So I've been dabbling with swimming in open water for the first time (just learned to deal with the pool this spring). In some ways, it is nice: no walls, sunshine, no limited hours at a lap swim pool, no crabbies to growl when trying to share a lane.
In other ways, I have found it challenging. Maybe those with more experience could help.
#1: how to sight (body positioning) without feeling like I'm stopping my swim. I'm actually terrible at treading water, and get tired upright. Plus it breaks the rhythm, which is half the point of enjoying open water and no walls. And I tend to end up places I didn't intend even though I think I'm sighting a lot. I've watched one video and tried to emulate, but I'm not getting it.
#2: how to sight (aim) and end up the places I want to go. There is always a small current, and with the aviation experience I have, you would think I'd be better at adjusting. Or is this just a matter of experience in different currents? Also, when swimming in a body of water, there isn't much to aim for.
#3 and I know you can't help with this, inland lake gross out factor. I nearly freak at every branch and sea weedy thing getting caught in my leg or brushing my body. EEEEeeeeew. And monsters. If I can't see the bottom, how can i be sure monsters arent there waiting for a hapless swimmer to come along?
In other ways, I have found it challenging. Maybe those with more experience could help.
#1: how to sight (body positioning) without feeling like I'm stopping my swim. I'm actually terrible at treading water, and get tired upright. Plus it breaks the rhythm, which is half the point of enjoying open water and no walls. And I tend to end up places I didn't intend even though I think I'm sighting a lot. I've watched one video and tried to emulate, but I'm not getting it.
#2: how to sight (aim) and end up the places I want to go. There is always a small current, and with the aviation experience I have, you would think I'd be better at adjusting. Or is this just a matter of experience in different currents? Also, when swimming in a body of water, there isn't much to aim for.
#3 and I know you can't help with this, inland lake gross out factor. I nearly freak at every branch and sea weedy thing getting caught in my leg or brushing my body. EEEEeeeeew. And monsters. If I can't see the bottom, how can i be sure monsters arent there waiting for a hapless swimmer to come along?