NEED POINTERS ON SWIM

I know you just said other then swim in a lake or ocean, but that is the best way. You don't have to do it regularly, once every other week or so will help. I do most of my swimming year round in the pool, but in the summer I try to get to the lake once a week or so.

I ACTUALY KNOW DEEP DOWN THAT IS WHAT IT WILL TAKE. LUCKILY I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO GET TO THE OCEAN BEFORE MY NEXT RACE WHICH IS THE CRYSTAL RIVER TRI AT THE END OF MAY.

THANKS

Have you tried breathing on both sides? This may help if there is someone creating major waves on one side of you.

Mindy

Woogy,
Open water swimming is a lot different from pool swimming. I came from a competitve swimming background and had to change my stroke quite a bit to become a decent open water swimmer.
It takes a much longer stroke to get through chop and currents.
Start by counting your strokes when you swim. Get an idea of what your typical stroke count range is for 1 length, and work on lowering that. You should focus on hip rotation and hand extension rather than a faster kick.

Check out my website and free email newsletter for more tips and practice ideas!

Good luck,
Kevin

THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR ADVICE.
SINCE MY ORIGINAL POSTING, I HAVE SWAM ONCE MORE IN OPEN WATER AND DID MUCH BETTER BY BREATHING ON ONE SIDE. AWAY FROM THE CHOP OF THE WATER.
I AM A RATHER TALL PERSON (6'4") AND HAVE ALWAYS WORKED ON LONG ARM EXTENSION AND SLOW STROKES RATHER THAN SHORT CHOPPY ONES. I CREDIT THIS WITH FAST TIMES CONSISTANTLY. I HAVE ALSO WORKED ON HIP ROTATION AND BEING ABLE TO GET MORE OF MY HEAD OUT OF THE WATER WHEN BRATHING.
THIS HAS HELPED TREMENDOUSLY. I NOW RARELY INHALE WATER.
I AM PLANNING A COUPLE TRAINING SWIMS IN THE GULF OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.
MY NEXT RACE IS AT THE CRYSTAL RIVER TRI HERE IN FLA ON THE WEST COAST.
IF ANY OF YOU WILL BE THERE, I HOPE TO SEE YOU AND GOOD LUCK

Hi Woogy:

Do you know that on the internet, all caps means that you're shouting? It's a little distracting.

Anyway, good luck with your swimming. I'm still working on calming down enough in open water to swim my best.

Carrie