Meet Odyssey’s Newest Swim Coach -- Tryn Riley
“Swimming is my biggest passion, and I bring this enthusiasm with me every time I am out there coaching or swimming.” - Tryn Riley
Odyssey Open Water Swimming is a team of open water swimmers, coaches, and kayakers. We are happy to introduce you to the newest member of our team -- Tryn Riley, who is joining us as an open water swim coach. We interviewed Tryn to introduce her to the open water swimming community, share her thoughts on her favorite pastime, and more.
Tryn previously worked in the elevator business, which had its ups and downs (sorry, I had to). Tryn sold high-end elevators to celebrities and the rich. “I would wear heels and have to do my hair Monday through Friday, basically everything that I am not,” says Tryn.
Swimming is not a new hobby for Tryn. For as long as she can remember, Tryn has preferred swimming over any other activity. “Having grown up in Three Rivers, CA I was always in the river,” says Tryn. “My summers were spent swimming all day, every day, jumping off rocks, sliding down water slides, catching the current to stand on the rock in the middle of the river, and seeing how many people we could pack onto it,” she continues.
At the age of 9, Tryn learned about swim teams. The next day, she joined her first team and hasn’t stopped since.
Out of the Pool and into the Open
Tryn’s first open water swim occurred 11 years ago in the La Jolla Cove. “It added a new level of entertainment for me being able to see schools of fish as I swam over them.” Tryn says that this experience “hooked” her on open water swimming, and she continued to build on this new interest by participating in open water competitions in Santa Monica.
When she’s not in the water, Tryn likes to hike, bike, garden, and “anything to do with being outside.” With Odyssey, Tryn gets to be outside and help fellow open water swimmers improve their times, form, and explore the East Bay.
Dipping Your Toes into Open Water Swimming
Have you dipped your toes into open water swimming?
“My suggestion would be to go with someone who has experience with OWS in the area,” says Tryn when asked how new open water swimmers should approach getting started. “They should be familiar with the currents and know which direction to start out the swim so they can make it back safely,” she continues.
When asked for her best piece of advice for fellow swimmers, from novice to experts, Tryn says, “I advise my swimmers to relax and tune out any scary thoughts that tend to creep into our heads when we are out in the Bay.” Tryn says to “First focus on your breathing, then shift your focus to your technique and enjoy the ride.” Tryn also recommends that fellow swimmers join an open water swimming community, wear a yellow swim cap for visibility, and acclimate your body to cold temperatures by swimming without a wetsuit twice a week in the winter.
Joining Odyssey
After swimming consistently in the open 2-3 times a week through much of the last year, Tryn began to transition into coaching for open water swimming. After learning about Odyssey from fellow swim coach Conny Bleul, Tryn decided to give Odyssey a shot. “I’m very happy I took her advice and tried it out because I love it.” In addition to coaching at Odyssey, Tryn also coaches for Cal Masters.
When asked why someone should start their open water swimming journey with Odyssey, Tryn says, “Odyssey is a great place to OWS because of the 1-mile course that is set out, the friendly staff and the people on the water in kayaks, SUPs, and a boat who will look after you and make sure you are safe.” Tryn also adds, “You will be informed of the tides, weather, water temperature, and conditions... we also love giving advice on swim technique and tips with open water swimming.”
Join Odyssey Open Water Swimming on an upcoming swim. Berkeley swims occur multiple times a week in the summer and are priced at just $18 when registering online. Learn more and register here.
Are you an experienced open water swimmer? Do you want to be interviewed for the Odyssey Open Water Swimming Swimmer Profile series? Email Michael@Odysseyopenwater.com!