ΧIn very different temperatures, dark waters and strong waves, swimming in the open sea is more impressive than swimming in the pool and therefore requires greater physical demands with lifeguard training near me.
Of course, the same factors make the sport so exciting, while the intense training always impresses those who do it for the first time. The coach of the American National Team in triathlon for the Rio Olympics in 2016, Jarrod Evans, emphasizes about swimming in open water that you feel a pretty crazy feeling.
The founder and director of the Open Water Swim Academy in San Diego, Dan Simonelli, stated that there is no substitute for open water, pointing out. Of course he clarifies that some of the skills you need to be comfortable in the open sea, you can acquire in the pool and these will enhance your competitiveness and self-confidence.
We remind you that Greece has many medals in world and European championships in open water, culminating in the silver medal of Spyros Gianni Otis in the 10 km open water at the Olympic Games in London, which is the only Olympic medal of our country in swimming.
Build your endurance
Before training on the high seas, you should be able to swim in the pool at least two or three times non-stop, according to Simonelli. Open-water distances are usually lengthened due to changing conditions, so a mile to the ocean may take longer at sea and will certainly be more difficult than a mile to the pool. When you increase your endurance in the pool, you must be sure that your fatigue will not be a factor when the planned 30-minute swim in the open water turns into a 55-minute battle with the waves. If you start to feel tired during endurance swimming training, try to “rest in motion” according to Simonelli. for example, keep swimming at the same pace while spending less effort.
Perfect alternative breathing
Most swimmers have a preferred side to swim in, but when swimming in the open sea, it should not be based on one side only. Fluctuations in wind and waves can make your breathing more uncomfortable, unwanted and, in some cases, impossible if you continue to swim to one side. Simonelli emphasizes: “Do not assume that you can rely on a pattern like you do in the pool.” Learning to breathe comfortably on both sides and holding our breath for a while can reduce panic in case you have to miss a breath or when your face is full of water. Build this ability by practicing irregular breathing as you swim: take three breaths from the right side, then five from the left,
Change of direction without help
In open water, changing directions or stopping and starting can be a bit tricky – there is no wall or bottom to push on, with Evans recommending maneuvering without this pool support.
To be able to swim the same without much visibility
Most open water trails will definitely have more turbid water than those in the pool. In some cases, you may be able to see only a few meters in front of you, which can be stressful. Six-time Ironman World Champion and Colorado Boulder triathlon champion Dave Scott points out that you can simulate these conditions by raising your glasses to your head and swimming with your eyes closed. Swim six, seven times, with pauses, with your feet moving. Put the glasses on your head and do another six to ten hands. Continue this pattern for a few meters, at different speeds and breathing patterns. The goal is to teach yourself, even without great visibility, to be able to move without sacrificing good technique and breath control.
The different types of swimming
Various conditions require different route styles. When there is a wave, you need to make smaller “hands”, less heavy and very fast, which can help you stay closer to the surface of the water and be safe from the momentum of the wave, as Simonelli points out. In calmer situations or if the current pushes you backwards, then longer and deeper “hands” will be more effective.
Make marks and have excellent eyesight
The oceans have no buoys and the lakes have no lane lines. This means that you need to be excellent at sight, for example by making marks in some places to make sure you are moving in the right direction in the water.
When swimming, turn your head to the side where it is easier for you to breathe. Then turn your head forward, lifting your glasses out of the water to look ahead. According to Scott, your neck and chin should remain in the water, while Simonelli emphasizes that you should raise your head as little as possible. Your lower body can naturally fall, so fight it off by kicking it hard. As you can see, exhale (instead of inhaling) or hold your breath, Simonelli adds. This will reduce the chances of you losing your rhythm as you turn your head forward.
You have to practice observing large objects in the pool and when you get used to it, you have to aim for smaller objects, according to Scott. Try to do two to three “hands” in a row and then continue swimming at a normal pace, says Simonelli.
Learn how to relax
The temperature of water in open water varies significantly, depending on the time of year, its location and its peculiarity but also on how deep the water is. They vary from 30 (low) to 90 and more. Water above 70 and 80, is quite easy to swim, but in colder temperatures, such as those in the Pacific Ocean or in some of the Great Lakes, can create great tensions, mentally and physically. When most people dive and swim in cool water, their muscles tighten and their breathing becomes heavy, says Scott. And although the uniform can significantly reduce this condition, it will not eliminate it completely. Of course when we find our breath, we overcome the initial feeling of panic we feel, according to Simonelli. To deal with the initial shock you will feel, you should take a cold shower or take a cold bath while inhaling steadily, something that will help you relax in the cold. Of course, standing or sitting in icy water will not be the same experience as swimming in it, according to Simonelli.
