Beyond the Lane Lines: Finding Joy in Open Water Swimming
Swimming doesn’t have to be a sport that ends after the club or college days. Thanks to its low-impact nature and wide-ranging health benefits, it’s one of the few sports that can be enjoyed well into adulthood. It also provides an opportunity to swim in nature’s beautiful bodies of water.
At the most recent LowCountry Splash 2.4-mile swim in Charleston, an impressive 17 participants were in the 70-99 age group. That kind of participation is rare in most sports. Its gentleness on joints, along with cardiovascular and other health benefits, makes swimming an ideal activity for healthy individuals of any age.
Many swimmers look back fondly on their summer league days and reminisce about the low-stress, carefree atmosphere and sheer fun that came with it. It’s often thought of as one of the most enjoyable chapters of their swimming career. Fortunately, open water swimming offers a very similar experience. It gives swimmers a chance to reconnect with the sport without the stresses or expectations that often come with races in the pool. It’s a great way to rediscover the joy of swimming and develop a new passion or hobby along the way.
The open water community is welcoming and inclusive. It’s full of retired swimmers, triathletes, swim parents who’ve spent years on deck, and those who have a passion for endurance sports. From beginners to elite-level swimmers, the sport invites all experience levels. Many swim clubs today offer masters programs and open water groups, where adults can train, improve their fitness, and join a community.
On race day, the ready area buzzes with lighthearted conversation, jokes, and excitement – with participants anticipating a great time. Many swimmers are there to enjoy the experience with personal bests seen as a bonus, rather than the main goal. The races typically conclude with snacks, drinks, music, awards, and time to socialize with fellow swimmers. It’s a great way to connect with the community, meet like-minded people, and even find potential training partners. The family-friendly environment also creates opportunities for families to participate together.
Retired swimmers often hesitate to return to the sport, held back by their expectations and fear that they may no longer be in peak shape. Luckily, open water swimming doesn’t require swimmers to be in their best swimming shape. While it can be highly competitive, it’s what each swimmer makes of it.
While open water swimming doesn’t require swimmers to be in collegiate-level shape, there are a few things to keep in mind before signing up for a race. First, without walls and lane ropes, swimmers who need to take a break have to tread water or grab onto a safety paddleboard or kayak. The absence of lane lines also makes it more difficult to stay in a straight line. This is where sighting comes in. With buoys typically placed every quarter mile, swimmers periodically lift their heads to find the buoys and swim along the designated course.
At the same time, it’s important for swimmers to feel confident in their ability to complete the race. While open water events are welcoming and supportive, participants should prepare appropriately to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Fortunately, many of the skills required for open water can be practiced in the pool and are easily transferable. For example, swimmers can practice lifting their head every three or so strokes to simulate sighting the buoy. They can also practice the endurance aspect by taking fewer breaks in the pool to mimic the continuous nature of open water swimming.
Additionally, the financial and time commitment is relatively low. In most cases, swimmers only need a swimsuit, a pair of goggles, a cap, and a bit of Vaseline to prevent chafing. Compared to events like marathon running, where the race fees can be more than $200 for registration alone, not to mention the price of specialized shoes and gear, open water swimming races offer a much more affordable entry point to endurance sports.
With a range of race distances available, swimmers can choose events that match their comfort and skill levels. Whether it’s looking for a new hobby, a fitness goal, or a way to return to the water, open water swimming offers a fun, low-pressure, and fulfilling experience for swimmers of all ages and backgrounds.