Open Water Swimming Tips For Beginners! | Essential Skills & Tips Your Next Open Water Swim

[@Konservedose]

Great tips! One very important thing missing is orientation in open water: Plan your swim and learn to locate landmarks and to check them frequently during the swim. It's something that is often underestimated. You don't want to add unnecessary distance to your route because of bad navigation.

[@ASHLIN98]

Ypp great point

[@sergio_grez]

absolutely important. I always struggle with that.

[@sebastianaustein6522]

Never seen a 50+ professor with such impressive physique. Astonishing.

[@sueburton4330]

This is a great intro to open water. Check water temperature! Very good to remember and be ready for the (possible) temperature drop when you get out. Here's my advice: Don't freak out about the slimy stuff you have to walk on to get into and out of the water. Get in slowly if the the water is quite cold. Also, don't freak out if you see a fish!

[@Simplyblissfull]

Agreed! I realize now I actually don’t have that sense of fear when I step into the ocean and have to touch all the seaweed and algae… it took a while for me but I do prefer swimming with neoprene boots. It definitely helps if my anxiety is running high at the start of a swim.

[@mdcsdm]

Best bit of equipment that has helped me go from pool to lake... ear plugs! First lake swim was 15 horrible minutes and ending up super dizzy. Cold water in the ear clearly to blame, since introducing ear plugs I’ve had no problem at all

[@adrianmayhew6835]

As the National operations managers for beach lifeguards- I see some Qs for swimming in surf. So 1- know your beach, get to know tides and the times they move. Also note how they move as through that time the volume increase speed before the tide movement come to the end before it reverses . Example water moves from say 1pm to 6pm, the greatest movement is 1 hour before 3pm and 1 hour after. Also you may see surfers looking out to sea. They are reading the “sets” and counting the timings. Each set has a collection of waves, then a gap and then it starts again. This allows the person to know how many waves they potentially have to dodge before they get to calm water. The point is counting the gaps between waves, small counts will mean it is rough and may not be good for you to enter. Th most important point is while on the Bech identify where the rip current is. A rip current is a channel of water wanting to head back into the ocean . This body of water can move form 2 mph right up to 20 mph. You will see surf lifeguards or surfer use that as the quickest way to get out the back of the surf line- however it comes with great warning, that once out you need to swim away from it so you can stay relatively close to the shore line. This is done by swim lateral to the shoreline. If ever stuck in a rip ( and you will know by not making progress back to shore)/don’t panic, you’re wetsuit provides 20N buoyancy so you can float. Again swim across the shore line and look for the area of waves. The waves will bring you in. Best advice if you want to swim in the surf, is go and speak to the lifeguards, they know the area, and more importantly keep an eye out for you. Surf swimming is different to inland and pool and a recent science study showed that it was around 24% difference (Tipton et al ) , so. You do need to think about your own ability and experience. Finally colour caps a recent study by both Mustang Survival ( N America water safety company) and the EU Independently looked at this for the world of search and rescue. For inland the Fluorescent Green came out on top followed by Closely was Fluoro Orange ( believe is now has the EN number 471) , but worst colours were Red and Yellow. Right now we don’t have lifeguards due to C-19 and the risk for rescuing people is high due to the requirement of close contact. PPE is required and the training of the use as we will deal with casualties as C-19 positive. Enjoy the beach and I hope this helps just a little bit. Thanks for the great program- better than watching tv👍

[@andrewthomas8737]

Adrian Mayhew Our beach’s are open but know Red and Yellow flags. Gold Coast City lifeguards are there to observe. Surfers and swimmers are out. Surf life saving Queensland season finished on the 1st weekend in May.No flags up either. Surveillance only. Andrew Thomas bronze medallion Holder and Gold Medallion.

[@tomasnilsson866]

Thank you! Fantastic info!

[@RichardHoogenboom]

Always bring a thermo bottle with boiling hot tea,.. that’s just awesome in warming you up quickly after a long swim.

[@illyadmark3223]

I LOVE open water swimming, I finally started taking a buoy after having a problem with wind and waves one night. LoL

[@brianfosterkinsale4403]

Last year I did my first long distance swim. I was ten years old at the time, I swam 2km in cold water with no wetsuit. Thank you for the tips. It helps alot.

[@kylebrown4293]

Ironically I learned to swim in a muddy river where you could never see the bottom. When I finally went to a pool it was a bit unnerving knowing how deep it was.

[@marcushutchinson8797]

Love watching Heather swim - sooo smooth effortless. Oh If Only I could but Im trying ...:)

[@aaroiseverything]

Wow the waters are so clear! you cant even see your hand in Singapore waters Hahaha

[@speedygonzales9993]

Right on, bro. Like swimming in the 'long kang' (canal). You will bump into an otter swimming in the opposite direction, yo!

[@satina1169]

Great video and I love swimming. Always taking my kickboard and sometimes fins with me in open water

[@xrayfish2020]

I joined NOWCA during lockdown and I'm looking forward to my first open swim 🇬🇧👍

[@blubbblubb6239]

What helped me the most with gaining the confidence whilst looking into the dark: Closing my eyes under water and doing the first swims together with somone else. Later on swiming with a swim buoy and step by step looking into the dark ;-)

[@shadwabarghash8734]

yes, in diving it's called "buddy system" for being "extra air & helping hands"

[@ferguscrawley95]

West Kirby marine lake this morning - at least 15 swimmers in there!

[@PropulsionSwimming]

Our coach was an open water national silver medallist. It's great once you get used to it all

[@mattc9998]

Do you have a video on how to spot dangerous or problematic currents when open swimming in the sea?

[@d3t3]

Waiting to get back into our local beach with the group. Hopefully before the monsoon hits. Really enjoy those swims.

[@miguelthemortgageguy969]

Thank you 🙏

[@alisontriathlonlover]

Great video 👍 love open water swim 😀

[@beahero4076]

Thank you!

[@The2014engineer]

Goodness Greg, put a shirt on Heather had to break out the shades to keep it professional. All banter aside, awesome tips thanks GTN!

[@lwittrock1]

Nice video!

[@Anna-oj9dq]

Im hoping to go open water swimming soon!

[@suziel5817]

Cool tips. Got any tips on how to get over your fear of sharks? Living in great white territory over here.

[@notmyrealname6272]

Brilliant

[@remotematt]

Great video and helpful advice. 👍 Any tips on water quality? How might you identify how safe it is to (accidentally) swallow water from a new location? Also, might be an urban myth but a buddy of mine said to drink a can of coke after an open water experience as the phosphoric acid kills bacteria. Not sure about the science there but any such tips? I'm swimming mainly in the UK 🇬🇧. Thank you very much in advance.

[@barbararaddon8650]

so good

[@nikodc2008]

If you are trying to reach a true beginner, you should explain what flow rate is and why it can be dangerous.

[@donnovicki9771]

Waiting for Lake Erie to get warmer than 53 degrees to start my open water swimming.

[@jdhenckel2]

at 4:10 if the goggles fog up, you could get a new pair... or coat the inside with dish soap several hours before.... :)

[@naturebound2901]

I'm a relatively new swimmer. I have been swimming in a lap pool for seven months. Recently I started experimenting with swimming in a few local lakes. The lakes here in NE Minnesota are cold! But I have learned to adjust to this. What I am wondering is, how do you turn and come back when swimming in open water? I have never learned to do a flip turn but even so do people flip turn in open water too? I've been staying in shoulder or waist deep water and swimming horizontal to shore and I just stop and stand up or stop and turn and start again, or I make a wide arch and go the other way. but it feels awkward. What do other people do? I don't yet have the confidence to swim in deeper water out in the lake.

[@Carodion11]

You need a wall to flip turn. There are no walls in open water! Just stop and turn around if you’re doing a “back and forth” type of swimming.

[@coffeeprincess25]

I’ve done a flip turn in open water just for fun, it can definitely help you change directions, but generally I change / steer myself by making one side (left or right) deeper/more powerful strokes, and the other weaker, as I would do if I were kayaking. I sorta just made this up as I went along so interested to hear others’ advice!!

[@utilars]

I only have access to a fairly calm lake. How do I train for the ocean that I will need to tackle in IM Florida? NOTE: I was scheduled to do IM Tulsa but COVID axed that idea and I got the crazies in my head and decided to try IM Florida instead of the easy IM Chattanooga.

[@winklertribe5268]

I need to wear ear plugs because I am susceptible to ear infections. Is it okay to swim without a swim cap?

[@DmitryRudoy]

Do you guys swim in the sea? Any advises about breathing with the waves? or generally dealing with the waves?

[@chevystuffs5971]

Fit is more important that "type" of wetsuits. In my experience "swimming" wetsuits are much more expensive than surfing wetsuits. Surfers paddle. A lot. Shoulder mobility counts in that world too. I surf and do triathlon. I completed the escape from Alcatraz in an O-neil 4/3 surfing wetsuit. Beginners, find something that fits and you can afford. A $400+ swimming wetsuit is not necessary. My O-neil was under $275. Fit it want counts!

[@mrjoerugby1]

I see you a few of you are based in the south west ....What are the best open water swimming locations in between Gloucester, Bristol, Swindon triangle ?

[@deankrain]

#gtncoachescorner Hi, I live in South Africa. I'm fine to do ocean swims with a group of people. But when it comes to training alone in the ocean, I'm terrified of sharks. How risky is swimming alone from a sharks perspective?

[@sauradipgaming5729]

Swimming pool is deep to swim, I am learning How to swim in open water

[@fiona3920]

Does anyone swim just the breast stroke? I can't really manage the front crawl and it seams that everyone swimming in open water swims this style..

[@juliabarsukova1018]

I swim always breaststroke, completed 3.5 km challenge in the Finnish gulf of the Baltic sea. I was comfortable with that, the only thing is that with crawl you move faster, so you get less cold and and reach faster the goal.

[@raianeherminia6443]

is it okay to practice swimming in open sea?

[@garyfirth4716]

If you aren't confident or lack experience then make sure you stay in water you can comfortably stand in (no more than waist height really) otherwise stick to the advice here. It's always good to swim where there are lifeguards on duty too.

[@raianeherminia6443]

ow thankyou sir!😄

[@ivobogovic8817]

Start easy during summer in warm and secure waters and build your confidence. Than just keep simming in autumn, buy good wet suite and swim during winter. Soon you will see that pool is just for very bad days

[@GabiRav]

Tomorrow I will swim in the sea. What I am afraid of is the warm water not cold. ( It is 30° ☺)

[@sakshatyatra]

I am very afraid of open water. Because i can't see anything.

[@jonnyhaca5999]

I wud like some tips on navigating when you cant see the bottom, constant spotting is a pain. Any gps device to maintain a straight line?

[@micahgrauel8770]

Hey there. I am a completely blind person who has been re learning how to swim after having wholes closed in my ears. I have friends who have a beautiful ranch about 10 minutes away from where I live. They have a reservoir that they have allowed me to re learn how to swim in. The way I got over my fear of the water is I took the time to get used to it. Splashing around, blowing bubbles, and going under while staying near the shore. That was about 7 ears ago, and I am now strong enough to swim without a life vest. Just take the time to get used to how the water feels. One thing I do now is I walk into the water, and I practice swimming back to shore without a life vest. I promise you, once you get over your fear, you will feel incredible. Spend as much time in the water as possible. Just relax, and take time to get comfortable. you'll make it. good luck my friend.

[@gtn]

Where is your favourite place to swim? Let us know!

[@garyfirth4716]

I haven't been ow swimming for very long but my favourite swim was Bala Lake in Wales. Beautiful surroundings and my furthest swim to date.

[@keithdoran89]

West Harbor Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay NY USA-great group of people to swim with and an easy mile loop through the harbor.

[@sakshatyatra]

Swimming pool. I cant see anything in natural open water.

[@ivobogovic8817]

Anywhere in Adriatic sea... Always clear and swimable even over Winter months...

[@RichardHoogenboom]

Just the local pond here in Woerden. And the artificial beach is awesome too on a sunny day 😁

[@pizzaman207]

How old is he, my guy is ripped. Good for him.

[@sergii433]

@eswimmingteam join bro

[@whitbyretreat145]

Its not a hat, its a swim cap

[@rulsey23]

She's trying so hard not to look at beast master's body

[@geauxgaia]

Her or you?

[@ernestoglez6725]

"...so thick you can cut it with a knife"

[@Andy-tc2gt]

@Savage Poet her or you is correct. She or you doesn't sound right. If we're going to be correcting grammar...

[@Minsang1st]

Andy no it would be she or you, because thats a shortened question of “is she? Or are you?” In which both terms are subjects of the sentence.

[@kanskesenare2246]

:D

[@timjenne4128]

What a bunch of babbling, wasting oxygen. Good Lord, give us some useful information!

[@LR6092]

This guy's cringy and the female is clearly not into it