Breathing Skills For Open Water Swimming

[@billderinbaja3883]

Very good tips. I swim open water daily, sharing a few things I have learned on my own: 1) Breathe in the pocket - When you roll to breathe, the head and shoulder moving through the water carve a low pressure area which is a small "pocket" (bowl shape) in the water under your mouth... use the pocket, and you don't have to roll so far... definitely saves energy (in my opinion, it's consumes excess energy to roll your mouth all the way to vertical to breathe) 2) In rough water - If swell coming from the side, breathe to down-swell side... this requires learning to breathe comfortably on both sides so you can deal with swell from any direction 3) Timing and technique of exhale is as important as the inhale - Time the exhale so that you complete it underwater BEFORE your mouth rolls up to inhale... there should be a very short break between exhale and inhale (appx 1/2 second) 4) Breath technique (inhale and exhale) - Take a good yoga class, learn about the pear shape of your lungs, and why you always breathe (in and out) from the low abdomen, below the diaphragm... to many people, especially men, breathe from the chest... very inefficient in regard to volume of intake and discharge, and uses WAY too much energy. (I learned this freediving)

[@kennycol1234]

i rarely comment on anything, but THANK YOU! finally some good info about open water. its so annyoing that 90% of open water tips are concerning triathlons! so the tips focus on the race, the swimsuit and spotting other competitors. I couldnt care less about this and just wanted this kind of tips!, thanks again.

[@rafaelmondini]

Although I'm a triathlete myself, amem to that! Also, triathlon videos tend to focus on the ideal open water swim conditions, while glossing over when the swim is really choppy, windy, in lakes or rivers.

[@pattyddeeseskumpfe9497]

Rafael Mondini-Bueno open water swimming

[@LogicEyes]

I couldn´t said better! This is a spot on tips!

[@PoetWithPace]

totally agree. I'm new to all this and have my first triathlon next month and find most the tri videos hopeless

[@20LookInside12]

Don't forget to check out "Wild Swimming" - this is more like true "Open Water" swims, no Triathlete info. :))

[@lenos637]

I never took a swimming lesson in my life. I didn't like swimming up until I turned 30... so basically I rely on youtube videos for improving/adapting to open water swimming. I can say that I have seen many MANY swimming videos and this video is one of the best if not the best. The reason is that this video gives honest, thorough and straight to the point instructions for open water swimming... Not competitive swimming just swimming. None of the videos I've seen till now mentions panic attacks. I was getting them and I didn't know how to cope and now I know and I already feel confident :)... Also all instructions were given while in the water... wooo. Anyhow great video and thank you Leslie for sharing!!! I wish I saw this video a few years earlier. Swim safe!

[@swimvideoswendy]

Thanks Leslie! Your film presence is wonderful...I wish I lived in SF to take lessons from you. I choked on the swim in my triathlon over the weekend and will incorporate your techniques in practice to avoid the panic/hyperventilating in next race.

[@mahmouddennawi1352]

This one of my few comments here but i had to thank you I felt your tips were exactly what i needed and talked about the exact problems i face in open water swimming. A very useful video unlike many waste of time vids on youtube about this subject. Thank you again

[@dralusion]

thank you for this video. i experience everything that you mentioned...cold water/panic attack/short of breath in my first open water. i was terrified to do another one. i thought i was going to drown..it was tough to shake it off. this information is gold to me.. thank you! i need more videos like this

[@alexkim2973]

Coach, thank you very much. After watching this video I feel MUCHHH more confident.

[@adityaasopa4031]

out of at least a dozen videos i have watched, no body talked about these drills and taking rests and breathers in open water like this. Super practical. Thanks a ton

[@00107618]

despite the informal way,it seems this is one of the best video I have seen for such advice. The little tips that you give have made all the difference for me. You have answered questions that I did't know how to ask. You also have such a relaxed way of doing things. Thank you very much

[@seamus1x]

I dont swim at all but I have a challenge for charity to swim 750m in the open water in 14 Sep 2024. So this is the first video I liked. I am going to start with this. This is Day 1 for me.

[@JennaOnTheBeach]

How did it go?!

[@seamus1x]

​@JennaOnTheBeach I'm actually doing 1.2 km in the pool EVERY day and doing my 4'th sea swim today. I'm 57 years old and just learned to swim this year which I was afraid of all my life. Anything is possible if you really focus. Ps I love your vids. They really helped.

[@flammond]

Thankyou so much for putting that video together!I recently completed my first super sprint tri but freaked out during the swim .Watching your very informative and very encouraging video makes me feel that I may be able to try again now that I understand what may have happened. thankyou again arlene

[@tim38890]

Great just great counsel, it really helped me in my training for my upcoming triatholon, simple to the point, well formatted and explained, you're a natural Leslie! Wonderful!

[@patmcternan]

Getting ready for my first triathlon, Very good video, Thanks for your tips

[@andrewmcwhirter6567]

Amazing tips for a beginner like myself. Thank you so much!

[@brigitt8149]

Thanks Leslie. Refreshing to hear such a well-articulated, didactic-medthodic oriented coach.

[@simonhiaubeng6689]

The suggestions for breathing drills are really wonderful. Thank you!

[@Golf_England_Tottenham]

This advise took me from swimming 2k but having to stop every 100m to swimming 2k non-stop...the first time I tried it. Such a small change but massive impact. Thank you!

[@JennaOnTheBeach]

😲that's ace! Hope to experience the same!!😅

[@TheZinminjr]

I felt better just watching your video! Thank you! I panic in the water doing freestyle (probably cause I never had instruction) - your video was so pleasant and informational and specific on how to fix anxiety. I especially thought you were genius at slowing down the breathe portion (Drill 1 and Drill 2) in beginning! Thank you so much! I am going to try this in the pool today! :)

[@rpiston]

Thanks. You cover this very well. I hope to do a tri at some point and swimming is my weakest. That you address the fear issue is very helpful.

[@umama5531]

The fear issue is my main problem😢

[@crazyswimmer9481]

This video helped me soooooooo much! I have my first open water meet this weekend and I am nervous. Thank you sooooooooooo much for this video!

[@JennaOnTheBeach]

Absolutely agree with others - this is the best video I've found to help with my open water swimming 🏊‍♂️ THANK YOU!! Looking for more ..

[@PoetWithPace]

This may be almost 10 years old, but i found this one of most useful open water swim videos. I'm new to all this and have my first triathlon next month and swimming is the most daunting. Thank you for you help!

[@ccyha1]

Great explanation of breathing technique. I'm 55 years old wanting to take on swimming. Thank you so much.

[@noureddineabid8167]

Your way of teaching swimming is fantastic!

[@jayakumar4633]

Thank you for your effort in explaining clearly while staying in the cold water

[@kjguitarman]

Thank you so much for posting this video. All of your tips have made a huge impact on my swimming efficiency!

[@ronglass5968]

Thanks for this! I’ve recently taken up open water swimming each morning with an experienced group of swimmers and have been struggling. Stroke technique is good but breathing is not since I’ve breathed in salt water a few times which results in nasty breathing issues (out of the water) later in the day. Shall give these drills a go! Again, thanks!

[@etakdranyam]

Thank you, got my first event in 6 weeks and am struggling to transition from pool to sea....feeling motivated this morning, off I g! Thanks from Pembrokeshire Wales!

[@sathishm1234]

One of the best videos around, thnx Leslie

[@glennis-dankuwel6020]

Tks, so much for explaining proper breathing n panic situations. I just learned how 2 swim 1 yr ago this July. My main problem w/swimming was always w/proper breathing especially n deep water. After watching ur video I have more confidence next time I go swimming n if panic set in. Breathing properly is a phobia everyone has n the water for the first time. I never swam n the ocean but now I think I could. Tks.

[@tombohler6349]

Really good advice. Do a lot of open water swimming before trying a competition.

[@lexa5051]

Thanks!. Are you treading water as you speak? Wow.

[@billderinbaja3883]

She is a water polo player, no doubt... Go Polo!

[@20LookInside12]

@@StephenMorris Nope, she is treading water, it's easy of you're buoyant - which she is - and/or you have good technique - which she also has. I can tread, shoulders above the waterline, no arms and speak just fine. It's all about water comfort in the end! :))

[@20LookInside12]

@@StephenMorris She's treading. You can tell if you're an avid swimmer. It's really not that hard at all once you're a natural in the water. :)

[@fatichatibudiningsih6889]

@@billderinbaja3883 66666666

[@jentex2]

Really good wee film. I'm heading out for my first open water meet this week and got some great novice tips. Thanks very much, top stuff.

[@cllaughs]

Thank you for this video. Getting ready for my first open water triathlon and this really helps.

[@武者小路太郎]

This drills insruct me so much ! Thank you, Coach Leslie !

[@rachelcrouch2014]

Thank you! Super helpful for my first triathlon training. The breathing is definitely the hardest part for me.

[@ebrahimebram]

thanks, my 6.5km open water is next week and its my first time and i am actually not a good swimmer, this video gives me a lot of confidence, keep making great videos like this, thanks

[@bluelightuniverse1076]

Awesome video. Thanks for all the hard work in putting it together. Appreciated.

[@dolcelauretta]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!! I will follow your tips next time I train here in Malta.

[@tubeyrich]

Thank you so much, Leslie! These are wonderful tips before I try swimming in the sea for the first time this year! :)

[@Shrinkray99]

I'm trying to learn to swim properly (at 46 years old) for my first tri - this advice is brilliant. Thanks so much!

[@Ibnmasr101]

Thank you, Leslie, your tips are extremely helpful for me

[@rhythmPhil]

Thanks Leslie, your explanations are very clear and useful.

[@ishnock]

I love the way that you speak, It's very genuine, and it's not too professional or overly urban. I'm a pretty strong swimmer ( ability wise), but I have breathing issues while doing the front crawl, and it I get tired quickly. After about 50 meters, I am ready to tank. I need to learn how to slow things down, and not be so anxious while in the water. My goal is to run a Tri in August.I'm hoping I will be comfortable enough with my form and technique to transition from the pool to open water.

[@ETEAY]

Thank you for the great video. I also like the way you can stay still on the water so comfortably for a long time. At first I thought you are in shallow water standing. Very useful video.

[@1cor13Godislov]

thank you! i am starting slowly with just lake swims for now. This helps to deal with swells from the wind! thank you!

[@StaceyMcCoy]

OMG I can't believe you actually responded to me!! I can't wait for it to warm up here. It should be warm in about 4 weeks and I'm going back to swimming. It's my goal this summer to really make myself comfortable and squash those fears for GOOD!!

[@MiWeide]

Thank you for sharing your practical and detail tips!

[@toby9999]

I gave up on learning to swim about 30 years ago but you make it look so easy!

[@PaddyRichards]

Great Video.....brilliant and very helpful advice. I just wish I watched this last week before I nearly drowned in my first open water triathlon. ;)

[@saswimvideos]

Thank you so much. That is very nice feedback. Good luck with your swimming and breathing. Leslie

[@austinrogers5324]

Your video is awesome. Best instruction so far.

[@lilpinguin69]

WOW...Perfect what I was looking for..for my FIRST Olympic Triathlon next month..Thank You...Thank You

[@Imker217]

I'll be doing a 200 yard swim in open water and then 10 minutes of treading water in the Caribbean in a few months, as step 1 of a PADI scuba diving course. I haven't been swimming much for 50 years or more so your tips are very, very interesting and important to me. Thanks.

[@mayuresh1704]

Excellent, informative video packed with wonderful insights! Thank you so much! Keep up the good work!

[@hexi1984]

wow, easily understand, really useful skill, thanks for your great video very much!

[@hyenaswine]

Excellent video! Exactly what I was looking for all in one video.

[@thedocturduffy]

I second what Miguel says, I'm an excellent runner but I can't swim for shit, and these breathing tips are really spot on! The rolling tip was a real eye opener for me! Thanks so much coach Leslie! Going tomorrow so I'll let you know how I got on! .

[@pavloschasirtzoglou]

really professional tips..well done coach leslie..in only a few minutes lots of well spoken and instructed advices....i am a good swimmer..i swimm lots of kilometers every day in the swimming pool... but a still have a problem with open sea..i am afraid of the dark sea..any psycological tips there?

[@kixxiya]

this is a great video with awesome advice!

[@stevencassity2938]

Great video and excellent advice! Thank you!

[@ruthrave3047]

This video is very helpful! Thank you!!

[@markdoyle2880]

Great Video me trying to breath as if i was swimming in a pool.Your a great help well done.

[@julianliu406]

Great tips, answer some of my questions. Thanks a lot.

[@Alesandro113]

Great video ! Are you still swimming I just start swimming on June at Topanga beach and I love it, I’m learning a lot of great swimmers like you sharing theirs knowledge , I learn a lot because I’m on the same conditions And I relate a to all your video thank you, at what time you swim at what beach I’ll might stop one day and It would be a pleasure to see you if one day you are in the area

[@shhruti6775]

Best video ever. So glad this exists!

[@saswimvideos]

;-) enjoy the water, there, Amos. It is a gift. I am envious!! Leslie

[@saswimvideos]

Hi 70sDub. Good for you. Learning to swim as an adult is difficult! Breathing is much easier with breastroke. Everything is easier, except the timing of the stroke. If you can float during the crawl breath, then you can take as long as you need to to get air. Don't rush it. Also, make sure you exhale under water. Keep up the good work and, if you live near open water, you might give that a try soon! Leslie

[@stephenparrott2932]

Agree with others here, excellent video especially the drills. Simple advice really, but explained in a clear easy to understand way. Thanks!👍

[@rravis]

I'm preparing for my first Alcatraz Swim next month. Very Helpful!

[@mariaevanoloroza1768]

Love this videos will help me alot! Thank you! Will try it ! Im sure im good enough and will enjoy my open water swim! 🤗🙏🏼👍🏻

[@dennislally3053]

Thank you so much for such great tips! I really needed to hear them and watch them. some i knew already, bur needed to have them reinforced! Your are terrific! I am about to do an open water swim for the second time, after doing all the wrong things the first time!!!!! Carolann

[@Hinrglady]

love it! thanks so much! cant wait to go out there and tackle the ocean! great coaching!

[@miksmickey89]

Good one..I shall continue to practice the 3 strokes 1 breathe. And yes, I sort of panic in the open water so I am going to be more relax..take in quick 1 breathe and blow all out and as you said, if necessary, more breathe which is good too. Thanks

[@alirezasardar8293]

Extremely impressive techniques taught with a lot of grace!

[@Dragionflame]

thanks for the tips! i've been going swimming the past few days and was getting frustrated by my faulty breathing. I used to swim a lot as a child and was surprised that i'd lost the habbit of doing what you explained in the video. It was very annoying for me since I knew that I was physically capable of doing it right, but had a mental block (I panicked because I wasn't sure if I'd be able to reach my goal with sufficient breath. I'm trying again tomorrow with your advice in mind!

[@momo_2601]

Thank you, straight forward and easy to follow. I will remember your advice at Royal docks tomorrow 👍🏼

[@toddhanson2209]

I also rarely comment but want to thank you very much as this has been the most helpful video I have seen - as I’m preparing for my first ocean swim in a triathlon and having a difficult time adjusting to ocean swimming

[@andreamachado5591]

Excellent lesson ! Very good video, thanks !!

[@saswimvideos]

Hi Arele, Thanks for your comments. OW swimming gets better with time. My next video will be about panick attacks. Unfortunately they are common, esp at the start of a race. Don't give up!

[@Cookefan59]

Thank you for a great video. I felt like you were talking to me personally. Panic, cold water and swallowing water are big ones for me. Thanks for the advice.

[@NoTengoIlusiones]

Thank you. I'm an open water swimmer since my childhood, I'm 45 now. 100% of the time I swim front crawl, but ! to tame any fears I've always have my (mental) panic button: breast stroke. I never knew what is my limit. once to test my body limits I swim breast stroke in a pool for hours, and left pool without knowing my limits. It works for me. As far as I remember only once I've used breast stroke to come to shore with a big cramp. Only this year I'll be using for the 1st time openwater swim suit and buoy. my wife calls me crazy...but I've only used all my life a swim shorts swim goggles and nothing else. 200 meters from shore, 1h/2hours swim sessions. no cold :/ Cheers.

[@bezalelGR]

Hi. Thanks for that. Your tips are very helpful. Thank you so much. :)

[@marcopoloplanner8843]

Those are very useful tips. I wish I could join you in sf now. I was there backpacking in august 2013 and decided that I wanted to try swimming in the Pacific so I asked a couple to keep an eye on my backpack and swam a good half an hour in my underwear. It was fun and I remember a lady pulled out of the warm in a thick wetsuit asking me if I wasn't cold. I was a bit but that feeling of freedom. Greetings from an Italian walrus :)

[@d5alive]

Thank you SO much! I'm preparing for my first Tri (Oly) in less than a week and am very weak in the OWS. I love it but am super slow. This has helped so much.

[@blancatcabosanlucas8886]

thank you Leslie...I am training for a 7k open water race...your advices are being very helpful, i am so nervous!

[@WarriorGurl23]

Thank you so much! This video just made me feel a lot better

[@RobertoLimaBuenor2tl2]

Great, simple and objective.

[@Petroula1959]

Happy happy happy! This is just what ik need! Thanks a lot from Greece!

[@emmalevings1975]

Such a helpful video, thank you. Some of your tips will be invaluable as I continue my training for my first open water event the Dart 10K in september.

[@profNeyz]

Awesome tips Lesie.. I haven't been swimming in open water for a while and want to get back into competing! I need the same tips that Pavlos C is after! If u could give us some tips that would be great! Thanks Coach!

[@ludovic2003]

Newbie to triathlon in terms of swimming. Still learning how to swim. Breathing is my pain point and brings a lot of panics. Thanks for the tips.

[@thomascardwell6507]

That was fantastic I done my first open water swim this morning and drank a lot of it gasping for air this I will practice thank you

[@roxannecartlidge7449]

Best advice, thank you! 😊 🏊‍♀️

[@DamirSpanic]

Amazing. Thank you.

[@marineboy305]

Hi Leslie! I do laps without touching the wall and turn around (although I sometimes hit the lane buoys...). Yes, it's fun.

[@giselazunino781]

Thank you! Really useful tips! I wish I'd seen this video before my first open water (and panic attack) swim!

[@Ski101Girl]

I've been so surprised at how I have initially panicked again and again in open water triathlons, even though I regularly swim and am very comfortable in open water. I'll try your tips next time ... thanks!!

[@mxrcus8783]

I don't think I could ever shred water that long

[@diegaah]

Maureen Levesque I feel a sense of panic just thinking of this. I'm not an avid swimmer but it was a daunting task barely snorkeling the deep ocean. She seems like an incredible teacher but I fear failing so much

[@KeithKauhane]

Like many of the other commenters I'm doing my first open water tri in about a month. So glad I stumbled upon this video now so I'll have time to put these drills and techniques to use. Thank you!

[@KeithKauhane]

Hey Clay! Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I'm doing the Luray Sprint Triathlon this Sunday. Any happy thoughts you can send my direction will be greatly appreciated!

[@KeithKauhane]

***** I've definitely been practicing my sighting...it's like learning a whole new stroke, but I've gotten myself to a point where I'm finally comfortable doing it. This is my first one, so the goal definitely isn't speed, it's completion without any physical or mental damage. Thanks for the tips!

[@KeithKauhane]

***** I'm intrigued. I probably shouldn't mess around with any new techniques until after Sunday, but I'd be interested in seeing what it's all about. Do you guys go up there every morning? For some reason I just assume that you're talking about the C-burg Aquatic Center. Also, my dad used to say 0'dark 30 for anything before sunrise unless he wanted to make sure that we were up and out by 6:00, at which point reveille was at 5:30. Is that what time you're talking about?

[@KeithKauhane]

Thanks for the invitation. I'm running tomorrow morning, but I'd like to check it out next week. Just let me know what day and where.

[@picpine]

Great video! Awesome tips. Thank you.