Open Water Swim Tips - Train Your Face

If you're new to triathlon training or open water swimming and looking for advice, you're in the right place. I'm training for my first Sprint Triathlon and this blog has been a way for me to track all the tips and info that were helpful along the way.

After finally signing up for my first open water swim session a few weeks back, I started researching and making sure I was ready. Physically, gear-wise and mentally. Up to this point it's been all pool swimming, lap after lap, so this was going to be interesting. Which is another way of saying, I'm starting to freak the 'EF' out a bit.

Good news though. The sharks slept in that morning so we all survived. See below for a brain-dump of my tips and be sure to share any of yours in the comments section below. Open Water Swim Tips from a Triathlon Beginner:

• Calm Down: Before you take on your first open water swim, figure out a few things you can do on the day of, to calm yourself down. Music on the car ride there and blowing bubbles in the parking lot worked for me...well, 75% worked. Seems silly, but it's hard to be freaked out when you're blowing bubbles.

• Cold Water: If you know the water's going to be cold, start doing this drill when you take a shower. Crank it all the way cold and practice your freestyle breathing. You might plan on wearing a wetsuit, but your face won't be. If you haven't practiced ahead of time, you might get a bit short of breath when you start swimming. Practice now and be less freaked out by the shock of the cold water in your face later. In through the mouth as you turn your head to the side, then face in the cold water breathing out through your nose.

• Should I wear a Wetsuit: If you plan to wear it during the race, put that bad boy on during your open water practice sessions. I had guys telling me, "ehh, the water's not that cold, you warm up pretty quick." These were also the guys that've been doing it much longer than me. I put on my wetsuit and so did 95% of the group swimming that day. As a reference, the water temp was supposed to be 63 degrees in the Berkeley Marina that day. See below for a helpful video - Tips for Putting on a Triathlon Wetsuit. The plastic bag tip is a must.

• Will wearing a wetsuit tire me out?: Yes. However, it might not 100% be due to the wetsuit. Check out the video below and make sure you put it on correctly. This can make a world of difference. If you don't have anyone to help you with the back portion mentioned in the video (or you're too shy to ask...like me), reaching behind your back and grabbing the right side with your left hand, working it inch by inch, then repeating on the other side, will do the trick.

• Should I open my eyes when looking down?: ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?! NO!!!! haha Ok, yes you can, but if you have a fear of open water, my advice is to keep em closed unless your breathing, sighting, or taking a break. I swear I saw a fish at one point and I got a little freaked out. Side note, I'm sure he told his friends the same thing later that night.

• How do I take a break out there?: There's no edge to grab and you can't just stand up like in a pool, so when I'd get tired swimming laps, I started flipping to my back to rest. Then I'd get started without pushing off the wall. Treading water is also an option, but the depth of the pool (only 4.5 feet) prevented it. Laying on my back also allowed me to rest my arms and legs. I also didn't care to be straight up and down in open water. If it's choppy, this isn't much of an option.

• Should I swim with a Group?: Hell to the yes! Do a Google search for open water swimming near you and/or if you're doing a triathlon, contact the event staff and ask if they know of any. If you're in the Bay Area, Odyssey Open Water Swimming in Berkeley. They're awesome!

• Will the wetsuit keep me buoyant?: Ab-so-freak-en-lute-ly! I didn't realize just how much (I've got a Blue Seventy Fusion). Seemed like I didn't have to work as hard and if you focus on good technique, you'll definitely glide out there.

• What should I bring?:

• Bright colored swim cap, goggles (Wish I brought a tinted pair, sun was in my eyes during the first leg), Ear Plugs (if you use them)

• Sun screen, towel, flip flops, change of clothes

• Water, and something to eat/drink afterwards

• Bubbles

Swim Smooth Tips For Triathletes: Putting On Your Wetsuit