In my private Facebook group, I asked members about their fears and frustrations regarding open water swimming. Their responses included fears of fish biting their feet, lack of guidance from lane lines, not being able to stand up or rest on walls, turbulent conditions/waves, and the unknown. Some members also expressed feelings of inadequacy, stating that they were slow or bad swimmers.

If you share these fears or frustrations about open water swimming, don’t worry! With practice, you can overcome them and gain confidence in the water. Below are some common concerns and tips for addressing them:

• Cold water: Wear a wetsuit, neoprene cap, and practice swimming in cold water. You can also acclimate to cold water by taking cold showers and ice baths. Warm up for at least 10 minutes before swimming to get used to the temperature. I outline cold water acclimatization here.
• Bathroom emergencies: Talk to a Registered Dietician about pre-race meals and hydration, and wake up early to give your system time to get moving. Arrive at the venue 2 hours before your wave start time to use the restroom.
• Drowning: If you don’t feel ready, don’t take the risk. Wear a wetsuit for safety and practice floating. If you’re worried about strong tides, currents, or marine life, register for races with pool swims or in small lakes until you feel more confident. Check with the lifeguard station about any potential hazards in the water.
• Weeds, cloudy water, and no walls to follow: Practice swimming with your eyes closed, continuous swimming without touching the wall or bottom, and stopping to hold onto a kayak if needed. Practice sighting in the pool and at the lake.

Whether you have a fear or frustration, both can cause anxiety. It’s important to challenge yourself and tell yourself that you can overcome these obstacles. Success in open water swimming starts in your head. Remember that with practice and determination, you can develop the skills to overcome your fears and frustrations.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about pool or open water swimming, feel free to leave me contact me.