I started swimming and swim team as a kid. It was only available as a summer sport in my hometown. The coach was usually an high school kid who did it as a summer job who swam for the team at some point, but we never had anyone who really knew how to coach except for "Get in the water and swim." Literally, you just swam laps, stayed off the walls, and built up your endurance. In time, an inefficient stroke improved simply by practice. But it still needed instruction to be perfected.
We never used the lane ropes except for meets. It was too much effort to set them up and take them out of the pool. So every practice was open water practice. It included swimming into kids swimming the opposite direction and swimming around kids floating in the center of the pool on kick boards. (How did we ever win meets?)
I was lucky, however. I got to go to our local college for Swim Camp for a week every summer. This is where I learned how to train. This is where I learned I could swim a mile, at the age of 10.
My first triathlon with an open water swim was in a small town in Missouri. It was in a river/creek. Deep enough to swim. Shallow enough to walk if you wanted to, but I wouldn't.
In college I participated in an annual triathlon in memory of Doc Spackman. It was across the campus lake, which I knew too well. I lifeguarded there. (Don't drink the water.) It was a very short distance and college students being who they were would grab your ankles and pull you back if you were in their way. As an adult, I have not experienced this among grown-ups. This should not be a concern. But if you're worried, just keep kicking.
Most recently my triathlons have had swims in pools for sprint distances. But last summer I expanded myself and participated in an open water swim in Naperville, Illinois (Esprit de She). Open water to the point of out, back, out, back, out, and back again in a manmade lake.
There is something similar to both. There's always someone ready to pass you, and someone ready to be passed. Both require you to use your manners and be a good sportsman.
This May, I will be fulfilling a dream, an aspiration if you will. I lifeguarded for a triathlon in Carlyle lake when I was 16. I was too young at the time to participate, but I was right there with the open water swim. We had surfboards for swimmers needing assistance. We saw how they interacted with each other. And I knew I wanted to do this. Many years later, I will be living my dream.
I have something to share about my open water swimming experience. Especially involving cold water:
1. Wet suites are required for certain temperatures. (And they are not allowed if too warm.) Ask what the rules are at your event. Last year at the Esprit de She, I learned about this in talking with one of the people organizing the event. I had purchased mine, but decided last minute to swim without it. This year I will be wearing it for the benefit of added floatation.
2. When using a wet suit, do not wait until the race to try it. Swim a couple of time in it before hand. Get used to it. Learn where it rubs. But be careful. Especially if you are investing in your own. Chlorine is not good for Wetsuits. Minimize how often you wear it in a pool.
3. Also, practice getting in and out of your wet suit. Then practice getting out of it while running to T1. Find out if you need lubricants anywhere. Be aware, if you decide to cut or trim your wetsuit, it voids the warrantee. And if you get pin holes, they are repairable.
4. I wear ear plugs, especially in cold water. It kept the cold water out of my ears and helped me focus on my form. This helps to prevent ear infections when swimming in less than clean water too.
5. When swimming, be careful not to cross your arm stroke in front of you. Reach straight ahead to keep yourself from swimming in a circle. The following link is from Competitor Magazine. swim-tip-am-i-crossing-over.
6. And finally, the following link I found from Triathlon magazine. open-water-swimming-tips-from-the-pros. There's a lot of information out there, and a lot of advise. Don't be overwhelmed. Like learning to swim, start with basics and go from there. Learn to kick, to move your arms, and put your face in the water. And don't forget to breath.
Wrong (The bottom swimmer in the photo above): The hand should not cross over the centerline. This not only slows down your stroke, it also strains the shoulder with every pull.
Check Your Stroke
Crossing the centerline is a common problem that’s difficult to notice while swimming with a proper head position. Here’s how to check your stroke:Tarzan Drill. Swim one lap with your head out of the water and watch the entry position of your hands.
Use a snorkel. Keep your face underwater but tilt your head slightly up to watch what happens after your arms enter the water.
Mirror or shadow. Watch your reflection on the bottom of the pool.
Film a friend. Bring a camera to the pool and ask a friend to film from the pool deck. Swim toward them as they film. Review your clip, make adjustments and film again for confirmation.
Stick or board drills. Catch-up drill using a 12-inch wooden dowel or a kickboard turned sideways will prevent crossing over. Make sure to keep your hands at the outside edges of the stick or board when you alternate.
Read more at http://triathlon.competitor.com/2014/03/training/swim-tip-am-i-crossing-over_65598#wVV9pgJ2YAPTgdGb.99
