Are you ready for Open Water Swimming?
Mar 25, 2021
True story: I went for a wetsuit dip in the sea yesterday.
Ok so it didnt look like this, but it got me thinking about open water swimming...
This is newsworthy in my world as I'm definately more of a get-in-open-water-in-July kinda girl. Then you will hear me moan about the British water temperature 'till about October, when it starts to get cold again!
I know... #wimp
However, I am VERY grateful for living so close to the sea, and while it's not the temperature of a relaxing bath, it's much more than others get access to right now.
But as the waves crashed over me and I felt the familiar actions of a few swim strokes (head up!), it made me realise that open water swimming, with the weather improving and lockdown restrictions ending, is becoming a possibility for all of us very soon.
But are you ready for it?
Let's check off these super quick points below and see if you need to create a little 'to do' list so you are ready to hit those exhilarating British waters when you get the chance:
Kit
Do you have a swimsuit that is worthy of public viewing!!! *shuffles in seat*
Well I'm sure its just great. But if you wanted to ponder some cool AND sustainable swimsuits check out these small ethical swimwear businesses:
Almost too good to be hiding under a wetsuit hey?! Which brings me to the next item, if you swim with a wetsuit, is yours fit for purpose? Has it been out of the wardrobe and had an airing? Why not try it on, check it fits, check for any easy repairs, wear it in the shower. Any issues? Add it to the 'to do' list!
Note: We cover wetsuits, putting them on, different types, and wetsuit top tips in the Triathlon 101 Mini Course
Goggles: check they are all working ok. Maybe wear in the bath while you practice those breathing drills again #bubblebubblebreathe
(your family/housemates will never know, just put the music up louder!)
Gloves, hoods, booties are all a great idea if you want to get in the water soon and you live somewhere that's emerging from winter. I would suggest you can get in almost a month earlier if you have the right kit, OR you can stay in longer and have more happy swimming time.
Safety
It's a great idea to remind yourself again of the key safety aspects of open water swimming.
Know your venue-
1) Remind yourself of exit and entry points, lifeguarded areas, currents, rip tides, tide times, emergency procedures.
2) NEVER SWIM IN OPEN WATER ALONE
3) Always take a phone, and be seen at all times in the water with a bright coloured swim cap and tow float:
Start Slow
You may not have been swimming in open water recently but you are also likely to have not been in the pools either if you are in lockdown. So start slowly, get used to swimming, and don't go from zero to hero as this could result in injury. And that would be rubbish at the start of the season!
Getting in
Nobody faffs more at the start of an open water swim than me. So if you're faced with early season chilly waters this nice simple routine you can adopt each time certainly helps. (Also you look way more pro!)
1) Walk in up to your waist, and keep your hands and wrists under the water
2) Splash your face with water a few times
3) Walk in further and flood your suit (pull the neck out and let some water in)
4) Take a gasp!
5) Lie on your back and do 3 very long deep breaths, to relax yourself
If all this fails, adopt the method a good friend of mine taught me, called JDI.....
"JUST DO IT!"
Covid rules
Lastly, just check your venue's Covid rules. Check the opening times, the requirements to book, the rules for masks, and any other safety aspects you need to consider, so your first open water swim runs nice and smooth for you, your swim buddy and the venue staff.
With all that said, I cannot wait to hear about your first dips in the water this year, it's been a while and there's nothing like the freedom of an open water swim.
If you have enjoyed this, and want more info on all things tri, we have the Triathlon 101 Mini Course going on sale this Monday (29th March 2021). Designed for women, by a woman! The course takes you through 13 Chapters via video, text and also tonne of free downloads. Plus you will get lifetime access to come back to the course time and time again. All for a mini price of £19.99!
Or to simply join our mailing for more Mojo Sisters news by simply clicking here
Have a wonderful rest of your week and happy training!
