First OWS

I know exactly what u mean. I just went to my 1st open water swim last week and absolutely loved the experience. No pool has even come close. I like the fact you don't need to keep flipping or turning around. LOL You can get into a nice rythm and maintain it. Sighting is still a bit difficult but I know will become 2nd nature soon.

What ocean did u swim?

I haven't been in a pool since June and I'm not looking forward to going back.  I'd much rather open water any day.

Word.  I'm dreading the day the lake gets too cold to swim in with a wetsuit.  I know guys that use neoprene hoodies and gloves to extend the season, but that's a little TOO hardcore for my tastes.  Why oh why do I train in the Adirondacks, when our season is so short?

That's awesome it was so comfortable for you!  My first OWS was not so smooth...  I was a little freaked by the swells, then a few dolphins swam between us and the shore!  Nothing like looking over and seeing a fin go by...  Definately took my breath away and bumped up my heartrate for a while!  I had a bit of a panic attack, but was eventually able to settle into a reasonable rhythm.

one of my first OWS i came face to face with a sand tiger shark, 1. i had no idea they even existed. 2. it looked as big as JAWS to me.. 3. I did not know that they are supposedly extremely Docile ( wouldnt know it by looking at their teeth).
It was about 4 or 5 feet long, scared the hell out of me but i was about 1/2 mile to a mile off shore so there were not too many options. Just thinking about the experience gets my heart pumping again.. lol
Seeing dolphins while swimming must be pretty cool once you realize they are dolphins !! 
It took me better part of 2 weeks to get back in water and swim but now i do it with a masters swim team, about 8 - 12 people in water, i figure i only have to outswim 1 of them. lol  

Awesome!  I had the same feeling after my first earlier this year.  Keep on enjoying it.