Ocean Swim Question

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2009-07-20 1:19 PM


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Subject: Ocean Swim Question
I am headed to the ocean later on this week for vacation, and plan to get in my first OWS.  So far, all of my swim training has been done in the pool.  I do have a basic question though, when you do an ocean swim, do you swim parallel to the shore?  Straight out into the water?  A combination of both?  Probably a basic question, but wanted to see what is best to do......thanks!

2009-07-20 1:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question

The answer to your question is based on a lot of factors.

Where are you doing the swim?  What state, etc...

Will there be lifeguards on duty?  If guards are on duty you'll probably have to swim parallel to the beach.

Are you swimming completely alone? Your doing your first OWS in the ocean.  The ocean tends to be the most dangerous place to swim for open water if you don't have experience.

 

2009-07-20 1:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question
It will be in the San Diego area, not sure about lifeguards, but I will have my training partner and my wife with me for safety purposes.
2009-07-20 1:31 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question
Swim parallel to shore.  You want to be out far enough that you are beyond the breakers but not so far you can't be seen.  Also, if you don't have a buddy, let someone on shore know, or have them walk as you swim, etc.

Just saw you'll be in SD.  The swimming hotspot is La Jolla Cove, which ironically, is a swim out and then back situation   There are buoys in place for guidance
2009-07-20 1:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question

Cuse_Fan - 2009-07-20 2:28 PM It will be in the San Diego area, not sure about lifeguards, but I will have my training partner and my wife with me for safety purposes.

So you have a total of three people?  That's a great start.  My advice would be to see the local lifeguard station and ask them what their policy is for OWS and the like.  My other recommendation would be to find a beach that is protected by lifeguards before you venture out.  Depending on the time and how crowded the beaches are you might get different responses from the guards.   

The ocean is no joke and as I said can be very dangerous.  You can wind up in a world of trouble very quickly.  I have seen some very bad things happen in the ocean.  

Enjoy.....It's a great place to learn ows if you are with people.

To answer your question I typically swim straight out/back.  However I have done a few parallel swims as well. 

2009-07-20 1:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question
Great, thank you all for the info!!!!

2009-07-20 5:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question
Where in San Diego? I live in the North County area and do lots of ocean swims. The best plan is usually to swim out about 200 yards and then swim parallel. There is usually a south-ward current so when just starting out it's nice to have that extra help. If you want more of a workout, swim north! The biggest thing to be careful of are the surfers. Many beaches are surf only beaches out here so you'll want to plan your swim so that you don't wind up trying to swim back in through the surfers. Ask the life-guards in the area before you go out. They'll inform you of rip-locations, reefs to beware of, etc.
2009-07-20 8:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Ocean Swim Question
i'm still pretty new to this ocean swimming myself.  this is my "beginner routine."    if i don't have a group to swim with, i bring my S.O. and we set up "camp" next to a lifeguard tower and tell them that i'm going to be swimming. while i swim, my S.O. watches me so that if anything comes up, he can get the lifeguard ASAP.

i tend to swim out past the breakers and swell to where it's a bit calmer and then i swim parallel to the shore.

have fun!

Edited by novas 2009-07-20 8:33 PM
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