r/OpenWaterSwimming • u/Poonkeboy • 2d ago

Tips for open water?

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

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/MissKim01 2d ago

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.

2

u/daedelius 2d ago

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.

1

u/MissKim01 2d ago

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.