After swimming in a heated pool all winter, it is now time to get out there in the open water.   Although lakes, ocean, and rivers are intimidating to the comfortable pool swimmer, they are also a fun new challenge.  Before heading out to your local lake or beach, make sure you check out the conditions to make sure you will be in a safe body of water.  And always have a swim partner! 

Once you decide on open water swim venue, head out there with a friend and practice stretching out your stroke, sighting, and bilateral breathing.  I would like to touch on sighting for the purpose of this post. 

Sighting:

• Practice sighting by turning your head slightly forward either before or after taking a breath.
• Sight after you take a breathe
• Practice sighting off buoys in the distance or specific landmarks (i.e buildings, tallest tress, or other structures that stand out)
• Sight every 6-8 strokes.  If you have a naturally straight stroke, try sighting every 10 strokes.

 Now get out there, enjoy the open water and keep practicing the sighting.

 Happy Swimming,

Coach E 

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