When the summertime settles in for a few long months of hot weather, it's only natural for practically everyone to want to go for a swim. Spending time in the cooling water is fun, relaxing, and an excellent way to escape from the heat. Of course, swimming is good for you, too; after all, it might even be a part of your regular fitness routine already. Spending all your time swimming in the pool can be a little boring, though, and it's not always the biggest challenge. With so many other bodies of water out there to explore, why not try out open water swimming? Whether you take a plunge into the ocean or a drive down to your favorite lake, it's a very different experience.
Open water swimming is both fun and popular, and it's usually not difficult to find a place to go, especially if you live near the coast. More than just going for a dip, though, swimming in open water provides a different set of challenges to your body than a pool does. Whether you're trying to work on your fitness or just get out of the house, this activity is worth your attention. However, it is important to remember that you are out in nature and away from the safe, controlled environment of a pool. You can have tons of fun, but you'll still need to take some reasonable precautions. Below, we'll break down how you can prepare and be safe for your swim, as well as some ways to enjoy yourself along the way.
Preparing for your open water swim
Before you can head out and dive right into your nearest body of water, it's important to understand some of the preparations you'll need to make. These are separate from safety measures you'll use in the water (more on those in a bit), but they are just as important overall. First, make an investment in some good quality waterproof sunscreen. When you're using an indoor pool for your exercise, you don't need to worry about the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays; when you're outdoors, though, you do! Even when it's cloudy out, it's a good idea to wear sunscreen. You'll need to reapply every so often to avoid sunburn.
Bring along a small cooler you can keep on the shore filled with cool water. Staying hydrated is important. Because you may be out swimming for much longer than in a pool, taking breaks where you can sip on water is a smart idea.
Don't forget the right kind of gear for your swim, either. A good pair of goggles to help keep the water out of your eyes is essential, especially if you opt to swim in the ocean. Saltwater certainly doesn't feel good when it gets into your eyes! Finally, as part of your preparations, there are two primary safety measures you should always observe. First, examine the day's weather report as well as what the water's reported conditions are.If the water is too rough, don't risk it; you can always swim another day. If conditions are right, though, and you will be heading out, let someone know! Informing a trustworthy friend of your location and intentions can help keep you safe. If something should happen, they can send for help quickly. Once you've prepared, though, what will you be doing in the water for your fitness?
Using open water swimming for fitness
You can't exactly go swimming laps around a lake, and that's not going to fly in the ocean. Instead, you'll need to come up with some different kinds of activities to improve your abilities. Swimming in the sea on its own offers quite a different experience. The different density of the water combined with the swell of the waves means you get quite a great deal more resistance than you do in the pool. Swimming parallel to shore is a good way to get a workout, but you can do more than just that as well. Lake swimming offers a smaller, safer environment to get a tough workout done in the open water.
From strength training to controlling your body in the water, how you work out is down to your personal preference. Try practicing swimming straight forward; it's harder than it looks. The more you work at controlling your strokes, though, the better your movements will be in the water. Open water swimming uses quite a lot of energy, giving your muscles as well as your heart and lungs the exercise they need. Don't be afraid to swim hard! Try racing against the clock to see how well you can do. Keep records and watch as you improve.
Bring some friends along and have a blast
Swimming all by yourself isn't all that much fun, though; when it comes to open water swimming, you can have a better time ? and train harder ? if you have some friends who are willing to get involved. There are several different kinds of exercises which you can all enjoy together. Also, after your workout, you can lounge on the shore and enjoy the company of your companions!
So what can you do? Drafting in the water is an excellent way to exercise together. Simply put, this is all about swimming in the wake left behind by another swimmer. To be successful, however, you must swim hard and try to keep up. Three or four people can create an excellent drafting line in the water, weaving back and forth and challenging the swimmers in tow. You'll develop better coordination and swimming ability by undertaking this activity. Alternatively, turn it into a competition.
If you are practicing your open water swimming for a race, why not get your friends to help you practice? Compete with them to see who can reach a buoy in the lake as fast as possible, or who can swim out from the shore and back in the least amount of time. These activities will leave you drained at the end of the day, but you'll also be able to feel them improving your abilities.
Staying safe during your swim
Finally, it's important to consider some further safety habits that you should always observe while swimming. Just as you should check the weather before you swim, keep a close eye on it while you're in the water. Conditions can change unexpectedly. If you see lightning or hear thunder, exit the water immediately. Seek shelter from the storm until it is over. Never swim further from shore than you are comfortable with; you can "push" yourself in other ways. This safety concern is particularly the case for ocean swimming.
Speaking of the ocean, do you know what to do if you're caught in a rip current? Never try to fight against the current as you will exhaust your energy and be unable to return. Instead, ride it out until you can escape, swim parallel to the beach, and make your way back. Ensure you are always in view of on-duty lifeguards when swimming in the ocean. No matter how well honed your swimming skills are, Mother Nature's power will always surprise you! Prepare yourself for the different water temperatures. Shocking your body with the cold temperatures, or swimming on days when the water is too frigid, can be bad for your health.
If you have trouble acclimating, a wetsuit may enable you to enjoy your swim without fear of hypothermia. When visiting an unfamiliar area to go swimming, take a moment to look around. Know where to enter the water and where to get back out. Being aware of your surroundings like this can help prevent disorientation and disaster.
Beat the summer heat and enjoy a new experience
With the right safety measures, a healthy respect for the power of the water, and a desire to have fun, open water swimming could be your new favorite activity! From its value as a fitness tool to the opportunities it affords to have a good time with your friends, it's a whole lot more exciting than swimming by yourself in a pool. Plus, with open water swimming's popularity on the rise, you'll be in good company as well. Don't forget always to do your research on the day's conditions before you head out, and grab the right gear. Stay safe, have a blast, and get fit ? all at the same time, of course!
