How to Transition from Pool Swimming to Open Water Swimming
Making the move from the pool to open water swimming is one of the most exciting progressions any swimmer can take. Trading the black line and lane lines for the great outdoors brings a whole new level of freedom, along with a few new challenges. Whether you're eyeing small lakes, a local bay, or you've got your sights set on the ocean, here's everything you need to know about how to transition from pool swimming to open water swimming safely and confidently.
Why Pool Swimmers Love Making the Switch
Pool swimmers already have a strong foundation. You understand stroke technique, you can manage your breathing, and you've built endurance through interval training. But open water swimming is a different beast. There's no shore to push off, no lane rope to grab, and the water temperature can drop significantly compared to a heated pool. The good news? With the right preparation, the transition is incredibly rewarding.
Key Differences Between Pool and Open Water Swimming
Before you dive in (pun intended), it helps to understand what makes open water so different:
- No walls or lane lines: you can't rely on flip turns or lane ropes for reference
- Variable water conditions: waves, currents, and rough water are all possible
- Limited visibility: no clear lens view of the bottom, no black line to follow
- Water temperature: open bodies of water are often much colder than a pool
- Potential hazards: boat traffic, marine life, rip currents, and other swimmers are all real considerations
Essential Open Water Swimming Tips for Pool Swimmers
1. Master the Art of Sighting
In the pool, you swim in a straight line by following the black line on the floor. In open water, there's no such guide. Sighting is the important skill of lifting your head briefly every few strokes to spot a landmark, like a buoy, a tree, or a building on the shore, so you can swim straight.
Practice sighting drills in the pool first. Every 6 to 10 strokes, lift your eyes just above the water line (think "alligator eyes") and look forward before returning to your normal body position. This helps you maintain direction without breaking your rhythm.
2. Get the Right Gear
Good gear makes a big difference for new open water swimmers. Here's what to consider:
Wetsuit: A wetsuit provides extra warmth in cold water, additional buoyancy, and protection. Make sure your wetsuit fits properly, because a wetsuit that's too loose won't keep you warm or give you the buoyancy benefits you need.
For women, check out Sharkskin's women's full suits designed specifically for aquatic performance.
Swim buoy / tow float: A brightly coloured tow float attaches to your waist and makes you visible to boats and other swimmers. It also doubles as a floatation device if you need to stop and tread water or catch your breath.
Swim cap: Wear a brightly colored swim cap so you're easy to spot from the shore or a boat. In very cold water, a neoprene cap adds extra warmth and can make a cold-water session far more comfortable.
Ear plugs: Great for cold water to prevent swimmer's ear, especially when conditions are rough.
Swim skin: A swim skin is a lighter alternative to a full wetsuit, ideal for warmer open water conditions where you want some compression and drag reduction without the bulk. Check out the Sharkskin Thermal Flex collection, which is a great full wetsuit alternative.
3. Start in Calm Conditions
Your first open water swim should be in calm, supervised conditions and not rough water during a swell. Start in small lakes or sheltered bays where there's minimal boat traffic and the water is more predictable. Check the weather forecast before every session and never swim alone.
4. Find a Swim Buddy or Join a Group
Always swim with a swim buddy or join a local open water swimming group. Experienced swimmers in the group will share knowledge about local hazards, entry and exit points, and water conditions. It's also just a lot more fun. Stay aware of where your buddy is throughout the swim, and agree on a signal if either of you needs to stop.
5. Adapt Your Pool Training
Your pool workout can directly support your open water goals. Gradually increase your distances and add sighting drills to every session. Work on bilateral breathing, which means breathing on both sides, so you can breathe away from waves or adapt to conditions on either side. Practice interval training sets that mimic open water effort levels.
6. Understand the Water and Potential Hazards
Before your next open water swim, research the location. Understand where rip currents are common, whether there's boat traffic to stay aware of, and what marine life might be in the area. Swim parallel to the shore when you're still building confidence, so you're never too far from safety.
Building Confidence Moving Forward
The jump from pool to open water isn't about abandoning your swimming lessons. It's about applying what you know in a new environment. Start shallow, swim parallel to shore, get comfortable with the conditions, and gradually increase your distances as your confidence grows.
Remember: even experienced ocean swimmers started exactly where you are now. Each session teaches you something new about reading water conditions, managing your body position in chop, and swimming efficiently without lane lines to guide you.
Gear Up with Sharkskin
The right gear goes a long way in making your open water sessions more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. Here at Sharkskin, we've put together a range of swimming apparel and accessories designed with swimmers like you in mind. Whether you're after a women's full suit for colder conditions, something quick-drying, or even a dry case to keep your phone safe at the beach, we've got you covered. Browse our full range and find what you need before your next open water swim.
