9 Open Water Swimming Tips | Swim Skills For Beginners

[@csm8245]

If you waved at me while laying on your back in the water relaxed, I would probably just wave back casually. Not anymore ^^

[@wooter_l7050]

For cold water the best advice I got for getting in was to put your face in the water and blow bubbles to get breathing under control. It's good this tip was in the video!

[@hridoyislam1664]

[̲̅H][̲̅i]

[@LuoRutina]

Safety buoys are fantastic - they provide some extra visibility, flotation if needed, and you'll have somewhere to store your keys and stuff. I've hung on to mine during cramps, really glad I had it then.

[@jeremysweeten2792]

Just got one a month ago, and now I won't swim without it. So easy and valuable. Lifeguards love me for wearing it, too! Does NOT interfere with swimming at all.

[@gtn]

The swim buoy is a great suggestion but we would recommend beginners swim at a proper open water venue where there is water testing and no risk of boats. Out in the proper open water then a swim safety buoy is a great piece of kit to have!

[@derkvantsant]

Sit.

[@Ab_someone]

Alexander Björk Can I use a dry bag as a buoy?

[@ricolee1284]

@@wojzaw100 I'd have to disagree to having an "element of potential death" present in order to enjoy the swim. I've swum open-water since I was young and a couple of years ago my friend and I had a race out to a buoy probably 150-200m out. He's fairly competent and comfortable in the water too, as we were participating in a 2 week kayaking course in the Mediterranean. He got out just fine, but I had to safety swim him back after about 50m because he was shortening breath and the relatively calm currents were picking up past his point of swimming capability. This was in warm water with no heavy waves and a beach of people nearby. We laughed when we got to the shelf and he could stand, but he'd have drowned realistically if he was swimming alone. Not having a partner to swim with, the next step is safety equipment. "Risk is the thrill" can only really be said when there is adequate safety available in case of a worst-case scenario. I canyon, and paddlesport, and dive, and swim, and the thrill is pushing yourself past the comfort-zone to feel the adrenaline; not being stupid for the sake of being stupid. It's not fun once you or your friend dies needlessly, and it puts newcomers to the sports off because they hear stories of horrible accidents that could have been avoided if the person just realised they were making a mistake by thinking first. Anyway, my two cents.

[@adventure_hannah3841]

This was an awesome video! I was lucky enough to get in a few open water swims before my first triathlon. The water was nothing as nice as what you guys have in this video, though. In my practice and the triathlon, the water was so muddy and dark I couldn't even see my hands! The practice really paid off though, because my first swim I was thrown off by "wait, there's no walls, there's no lane markers! It's so cold! It's so deep! I CAN'T SEE!" But by the the time I got to the tri, I was expecting it all and was at least somewhat confident. Thanks GTN!

[@lisapet160]

What a wonderful job the casting team made for presenters selection!

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

I might need to start open water swimming more since the pools closed here:(

[@mrdennis1038]

This is huge! Do not underestimate the shock of cold water. I agree that having proper equipment is essential. Not having goggles or not being able to see is huge on races that have cutoff times. Please heed my advice: never think that if you trained hard in a pool you can tackle one or two miles on open water. The importance of calming down and breathing is vital. A wetsuit should fit, no strain on the neck and shoulders and you should be able to breathe in it.

[@hafidboudar2166]

1-enjoy it 2-if are in trouble flout on your back and wave by your hand 3-warm up 4-have spotter never swim alone 5- suitable wet suite 6-glasses 7-don't go for the long run directly 8-blowing bubbles for confident 9- drop you body temperature slowly feet in water splash some water on you face

[@mass1023]

🎼 Roll yourself on your back Put your hands in the air And wave them like you just don't care 🎵🎶🎵

[@gcn]

Great stuff. We recon every single member of the GCN presenting team could do with this advice.

[@M9IN0G]

I am still waiting for a "... does triathlon" video. ;)

[@M3T2W01f]

Global Cycling Network or at least have Matt do an open water dive. Safety first, of course!

[@gtn]

We'll make it happen. Don't worry.

[@aquaticoscepa7539]

Global Cycling Network de

[@rachid6440]

Hi and thank you for the wonderful tips I am from the amateur swimming in the sea and diving I want this Suit Help me please and my free from Morocco

[@petercacchioli319]

Perfect timing. I have my first 1/2 coming up in 2 weeks and the swim is my #1 worry. Thanks for this

[@gtn]

Good luck with the event!

[@robg109]

only been swimming properly for about a year. got faster in the pool and and done a couple of open waters. set myself a 2017 target of Alcatraz swim in San Fran 30 days to go. Great to see a good UKtri channel with regular content. rob

[@lisapet160]

Do the Alcatraz Triathlon: dig, run, swim!

[@robg109]

LisaPet that would be a great event

[@phillwhitlam6999]

Can only swim in open water at the moment, no good indoor pools big enough or near enough. Some great tips I'll take on board. The lying on your back is a great one, always find it a problem in winter, no matter how many times you swim it still takes your breath away. Another great video guys.

[@hellostevevideo]

Great tips heather and mark! I went on a mass learning journey starting about a year ago to get ready for ironman 70.3 and you guys have some great pointers here that resonate. Addl ones to consider for next top skills are bilateral breathing in case of waves/swells, swimming amongst a pack of competitors, swim buddy (safety buoy for solo open water swims), and body glide for wetsuit chaff avoidance:)

[@JHBEM]

Hi GTN team, I'm a recent convert from GCN. I just completed my first triathlon and come away with some questions I would love you to help us Tri-newbies. 1 - How do I stop myself getting neck-rash from my wetsuit? 2 - How do I most effectively/easily wash my wetsuit after an event to keep it clean? Love to have your feedback, I'm sure it will help a lot of other GCN converts and Triathlon newbies. Thanks for all your top tips, it certainly helped - I managed a full Olympic distance in my first Tri in sub 3-hrs! :)

[@calembates7846]

you guys are great have applied these techniques today in the lake hadn't swam for a few weeks it was at least 800m was a bit up and down , not used to a wetsuit and with limited range of motion in my elbows, shoulder injuries was ok on my way back I relaxed a lot and did nice long easy strokes making sure to keep an eye where I was going but loved it and plenty of people at the lake so was good love the advice thanks From Christchurch, New Zealand.

[@Loving-waves]

Excellent information. Very helpful.Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@bobbob9364]

Mmmm that’s nice ,try the beeches in portobello Scotland

[@svdb2981]

I go to the ijzereman, that is a pridy shalow place were allot of people are going to. It is fast warmed up so I can train if I want to go to the sea later in the year.

[@Tombstone03]

I never have or want to win to a Triathlon in my life but one day I want to participate in to and hopefully finish at a impressive time to me at least one day hopefully let’s see.

[@cjlonewolf7283]

Fantastic tips! Hoping newer triathletes watch so they get comfortable in the water. Well done GTN!

[@giselazunino781]

Thank you, guys! I'll put all that in practice next Sunday... for the first time in my life. 😱

[@EddAcz]

As open water long distance swimmer i was scared for this video BUT it was really good one. Keep it up guys. And tell me how to start running. :-)

[@gtn]

Thanks Edd - check out this one on running: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZPHpKOqqdV8ptk

[@markankone9362]

Do you have any extra tips ?

[@cilaahiofficial2277]

@@markankone9362 dad's house

[@adammayer5658]

Hey, would you be able to answer this question- Is it manageable to swim 80 km at once (supported, you'll be getting fresh water and food when needed) if you were training for it for a few years?

[@EddAcz]

@@adammayer5658 Well according to google "longest distance swim in open sea is 225 km (139.8 miles) by Veljko Rogošić (Croatia) across the Adriatic Sea from Grado to Riccione (both Italy) from 29-31 August 2006. The attempt took him 50 hours 10 mins." So it is possible. From racing point of view, 25km was and still kinda is regular race distance (adding 10k to Olympic games programme forced "focus change"). Also 24hrs pool events are common..

[@JosephTomeo]

Many thanks to you and Switch physical therapy. Very informative and VERY HELPFUL!

[@petrofskiwilliams8360]

Thank you for the valuable information.

[@filipemarques9144]

Great work GTN team! Thumbs up for you guys!

[@IronWill]

I need to get out in open water more often.. I don't want my upcoming triathlons to be the first times I get into open water! Nice tip about wearing a brightly coloured cap though when swimming in uncontrolled open water - I hadn't ever thought about that!

[@АндрейСемин-м4э]

You are so great, both of you! Love your vids!

[@orbitcomet7970]

Most important comes first, Million of thanks for such vital information. I am crazy for shore open swimming place.

[@TheFujiwuji]

You guys make great videos! Thank you!

[@gtn]

Thanks! That's really great to hear.

[@wilsonfisk6156]

Im a runner and i want to try some shorter triatlon just for fun, i havent really ever swam for more than 100m in my life in what you would call 'race tempo' so im pretty scared if i will make the swim

[@vaniawendie1256]

Adoro seus vídeos de natação no mar.

[@JomanaMohammad]

I'm having my first open water meet in 2 weeks, I'm way too confused, any help?

[@nicolebench4156]

Thanks for the video. Amazing tips and advice. You're really sympathetic :) I want MORE of these videos!

[@DorisPearl]

Thank you for that very helpful vid, but where can I buy this wetsuit please?

[@lisajenkins7692]

just started OWS practice. On my 4th outing. Was in full panic on outing #1. Last outing was better. I have a lifeguard can that I use as my float. And when panic sets in I used it to float, catch my breath and calm myself. But now it's a crutch so I going to try to breast stroke it when I panic and get breathless... It is a journey though.

[@nickywilliamson3786]

Awesome video!!!

[@ApinderSingh-b2c]

Thanks you very much

[@shaarang10]

Awesome tips guys!! Thanks for creating this channel. I have a question that I would like to ask - In a pool, I can swim for hours without any issues but during training in open-water, my feet usually start cramping after 40-50 mins.Are there any trips or tricks to avoid it? And lastly, can you please make a video on how to avoid swimming and running related injuries Thanks and keep up the good work! Cheers

[@reymicroc]

can you give an example from amazon of a good wetsuit?

[@lawfucker2007]

Hi! I really enjoyed your video about open water swimming! Can you also do one about wetsuit maintenance and repair? - I´ve just found two places where my wetsuit suffered small cuts....

[@gtn]

Watch this space!!

[@micahgrauel8770]

I was not able to swim for many years do to holes in my ears do to tubes falling out. I had surgery to close the holes in 2015. Since then, I have gotten practice in a friends reservoir. One of the things I do to make sure I am calm in the water is slowly walk in. another thing I do is go under water. The reason I do this is so I can stay calm even if I go under bye accident. I feel much more confident afterwords.

[@kamilplato]

Make it more fun and funny especially to capture young audience. Thanks!

[@donutkav]

great vid, try seapoint if you are in ireland , dublin, not to be missed

[@ChrClausen]

I don't know how it is in other countries. But, in Denmark there a lots of Facebook groups helping to find swimming buddies.

[@anuarbigdaddy]

Can we have a segment on heart rate based training such as finding max HR, lactate threshold and how to really tune in on how to use heart rate training? Most triatheletes have a GPS capable watch providing training data and would like to reap full benefits from it.

[@gtn]

Watch this space Khairul!

[@nicholask7347]

Love your guys's definition of cold water. Come join me for a hyperventilating jump in Lake Superior as your body adjust to the cold.

[@OVOCNYCHECK]

why is GTN swimming cap black then?

[@vswifey1558]

When your city doesn’t have a sea/ocean :(

[@tomlawless4406]

How cold is to cold for open water swimming ?? I literally just got my wetsuit and can't wait to try it 😁

[@gtn]

This depends on the event and country but the British Triathlon rules indicate that an open water swim should not take place if the water temperature is below 11 degrees celsius

[@isc2159]

Thanks guys!

[@adammayer5658]

Is it manageable to swim 80 km at once (supported, you'll be getting fresh water and food when needed) if you were training for it for a few years?

[@tomvobbe9538]

Damn bro you stranded on a desert island or something?🤣

[@loziloula3864]

am always a lover of swimming and swimmers 😀😊😁

[@alirezaziari4543]

Hello What tips and tricks must i use till in sea does not salty water into my mouth because when my head is up my back get pain and get curved. Thank u a lot.

[@think-islam-channel]

Breathe out in the water making bubbles This way you don't get water in when you're head is under the water

[@lmnts-wildswimming9922]

Great tips!

[@ellyiliahuz1455]

I really want to try open water in the cold sea. I only swim in south east asean sea. I wonder what is like to swim in cold water. Maybe one day who knows i could get the chance to race in cold water.

[@otf_shorts]

It really help

[@vencer16]

Hi there! Just a question.. swim goggle strap inside the head cap or outside the head cap? Which one is better? Its like sunglasses' arm over or under the helmet strap.. hoping to heat back.. thanks!

[@RebelofIreland]

I really bought the wrong westsuit here in the states as I am new to all this. Any good online tips on getting a swimmers wetsuit? I'm not exactly slim.

[@gregmicco5838]

New to swimming do you need a suit for open water? Whats the advantages?

[@gtn]

Hey Greg Micco, this is a great question! In compliance with the ITU age-group rules it depends on the water temperature you are racing in. If the water temperature is above 22 degrees then wetsuits are banned; if it is below 15.9 degrees then they are mandatory. Always check with the race organiser and see what they advise. Hope this answers your question 🙂

[@patricialin7217]

Another tip - Swim attached to a bright safety swim buoys

[@baileybolland2162]

Hey I was thinking of a huge triathlon one that couldn't be beaten and I was thinking swim across the channel from Dover to Calais then cycle to perpignan in the south of France which is about 1350 miles then run to Barcelona which is about an extra 200/250miles do you think this would be possible if so how long do you reckon it would take

[@alexc8715]

lol

[@alexandergeorgesgretener]

Open Water Swimming is Mallorca is very nice... but can you also give us some tipps on doing the same in for instance the Baltic sea, where visibility is basically zero, the sea can be pretty rough and the temperature maybe pretty cold even during summer time?

[@davepratt9909]

Emigrate? ;-)

[@alexandergeorgesgretener]

haha :D

[@MRBS-uu5bt]

Thank you

[@Bibibi642]

Quite useful indeed but you missed the actual race. I had my first start a few week ago, I thought i'd die several time. The main challenge is to manage the fight with the other for a space at the surface of the water. Any tip for this?

[@Prince_ofwolves]

I took the plunge last year at the Chicago tri and they had to fish me out the water 😂. Redemption race is tomorrow! Wish me luck. #Chitri2023

[@BeautifulQuoteVLogs]

Thanks for the Very helpful tips ❤ learning from Pakistan 🇵🇰

[@johnmclean7603]

Another good video. I'm looking forward to other videos on how to navigate a swim course (finding shortest line, especially when it's harder to sight because of choppy water) effective sighting technique, tips for how to prevent goggles from fogging up (aside from putting a small amount of water in your goggles - which works well for clean fresh water swims but not in other cases). In addition to Mark's suggestion about putting feet in the water - I find that standing in the water to waistline level and then splashing water on your face and the back of your neck will really help to get your body acclimatized to the water temperature. I would recommend that everyone swim with some kind of swim buoy. It is very easy to make one out of a pool noodle and some inexpensive cord and a tri race belt that should cost no more than $10. The pool noodle is bright, and of course, you can sit on it or hold it if you need a rest, get a cramp, or just want to chill out and enjoy the view! Watch for a picture of mine into the tri DIY!

[@gtn]

Watch this space John! Also... The swim buoy is a great suggestion but we would recommend beginners swim at a proper open water venue where there is water testing and no risk of boats. Out in the proper open water then a swim safety buoy is a great piece of kit to have!

[@jayrichman9643]

hopefully you are making a documentary of Heather's Kona prep, race, experience etc, please!!?????

[@musicmuso81]

Is there any places in brisbane or gold coast that we can practice open water? As in similar to the place in the video?

[@cnay2983]

Im a bike rider and a runner. Ive just moved to Dublin where there is a great deal of opportunities to swim by the sea. Which i enjoy. I'm a little scared of jellyfish! :( any advice

[@julienmengeot6130]

Did you make a video on how to choose a wetsuit ? I'm planning to buy my first one and I'm looking for advice. I live in Belgium and I will mostly use it in the spring and the summer when I don't play rugby ?

[@gtn]

Unfortunately, we don't have a video on choosing a wetsuit yet. If you're buying your first wetsuit, we would recommend going to your local triathlon or swimming store so that you can try one on to make sure you get the correct fit.

[@julienmengeot6130]

I saw that one www.decathlon.be/fr/p/combinaison-de-natation-neoprene-nage-en-eau-libre-ows100-1-0mm-homme/_/R-p-3094?mc=8161899&c=GRIS_BLEU what's your opinion ?

[@MrMelomaan]

It would be great if you could give some tips how to swim with waves. I trained a lot in pool and couple of times outside(calm lake) before my first triathon but on competition day there was heavy wind on lake with short frequent waves and it was really difficult to breathe. In theory swimming in sea with bigger waves should easyer because you can time you breathing according to waves, but with short and frequent wave I found it really difficult.

[@gtn]

Great suggestion for a video +MrMelomaan! This is a difficult skill but will mainly come with practise. It will be easier if you can learn to comfortably breathe on both sides so that you can breathe away from the wind direction.

[@nitinshrikar2618]

How much distance can be covered with ease by free style technique....

[@petrofskiwilliams8360]

Hi Mark & Heather, thank you for the advice, i am training for my first sprint tri, ( 6 weeks) did my first open water swim in a tri wetsuit of about 300m, that took me forever to complete. Please advice on how to deal with the headaches that i experienced for the first few minutes of the swim? thanks you.

[@Ir23rivera]

How did your event go? Im getting ready for my first tri in 5 weeks.

[@dipenb4u]

you are the best :)

[@GabiRav]

Why the producers made the suits black? ( Which is invisible in water.) █

[@imranshah6100]

yes

[@jcrepel]

I did my first Sprint distance last Sunday. It went really well except I was disgusted by the taste/quality of the water. I used to swim a lot between the ages of 8 and 16 and never thought about not opening my mouth underwater and how to prevent water slowly coming into my nose. It never bothered me. But with water smelling and tasting like sewers I'm disgusted! Do you have any tips on how not to get any water in at all?

[@miwmiw01]

Any tip when swimming on open water with moderate to strong waves? I actually signed up for a triathlon last sept.02 but got wasted on the water due to the strong waves and I had to exit early (didn't wanna risk my life battling it). Its my first time actually encountering that. I'm from the Philippines by the way and have been checking out your content ever since the channel was advertised on GCN!

[@tylermohr25]

I know I'm 5 years late but when I swim in the ocean I typically take a dive form through the waves and then resurface.

[@dgsom1]

3:33 Heather what happened to your left leg!!?!?

[@vvvbbb9494]

sharks

[@jackthefrog80085]

I don't have a pool but I have an ocean across the street. I'm thinking of starting to train

[@frannelk]

What about the swimming buoy? every open water swimmer should use one of those.

[@Danilaz0rd]

I dont understand, i was thought not to raise the hand above the elbow why they do it?

[@ucheucheuche]

Brightly coloured hat. Can you get brightly coloured wet suits?

[@TomaNicTurtle159]

What benefits does a wetsuit add? I'm interested in getting started, Is it something I need off the bat?

[@drumedorable]

A wet suit will make you more buoyant which makes it easier for you to stay level when swimming, reducing drag, it will also make open water swimming safer. It will keep you warm which will be good for morale and allow you to have longer sessions, whilst also making it safer. During races you will most likely be using a wetsuit so being accustomed to swimming in yours will be of great benefit. I would definitely recommend getting one before starting to swim in open waters, but if you will be swimming in a pool at the start you can put off getting one. And do go to a store that specialise in wetsuits for swimming if at all possible so the staff can help you get one that fits your body, it should sit much tighter than you at first think a wetsuit should.

[@endorphintherapist]

Wetsuit is more performance enhancing the worse your technique is because it keeps you in a good posture and high in the water where a good swimmer with good technique will already have a good posture

[@dingodog2781]

Main reason for it is to avoid hyperthermia in cold waters

[@cynthiacolli3842]

Your body thermoregulates a lot at the top skin layer. Your skin controls blood movement to the top layers to cool your blood, or down to preserve heat. Your hair follicles adjust your body hair to trap heat or release it. In water, you lose this ability to regulate, as the water 'washes' the heat off your skin. So a wetsuit helps you retain this function.

[@think-islam-channel]

@@dingodog2781 hypothermia you mean

[@phxrsx]

Sighting tips will be helpful :)

[@gtn]

Watch this space Adrian!

[@fifijxo1618]

It’s fun I went with school today

[@spicyshizz2850]

That’s good now we can’t have any trips like this cuz CoronaVirus 😞

[@MikeRaymond91]

I find swimming in a pool relitively easy, however when I'm in open water my heartrate rockets and I struggle controlling my breathing. Is this adrenaline or do I need more familiarization in open water?

[@gtn]

Don't worry Michael, this is a common issue in the open water! If you follow our tips about climatization and entering the water slowly then you should be able to get your breathing under control!

[@lg.studio]

Hi I'm having a Olympic distance triathlon this Sunday (in 2 days) in Austria and it looks like the weather will be awful (max 18 degrees, +20km/h wind and slight rain). This is going to be my 2nd race and I have never even trained this kind of bad conditions, and I'm nervous. I need some tips to survive. please help.

[@tomnix8194]

Gabor Lehocky I think if you are not so experienced and the conditions are not typically it is a good advice to realize that even the best athletes will struggle for the same reason.....the very weak will stay at home! My Formular is: The worse the conditions the higher the Factor to be a hero! Good luck for your event!!!

[@knight1boner]

Get out in the water at the race site the day before. As they said check out the entry/exit points, visualize the course, do a short swim to get used to the water conditions and find some additional landmarks (if they exist) to sight off of. Doing this pre-race swim familiarization always helps calm my nerves!

[@lg.studio]

Tom Nix : Thanks. That is a very good way of thinking. Jared Bone: I will definitely do it. Thanks for the reminder. :)

[@alexrdz1123]

What should I do I get a cramp. Got one last time I went to the lake , lucky it wasn't deep.

[@Goil44]

alexrdz1123 safety buoys are good for that

[@gtn]

Roll over on to your back and your wetsuit will keep you afloat until you can recover and carry on swimming.

[@alexrdz1123]

Global Triathlon Network but I can't float on my back tho.

[@reno8494]

What if you just go to swim with your family and you don't have equipment and the waves are big?

[@paulhetherington3854]

I always, sweep with, my eyes. Never down - unles, I get distracted! AKA, slows me down. Wetsuits - float more, in fresh water.

[@atlas3732]

Me: maybe they'll say something about sharks attacks... Me after the video: ....

[@spicyshizz2850]

Lmao

[@lovemae7540]

looks like they’re in a bay, there’s not much danger there :) but if you are concerned shark bands are scientifically proven to help deter sharks! not foolproof but they help me feel safer. i love them for when im surfing

[@adamender9092]

We don't have sharks

[@coolygast]

2:15 sorry heather, but that pushup hurt my eyes. please don't get a shoulder injury

[@AlexnicholasBlakely]

they're fun

[@nikolaskatanjian4226]

I’m trying out for fire department lifeguard no wetsuit 😅

[@gtn]

Good luck!

[@LasVegasFlicks]

LOW WATER LEVEL??

[@suliu4692]

I'm more interested in how to fight against waves...

[@Wil_Dasovich]

👍🏼