Dive deeper into the exhilarating journey of open water swimming.

 

Open water swimming, a passion for the natural environment.


A bit about us

Welcome to the world of Simply Sports, dedicated to those that love sport. As multi-sports specialists, we aim to give you the very best products, service and value in all four of our sports shops in Oxted, Reigate, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. 

But above all we want you to enjoy your sport and we will do anything we can to help you achieve your goals.

What is open water swimming.

Open water swimming can be an exhilarating experience, but it does require some preparation and awareness of some unique challenges it may present.

Open water swimming is swimming in open outdoor bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers and bays.  

It's not just about the swimming surprisingly, it's more about cold water therapy, and controlling your breathing and requires a particular set of skills.

Types of open water swimming.

Recreational Swimming – Enjoyed casually for fitness and pleasure.

Competitive Racing – Includes events such as the Olympic 10k marathon Swim, triathlons, and long-distance racing.

Endurance Swims – Challenges like crossing the English Channel.

Adventure Swimming – Exploring unique and sometime remote locations, combining swimming with adventure and exploration.




The Benefits.

Full body workout – Engages various muscle group and improves cardiovascular health.

Mental health – Being in nature can reduce stress and improve well-being.

Community – Provides opportunities to join a swim club and take part in group events.

Some potential draw backs.

Currents & tides – Strong currents, tides and undertows can be dangerous and challenging to navigate.

Weather conditions – Sudden changes in weather can create hazardous swimming conditions.

Water quality – Pollution can affect water quality; ensure you do your homework before you swim in any open body of water.

Shall we dive a little deeper.

It is very different to pool swimming as there are no lanes to stick to, no chlorine and no tiled walls to mark your boundaries.

The water feels freer and at one with nature with deeper waters, wilder colours and some amazing views.

As there are no walls or boundaries to push off from, it may take some getting used to.

Due to the difference in temperature, you might find yourself swimming a little slower than you would in a pool.

Carry a safety buoy, a buoy can be used for visibility and a flotation device in an emergency.

Swimming in open water for the first time?

No problem, just remember to keep calm and try to relax and keep to a steady rhythm.

Kicking your legs too fast could waste energy and oxygen which could give you a feeling of running out of air, keep steady and try to flutter your legs and if wearing a wetsuit, let it do some of the work.

Get used to the temperature and conditions of open water. Gradually increase the duration of your swims and swim with a buddy or a support kayak where you can, this is crucial for safety.

Building your stamina and refining your technique in a pool will help with your endurance and technique.

Get to know the area and your swimming location, understand the currants, tides and any potential hazards.

Be prepared, expect different colours of water and the water may change temperature as you move through it, there could be weeds, mud or shingle underfoot and you may or may not be able to see the bottom.

It is important to remember to focus on a fixed point to swim towards, it can be anything from a tree to a buoy, this could help reduce feelings of panic or disorientation.

If you swim in a straight line, it uses less energy and look towards your chosen “sight” every 6/7 strokes. A good wetsuit will help here as the buoyancy in your legs reduces the effect your kick may have on your direction.

Practice breathing on both sides, if waves and wind are choppy on one side you can easily change.

Breath out under water, as you turn your head you are ready to breathe in.

But most of all relax and remember to keep swimming towards your “sight” point and you will soon find your rhythm.



Hydration & nutrition.

It may sound a little silly but even though you are in the water, you can still get dehydrated. Drink plenty of water or electrolytes before and after your swim. For longer swims, like any other forms of exercise, ensure you have adequate energy reserves. Eat a light balanced meal a couple of hours before you swim.

Get the right swim kit to enhance your experience.

Wetsuit - Wet suits can help to keep you warm, helps with buoyancy, flexibility, and improve your performance. Please note though, open water wetsuits differ to triathlon wetsuits, tri wetsuits are heavier and performance oriented while open water wetsuits are designed to help you swim comfortably and safely.   

Swim Cap - The brighter the better and getting the right fit is important so it’s best to check the size guides or get in touch with us for advice.

Gloves & Socks – It is usually your hands and feet to suffer first in the cold water so make sure you have some good fitting gloves & socks.

Base layer – Vests and base layers add a thin layer of warmth around your core.

Goggles – Aqua sphere provide a full range of vision and fit and believe it or not a swimming mask can help keep you warm too. 

Ear plugs – If you are prone to ear infections a pair of Ear plugs will help.

Dryrobe or similar to wrap up and keep you warm after. 

Where we can help:

Aquasphere wetsuits, both men’s and women’s, both full legged and short legged.

Aquasphere goggles, including the new Defy Ultra (3 different lenses), Vista Pro and Vista 

Zone 3 Gloves, socks and headband

Zoggs buoys and orange easy fit swim caps.

https://www.simplysports.co.uk/Simply-Sports-Swimwear-s/1848.htm

 

How wetsuits work:

The suit traps a thin layer of water between the neoprene and the wearer’s skin. The wearer is always wet, but body heat warms the trapped layer which helps to keep you warm.

Will you be giving it a go?

Open water swimming offers a very unique and challenging way for you to engage with the natural environment while providing a number of physical and mental health benefits.

By having a little understanding and being prepared you can enhance your open water swimming experience, making your own swim a rewarding adventure.

Happy and safe swimming! 



Some useful links & info: 

https://www.theshac.co.uk/swim/

 

                                                     

https://www.aquasports.co.uk/



Introduction to Open Water:

For anyone interested in open water swimming, Aqua Sports at Mercers Lake is running a 90-minute introductory session on the 21st of July. 

Run by Adventure Swims, this course is a fantastic introduction to swimming in open water for first timers. Guided by experienced open water swim coaches.

What's included: change robes, tow floats, swim hats, teas & coffees.

You can find out more and book your space: Here

Open Water Lifeguard Course: 

If you are more interested in getting involved behind the scenes.

Aqua sports will also be running a three-day Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) course from the 31st of May to the 2nd of June.

On completion of this course, you will be qualified for employment as a lifeguard at any UK open water venue.

Places can be booked: Here

 

https://www.standrewswatersports.co.uk/open-water-swimming

https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/cross-training/a33215053/open-water-swimming/

https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk

 

 

 

 

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