used to in a pool. They can also affect your direction when you’re swimming and how far you swim ahead of the current.
The currents that are moving in and out of open water are driven by wind, water density differences, and tides. The winds cause currents that move across coastal regions and the density differences in different parts of the ocean drive currents that circulate thousands of miles throughout the world’s ocean basins.
These currents are also important to the health of marine ecosystems and fish populations. When cold water mixes with warm, nutrient-poor water, it can increase the amount of biomass (the living stuff) in certain areas and give them a higher degree of biodiversity.
In addition, the ocean’s currents can help humans move ships on the water, speed up shipping lanes, and protect ships from typhoons, hurricanes, and other environmental disasters. As a result, these currents are crucial to the economy of many coastal regions and are critical to human livelihoods and well-being.
However, the currents in our oceans are slowing down. That’s why scientists and researchers are working to track these currents and how they’re changing.
One of the most famous currents is the Gulf Stream, which travels from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and along the East coast of North America. It is thought that this current may be weakening by as much as a third by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate.
3. Waves
If you’ve ever done an open water swim, you know that waves can be an intimidating and terrifying part of the experience. Even the smallest waves can be quite big and have the potential to knock you out of the water, so knowing how to navigate them is crucial to your success in the open water.
Waves are formed by wind, which transfers energy through friction on the ocean’s surface. The speed and duration of the wind and the size of the area over which the wind blows (the fetch) all contribute to the shape of a wave.
The direction that the wind blows matters a lot, too. A strong offshore wind will create a rough sea, but it won’t be as rough as a cross-shore wind or an on-shore wind.
A headwind can be more dangerous because it can throw off your breathing rhythm. Change your pacing strategies accordingly, so you can keep up with the wind while minimizing your impact on the surface of the water.
Another important tip is to be aware of any floating objects that may appear in the water during your swim. This is especially true during storms. Many of these items can be large logs that have fallen off of boats or down rivers.
Once you are in the water, try to stay parallel to the shore so that if any waves do break, they won’t hit you as hard. You can also use your arms to suck yourself out of a breaking wave if you have time before it hits.
Then, when you feel a wave rolling toward you, kick hard and use your hands to pull yourself back to the surface. Depending on the wavelength and frequency of the wave, you might be able to dive under it before it breaks.
4. Other Swimmers
Swimming in open water is different animal than swimming in a pool, and other swimmers can be an intimidating presence. They can make the environment more difficult to navigate and impede your progress, especially when it comes to sighting, which is one of the most crucial aspects of open-water swimming.
In open water, waves can come in from all directions, making it a challenge to stay close enough to the surface of the water without getting tossed around. This is why it’s important to vary your stroke, says Simonelli, who suggests trying shorter, shallower pulls when the water is calmer and longer, deeper ones when the swell is pushing you behind.
The correct breathing technique is also vital to open-water swimming. In the ocean, you’ll need to coordinate your breathing with the conditions around you, such as the sun or the wind. For example, if you’re in the open water when waves are coming from the right, breathe to the left.
If you’re not sure about your breathing technique, practice it in a pool first before you go into open water. This will help you develop a rhythm and get comfortable with the water, Simonelli says.
You’ll also need to be aware of other risks that could affect your swimming, such as shark attacks. Though this is rare, particularly in the UK, it’s a potential hazard that should be taken seriously if you are in foreign waters since sharks can be a dangerous predator.
Other swimmers can be a source of frustration, especially during open water training, where you’ll spend a lot of time alone in the middle of the ocean. But the benefits of swimming in the great outdoors are well worth the inconvenience.
5. Other Environments
Open water swimming is a more physically demanding form of exercise than pool swimming, but the environment can be a bit scary for some people. The temperature and currents can be unpredictable, as can the waves, the water depth, and the visibility. Despite this, it’s still an amazing workout that can improve your fitness, strength, and endurance.
But don’t let that stop you from trying it! Even if you’re nervous, there are plenty of ways to get a little more comfortable before your first swim.
Another factor that can make the environment less scary is your fellow swimmers. In fact, many people find that other water users can be a great motivator when you’re struggling with your breathing or aren’t feeling up to your best. So, make a point to talk to your friends and other swimmers before you head into the water.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that even though the environment can be scary, it’s also very exciting. So, it’s important to try to keep a positive mindset and have fun! Then, you’ll be more likely to stick with it! So, if you’re nervous about swimming in the ocean, lake, or river, follow these tips and you can feel more confident before your next swim.
How Scary is Open Water Swimming?
Open-water swimming is a great workout. But it can be a scary experience for first-timers.
Temperature, waves, and currents can make open-water swimming a lot more challenging than pool swimming. But it’s possible to overcome your fears!
1. Temperature
The water temperature can make a big difference in how you feel and how long you can swim in it. If it’s too cold you will have a harder time breathing and if it’s too hot you will be uncomfortable.
For most swimmers, it’s important to stay within a safe range of temperatures when swimming in open water. The safest temperature is about 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the same as the average pool temperature.
But this is not the only factor to consider. You must also take into account your skill level, body morphology and wet suit ‘fit’.
Another factor that can affect your swim is how much heat you lose through sweating. Warmer water makes you sweat more than cool water, and this can quickly dehydrate you.
When you’re exercising in warmer water, it’s vital to drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food. These can help you replenish your electrolytes and prevent your muscles from cramping.
You can also apply a layer of wool fat to your neck, armpits, wrists and ankles to keep heat in. This will help your body regulate its temperature and will ensure that you don’t get too cold while you’re swimming in the open water.
If you’re not able to find a way to acclimate to the cold, it can be dangerous. But those who do can swim for longer periods without feeling as though it’s too cold to enjoy the activity. It’s just a matter of knowing how to approach it and what safety precautions you need to take. It’s a very personal choice and it should be made carefully.
2. Currents
When swimming in open water, it’s important to understand the currents that are moving in and out of the water. These currents are much stronger and more unpredictable than the ones you’re used to in a pool. They can also affect your direction when you’re swimming and how far you swim ahead of the current.
The currents that are moving in and out of open water are driven by wind, water density differences, and tides. The winds cause currents that move across coastal regions and the density differences in different parts of the ocean drive currents that circulate thousands of miles throughout the world’s ocean basins.
These currents are also important to the health of marine ecosystems and fish populations. When cold water mixes with warm, nutrient-poor water, it can increase the amount of biomass (the living stuff) in certain areas and give them a higher degree of biodiversity.
In addition, the ocean’s currents can help humans move ships on the water, speed up shipping lanes, and protect ships from typhoons, hurricanes, and other environmental disasters. As a result, these currents are crucial to the economy of many coastal regions and are critical to human livelihoods and well-being.
However, the currents in our oceans are slowing down. That’s why scientists and researchers are working to track these currents and how they’re changing.
One of the most famous currents is the Gulf Stream, which travels from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean and along the East coast of North America. It is thought that this current may be weakening by as much as a third by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current rate.
3. Waves
If you’ve ever done an open water swim, you know that waves can be an intimidating and terrifying part of the experience. Even the smallest waves can be quite big and have the potential to knock you out of the water, so knowing how to navigate them is crucial to your success in the open water.
Waves are formed by wind, which transfers energy through friction on the ocean’s surface. The speed and duration of the wind and the size of the area over which the wind blows (the fetch) all contribute to the shape of a wave.
The direction that the wind blows matters a lot, too. A strong offshore wind will create a rough sea, but it won’t be as rough as a cross-shore wind or an on-shore wind.
A headwind can be more dangerous because it can throw off your breathing rhythm. Change your pacing strategies accordingly, so you can keep up with the wind while minimizing your impact on the surface of the water.
Another important tip is to be aware of any floating objects that may appear in the water during your swim. This is especially true during storms. Many of these items can be large logs that have fallen off of boats or down rivers.
Once you are in the water, try to stay parallel to the shore so that if any waves do break, they won’t hit you as hard. You can also use your arms to suck yourself out of a breaking wave if you have time before it hits.
Then, when you feel a wave rolling toward you, kick hard and use your hands to pull yourself back to the surface. Depending on the wavelength and frequency of the wave, you might be able to dive under it before it breaks.
4. Other Swimmers
Swimming in open water is different animal than swimming in a pool, and other swimmers can be an intimidating presence. They can make the environment more difficult to navigate and impede your progress, especially when it comes to sighting, which is one of the most crucial aspects of open-water swimming.
In open water, waves can come in from all directions, making it a challenge to stay close enough to the surface of the water without getting tossed around. This is why it’s important to vary your stroke, says Simonelli, who suggests trying shorter, shallower pulls when the water is calmer and longer, deeper ones when the swell is pushing you behind.
The correct breathing technique is also vital to open-water swimming. In the ocean, you’ll need to coordinate your breathing with the conditions around you, such as the sun or the wind. For example, if you’re in the open water when waves are coming from the right, breathe to the left.
If you’re not sure about your breathing technique, practice it in a pool first before you go into open water. This will help you develop a rhythm and get comfortable with the water, Simonelli says.
You’ll also need to be aware of other risks that could affect your swimming, such as shark attacks. Though this is rare, it’s a potential hazard that should be taken seriously, since sharks can be a dangerous predators.
Other swimmers can be a source of frustration, especially during open water training, where you’ll spend a lot of time alone in the middle of the ocean. But the benefits of swimming in the great outdoors are well worth the inconvenience.
5. Other Environments
Open water swimming is a more physically demanding form of exercise than pool swimming, but the environment can be a bit scary for some people. The temperature and currents can be unpredictable, as can the waves, the water depth, and the visibility. Despite this, it’s still an amazing workout that can improve your fitness, strength, and endurance.
But don’t let that stop you from trying it! Even if you’re nervous, there are plenty of ways to get a little more comfortable before your first swim.
Another factor that can make the environment less scary is your fellow swimmers. In fact, many people find that other water users can be a great motivator when you’re struggling with your breathing or aren’t feeling up to your best. So, make a point to talk to your friends and other swimmers before you head into the water.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is that even though the environment can be scary, it’s also very exciting. So, it’s important to try to keep a positive mindset and have fun! Then, you’ll be more likely to stick with it! So, if you’re nervous about swimming in the ocean, lake, or river, follow these tips and you can feel more confident before your next swim.