What is the Greatest Benefit of Open Water Swimming? The Community Answers
There is a lot to love about open water swimming — just ask the open water swimming community! We asked open water swimmers “what’s the greatest benefit of open water swimming” in our Ask the Community series. Here are the responses we received.
“That feeling you get after the swim. Like the waves are still pushing you when you close your eyes.” - Veronika O.
“Focus, strength, stamina, and persistence.” - John B.
“My sanity.” - Jeany H.
“Agree with Jeany.” - Aaron W.
“Happiness!” - Bianca B.
“The peacefulness.” - Susan N.
“It empowers me to be braver in other challenges in life.” - Pak L.
“Also the buddies...swim with a buddy.” - Laura Y.
“Delivering post.” - @alice.banahan
“Fresh air and open skies.” - @natalia.alexandra.life
“Connection to nature.” - @lajollaswimandsport
“How happy it makes me!” - @kristybarrett_20
“A clear mind. Not feeling restricted figuratively and literally.” - @hillbillylilly32
“It’s cheaper than therapy. It’s where I go to release. No one can see you cry in the water, can’t hear you scream in the water.” - @fairy.trail.triathlete
“Swimming in nature. Plus, harsher swimming conditions force me to live completely in the present, which is a great way to get my mind off anything stressing me out.” - @suzorange
“That you are dedicated to being open, providing an opportunity for organized group exercise. Kudos and so much thanks, just for that.” - @allisonstockman
“Confidence booster 🚀✌️.” - @sjdj3000
“The feeling of freedom.” - @peter.plavec
“No limits, just swimming.” - @suwitau
“Besides enjoying the beauty of nature? A stress reliever!” - @krissstoffersonn
“Similarity to triathlon race conditions.” - @_josiahg_
“Going with the flow of the natural world.” - @empricebox
Would you like to join Odyssey Open Water Swimming on an upcoming Berkeley swim? Learn more here!