By Leila Vaziri, Swimming World Guest Contributor
Warm weather signifies the start of outdoor swimming season. With the exception of a few exceptionally brave swimmers who endure the coldest temperatures year-long, most of us have been cooped up swimming indoors most the year.
Finally open water transforms into a welcoming oasis, calling both our mind and body, we enter its vastness. So, why is open water swimming so gratifying?
HERE ARE FIVE SKILLS OPEN WATER SWIMMING ALLOWS YOU TO PRACTICE:
1. Keeping a calm and collected swim pace.
Photo Courtesy: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz/Swimming New Zealand
A smooth steady pace is required to traverse an open body of water. You’ll need both an efficient technique and mental composure.
2. Swimming without borders.
Pool swimming allows you to frequently stop and pause. In the continuousness of open water you are held captive through the duration of the course – never stopping to lay on the wall or grab a drink of water. Open water forces you to adjust and endure the environment with more conviction than pool swimming.
3. Take cues from the natural surroundings.
Photo Courtesy: Erich Schlegel/USA Today Sports Images
In open water you must sight off the landscape to keep your direction straight and stay along your course. Be wary of veering off course or swimming in a zig zag pattern.
4. Mental adjustment to various water environments and depths.
Photo Courtesy: Tom Szczerbowski/USA Today Sports Images
At times you’ll get a glimpse at what lies below – other times you’ll have to charge forward without any indication of where the bottom lies. Remain focused on your course and take in the water environment without losing your focus.
5. Reading and responding to current.
Photo Courtesy: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau
Experienced swimmers know you don’t win the battle against the ocean’s waves and current. You learn to swim with the current, rising at the crests, and surrendering to the swells. “Riding the water” is a learned skill swimming in wavy waters.
Open water offers gratification and a great swim practice. With experience you’ll develop comfort and skill.
Alexandra Infingardi Paixão Luciana Cunha Villar