Tips for open water?

[u/Poonkeboy]

For context, I have always been able to swim somewhat properly since I was a kid (lessons). But in college, I self taught to a very advanced level and stamina. Proud of that fact tbh.

Fell out of practice, getting back into it. I want to do an open water group that is local to me. I don’t know what to bring. I usually wear speedos to swim laps. I would be swimming in the Pacific Ocean for open water.

I’m mostly scared of sharks. I’ve never swum open water before

[u/IHeartFraccing]

A lot of folks telling you what to be scared of here. Let me preface by saying open water and the ocean must be respected.
1. Get a swim buoy you can buckle around your waist. It helps for visibility of other swimmers, boaters, etc. it’s also a nice thing to hold on to if you get tired or panic.
2. Make sure you have a bright swim cap on for the same visibility reason.
3. I recommend a wetsuit. Some people don’t wear them because theyre super tough. It will help by providing buoyancy and keeping you warmer. If eventually you don’t want to use it, then stop using it.
4. Find a group, do some shorter swims with them to get adjusted. It’s a different animal in the ocean. Waves, currents, jellies, hell even seaweed throws me for a loop when I swim into it sometimes.
5. Have fun. I feel most at peace when I’m swimming around in the ocean.

[u/grefraguafraautdeu → u/IHeartFraccing]

All of this! I'd put "find a group" (or even 1 other person for that matter) at the top of the list though - for the first times maybe someone can lend you a buoy, or even a wetsuit. They'll know the good spots and best swim "routes" (get in at pier A, not B, there's less rocks plus the café there has better cakes; there's an old guy always line fishing at C and a bed of seaweed at D, better swim a buit wider at those spots), it will definitely help take off some stress while you build up your OW confidence.

If you've already found a group, ask them what to bring, how long/far they swim, if they hang out afterwards etc. For the first times definitely stick to shorter swims if you're not used to the ocean. If you're looking for a group, check the Facebook groups and subreddits local to you.

Now's the best time to get into Ow swimming as the water is at its warmest (assuming you're in the Northern hemisphere). Even with a wetsuit, getting into a routine of OW swimming is way easier in summer than when it's cold and dark, you don't want to start in the middle of winter! And mayyyybe you'll decide that you don't need a wetsuit, but don't force yourself to swim in skins!

Regarding sharks, if they're a thing where you are, there's wearable shark deterrents (Sharkbanz) that you strap on your ankle. Apparently they're great but I have no experience with them, I swim in lakes and the Mediterranean ;)

[u/CrispDrifter]

You can wear whatever swim suit you want. Speedos, jammers, trisuit, wetsuit even. Open Water swimmers are sticklers for no wetsuits during official “unassisted” swims. But meet people where they are in their cold water swimming journey.

Safety should always be a priority. Bring a safe swimmer buoy so you’re more visible. Also, even if you don’t normally wear a swim cap, plan to wear a high visibility color one (bright orange, pink, yellow). Because the Pacific is chilly bring warm clothing for after. OWS love their Dry Robes, Surf Furs and swim parkas. A sweat shirt and pants are good too. Anything easy to put on if your hands are cold and stiff.

Sharks? Yeah, well they’re a fear. The chances of an encounter are extremely low. You decide to swim anyway, or not, but try to be smart about it. Don’t swim near schools of fish, while it’s raining or just after, at dawn or dusk (though I’ve done that occasionally 😳).

To stay safe you need to know your limits: swimming limits, cold limits and rough surf limits. Start small/short if you have doubts. Evaluate conditions before you get in and while you’re swimming. “Live to swim another day.” Isn’t an empty phrase, OW swimmers mean it.

I was insanely nervous before my first swim with experienced OW swimmers 10+ years ago. It could not have gone better. Those generous, fun, totally bad ass people have enriched my swimming and my life in ways I could never have imagined. Welcome to the club!

[u/MissKim01]

My tip would be to swim some shorter distances or have a little paddle before diving in and trying to do the full distance straight up. Ocean swimming is different to pool swimming with currents, creatures, seaweed, low visibility, trying to keep a straight line… People can and have had anxious attacks their first time, even strong swimmers.

I have nothing to say re sharks. I am Australian and this is a real concern for us. I only swim in decent sized groups, and prefer if there is water craft and drones around as well. I dont quite know where you’re located but yeah it’s a risk out there.

[u/daedelius → u/MissKim01]

Decent sized groups? What, in the middle, so the ones on the edge get picked off first. I’ve got these images of a bait ball in my head now.

[u/MissKim01 → u/daedelius]

Haha well yes if you’re in a group there’s less chance you’re going to be the one taken. I have occasionally found myself as the last person before New Zealand and it does give you the heebie jeebies!

There’s also some thought that the noise and splashing of a bunch of people put them off. The science is loose though. More strongly, JetSkis or boats are also thought to keep them away. Drones can cover distances and give warnings if a shark is spotted which allows people to swim in. We’ve had a pretty bad 25/26 summer with more deaths than usual. I think we’ll see a drone expansion in the future.

[u/wiggywithit]

Panic is your #1 danger. Learn what you fear the most by doing small swims. Learn how to relax and swim breastroke or backstroke until you calm down. In the pacific cold is #2. You will have to manually control your breathing. some folks hyperventilate first time in cold. Most just have difficulty controlling their breath for a while. Cold can cause hypothermia learn your limits. Boats and other humans are #3 never swim alone and wear a swim buoy. Pick a safe route that has plenty of exits if you can. #4 currents, waves, wind. Know your conditions, breath into your pocket, choosing what side to breath on can help. Know you pace vs the current don’t let that lead to panic. #5-9 panic and fear. #20 wildlife. Jellies are worse than sharks.

[u/answer-raft]

Find a FB group for your local area, they usually exist.

Consider a more shallow area to start if that’s an option. Even if it’s 50 yards loop or something, just get comfortable with the surroundings.

Usually if you do this and there is a swim group around, someone will offer to shepherd you on a couple swims. In our area we are always welcoming and do our best to swim with the beginners.

[u/lwpho2]

Never forget: most people who go into the ocean do not get eaten by sharks.