The Community Answers “What’s Your Advice for New Open Water Swimmers?”

At Odyssey Open Water Swimming, we are always happy to welcome new members into the community. Our Sunday Berkeley swims are the perfect environment for new and novice swimmers to get into the water, and for even more experienced and expert swimmers to hone their craft and get some additional time in the water.

In the past few weeks, we have been overjoyed to welcome several new swimmers into the community, and we recently decided to ask open water swimmers for their advice to people just starting to swim in the open.

We asked, “What’s your advice for new open water swimmers?” We received some fantastic responses, including the following responses on Facebook and Instagram:

• “Relax!” -- Gary Woodruff (Facebook) 

• “Don’t be afraid of the ocean, just have respect, be aware of the direction of your swim, NEVER swim alone and ALWAYS have fun 😉.” -- @astolfoferegrino 

• “Safety call first: is the water looking safe? Do you have a buoy? Are you up to being out there alone? If all good just enjoy it.” -- @coach_amyvan 

  • Note: Odyssey does not recommend swimming in the open water alone, even if you are familiar with the body of water and an expert swimmer. Always bring a buddy! During all Odyssey swims we have a coach and/or swim support staff on-hand.

• “First, be safe. Then, have fun. Enjoy the beauty of the open water and give yourself to grow, explore, and find the feel for this novel environment! Being safe and having fun makes you swim with confidence and ease!” -- @cmw_in_the_360 

• “Just did my 2nd swim yesterday with you guys and I can tell you it gets better the more you do it. My advice: give yourself time and be patient, the cold water gets you at the beginning of the swim, but after (it’s) about finding your rhythm in breathing and the strokes. Fun is something you’ll discover once you do it enough times. Just try it.” -- @xtremebyron

• “Sighting is important. Because of this, your stroke in the open water is different than in the pool. Start practicing breathing on both sides and “crocodile eyes.” (lifting your neck to your eyes are above the water) in your first swim.” -- @suz_orange

• “The first couple of hundred meters or yards can be difficult. Let your body get acclimated to the water temperature and the possible people surrounding you. It can be overwhelming because your cortisol levels and adrenaline can be high at the start, causing a rapid heart rate and panicked breathing. Relax and stay with it! You’re going to catch your groove, and your breathing and stroke will become more regulated and rhythmic. Remember, stay with it, and I guarantee you’ll catch your groove, and you will love it.” -- @brucewilsonco