Jump into the cool water!

The first harbingers of spring are making themselves felt and the long days of indoor training are numbered. Unfortunately, there are only limited alternatives when it comes to swimming, as long as swimming pools are still closed and private pools in the garden are a rarity. For beginners and experienced triathletes alike, swimming in open water can be a challenge in itself. But what makes swimming in open water so special? What are the important differences and what needs to be considered?

We have put together a few tips and aids for swimming in open water below to ensure that your jump into the cool water is not a leap into the unknown.

Preparations are essential

In the sea or lake, the water is often choppy, waves come from the side, hit the swimmer in the face and make breathing difficult. It is advisable to take your time and practise breathing from both sides so that it gradually feels natural.

In addition to breathing technique, orientation plays an important role.

The black line, the clear water and the side walls in the swimming pool make orientation easier. It looks completely different in open water: There is no line, the water is dark, perhaps wavy and you can’t see the bottom. It is therefore important to look for reference points to help you find your way straight ahead without losing too much time. In competitions there are usually buoys, otherwise you should look for landmarks on the shore (building, church tower, lighthouse, mountain peak, etc.).

To know where the landmarks are, you have to lift your head and look ahead. The difficulty is that you have to leave the optimal water position for every third/fifth stroke and the kick has to be stronger so that you don’t lose too much speed. A technique that should definitely be incorporated into your training.

Becoming familiar with the surroundings

The next important factor is the environment. Weather conditions (sun, wind, rain), smooth or wavy water, water temperature (cold / warm water) and water type (crystal clear or dark) can influence training in open water. The body works harder to stay warm, rough seas or strong winds make it difficult to see the landmarks. In this case, you should try to stay calm, use the swell to your advantage and swim with the waves rather than against them.

It is obvious that performance from the pool cannot be directly transferred to open water training. Experience shows that training makes perfect. If you have the opportunity to train in open water, it is advisable to do so often and regularly. It is perfect training and helps you to keep a cool head in difficult situations.

But what is the right equipment? To protect the body and retain heat in the body and extremities, you should always wear a wetsuit, a neoprene swimming cap or at least two swimming caps on top of each other. Neoprene gloves and neoprene swimming socks also protect the body from the cold. Earplugs can help to protect the ears and reduce disorientation, swimming goggles or a mask to reduce the painful feeling on the forehead.

If the water temperature is below 15 degrees, we recommend a maximum duration of 20-25 minutes. But here too, the motto is: every body and every immune system is different and it is not advisable to risk your own health or life out of false ambition!