Guide to a Smooth Entry: Open Water Swimming Tips and Advice from Odyssey Open Water Swimming

During a recent Ask the Community post on open water swimming entry, we received several questions, thoughts, and compliments on the topic. While it may seem like a minor aspect of open water swimming, how you enter the water during a swim, whether a race, Alcatraz swim, or short swim for exercise, your entry will impact your entire swim. 

We asked Odyssey Open Water Swimming Founder and swim coach Warren Wallace to share some entry tips for open water swimming with the community. Here is a recap of the advice Warren gives to swimmers when trying to make a smooth transition from land (or boat) to the water: 

• Secure Your Gear

First, make sure your goggles, swim cap, suit, and other items are situated and comfortable well in advance of making your entry. If they are not, you may be distracted or feel caught off guard when it’s time to enter. You want your mind and body to be free and clear to transition into the water as smoothly as possible. 

• Go for It! 

Whenever possible, just go for it! A slow entry delays the inevitable. Once you get in and get moving, you will most likely feel much better and your body will adapt quickly. 

• Plan Your Strategy

When entering in a race, you should decide ahead of time how aggressive you want to be. Novice racers find that starting at the back of the pack or off to the side may cost them a few seconds, but it could be worth it because they will be more confident and comfortable away from the bulk of the pack. However, if you want to be aggressive, aren’t scared of a little contact, and are going for the win, you may want to go right out in front and take a lead early on. Make sure to strategize ahead of time and pace yourself accordingly. 

• “The Current Won’t Wait for You!” 

There are swims with tricky currents, including the Odyssey Alcatraz swim. Unfortunately, you won’t have the luxury of relaxing and getting acclimated to the water -- you need to be ready to swim as soon as you hit the water. The current has plans for you that are different from your own, so be prepared to swim. 

• Advice from the Dock

Odyssey’s Berkeley swims begin off the dock at the Berkeley Marina. The dock, and many docks, is in shallow water, meaning a deep dive would be dangerous. Enter with caution. 

• Dress for Success and Know Your Entry point 

Odyssey has an alternate entry point when there’s low tide. At this entry point (by the old HS Lordships restaurant), swimmers will want to wear shoes or flip flops as they climb down the rocks, and leave them high enough up from the water that they won't get taken by the tide. From this spot, you will need to enter the water carefully until you're waist deep and can dive in the rest of the way safely.

Want to work on your entry? Join us for an upcoming Odyssey Berkeley swim. Learn more about these swims here.