ocean swimming?

Hey Madeye! I actually live very close to the ocean as well. I have practiced in the pools until I know I'm able to swim about 1500m... Ocean swimming is very hard... and takes some getting used to. DEFINATELY needed before your Tri though!!!!

Good luck!!

Couple of tips on ocean swimming 1) take somebody with you 2) take somebody with you. When doing ocean swims (I'm in the Atlantic) you have to get out passed the breakers before you can even begin your swim. This can be difficult and a little nerve racking because sometimes you have to get a ways out before you get to that point. Easily the best time to swim is 7am because the current/chop usually hasnt picked up yet. Try to find other groups of swimmers in your area in my area the lifeguards have a swim workout every saturday morning that you can get into I've never done this as there are tri guys who do a similar swim that I go with. Who better to swim with than lifeguards I've had fish swim into me that immediately spikes a "Shark!" response in my heart and at least once per swim you will have a feeling like you are swimming out to sea or the current is taking you there. I've gone out a couple of times on my own but thats the worst experience as long as theres at least one other person you'll be fine and let the lifeguards (assuming there are some) know what you're doing so they can keep an eye on you.

God forbid you swallow some of that crap My plan is to swim in the pool three days a week and swim in the ocean one day a week with the local tri club. I may be using it as an excuse to get a wetsuit

Man I would say to get as much open water swimming as you can, and in as many different conditions as possible, specificly weather conditions like wind, causing chop, waves etc.... It will help cover the bases come race On my first tri there was a very stiff wind and lots of waves, swallowed alot of water that day!

Edited by roxx 2004-08-06 4:50 PM