Why We Love Open Water Swimming

Open Water | January 27, 2015

Have you ever swam in open water? Pond, lake, or ocean? No. join in on the fun, here are some reasons to give it a try and join the rest of us who absolutely love it.

• No Black Lines The monotony of going back and forth, back and forth is completely eliminated! During an open water swim there is no black line glaring back at you, taunting you. It's just you and that wide open space, be it a lake or ocean! • Setting Being surrounded by nature and not a pool deck is a definite perk. Sure your coach still might be pushing you on from the edge of a boat instead of the edge of a pool, but changing it up is always a good thing for sanity. • Contact Sport? For those of you who are uber competitive and are a little more 'hands on' welcome to football in the water. Just kidding. But seriously you can expect some contact during an open water swim, unless you are out there doing your own thing solo. At the beginning of an open water swim, getting out of the pack can be tricky and is a huge part of strategy. • Strategy Open water swimming events are more like a game than traditional swimming events. There is plotting to do and plans to initiate. Not always diabolical ones but this type of competition includes much game play. • Bonding Go with friends, make it an active part of your lifestyle. Swimming can be like going for a run or a hike, you just have to try it. Plan for a shoreline picnic after or a lunch at a local mom and pop restaurant. Get your vitamin D, exercise, and social exposure all at once! Sure sounds great, right!? I think you will enjoy it if you give it a try. And if you are already an open water swimmer, pass the word along... ask a friend or make a new friend and ask them to join you. Share the happiness that is open water swimming.