People prepare for open water swimming in steps. They start out in large swimming pools and gradually make their way to lakes and then the sea. It is best to take your time because this sport is not only a test of your endurance but also your skill to wade through difficult waters. For starters, jumping into a large sea or a lake can be a daunting process, but I you have sufficient experience then you can participate in open water swimming races with confidence that there will be no health concerns stopping you from winning. To help you become the best swimmer, here are a few tips that you ought to follow.
Strokes
You will find different participants using different strokes in open-water swimming. It depends on your own personal preference, which stroke is the most comfortable for you. Many swimmers opt for front crawl because it takes the least amount of energy. Perhaps you should start by practising with that stroke. Breaststroke is the second most frequently used, also because it is not only fast, but it also allows you to take long deep breaths regularly. The third thing you need to master is rhythm. A splash and dash will not be beneficial for you. Instead, you should maximize the distance you are willing to cover.
Sighting
Sighting is something important in open water swimming which you cannot learn in a pool too well. Essentially, in a pool there are lane lines on the floor to keep you swimming in a straight line, however, you need to look in a distance to locate the marker while you are swimming in open water. For this, you need to give yourself time to look up in between strokes. This technique is known as sighting. To optimize your swimming in better, try swimming in a straight line in a pool with your eyes shut. After a few attempts, you will start getting the hang of it.
Turning
In pools and speed swimming, you bounce off a wall while changing direction so that not only is the process instant but you can also get a speed boost while doing that. However, in open-water swimming, you have to turn around while swimming. The best way to practice for that is to swim around a friend or n object in the pool without touching it and without making contact with the walls. With practice, you will be able to make a small circle and you will be able to maintain your speed while turning.
Breathing both Ways
Most swimmers can only breath on one side while making a breaststroke, but the ability to breath on both sides is an absolute necessity in open-water swimming because getting a clean breath is often an uncertainty and you need to make sure that hypoxia is not causing your energy or your stamina to dwindle quickly. The best way to do this is to practice frequently in a swimming pool. The target is to make your neck move with your shoulders. It does seem counterproductive and difficult in the beginning, but once you have gotten in the rhythm, you will be able to breathe on both sides almost impulsively. Practising sharp inhalation to optimizing your breathing technique. There are health concerns involved with accidentally ingesting or inhaling sea or lake water. Make sure you have sufficient experience with your breathing technique so that this does no impediment your swimming.
Swimming in a Group
For amateurs, open water swimming can be quite challenging and one major reason behind that is that there are simply too many people swimming in close quarters. They repeatedly come in contact with fellow swimmers and that breaks their rhythm. To fix the problem, practice with your friends, swim in a pool without following the lines, and after some time you will become quite skilled at distancing yourself from competitors and you will be able to swim in your own rhythm even if you are in the midst of a wave of participants. Practice makes this better.
How to Endure 