Q&A- If I don't have regular access to an open water, how can I recreate open water at my pool?
Recreating the open water environment in the pool is all about replication.
As much as possible, you want to replicate what you experience in open water during your time in th pool.
Here are two big differences between open water and pool swimming, and what to do about it.
1. You (typically) can’t see in open water.
This can be really disorienting in for those that aren’t used to it.
Humans really rely on their vision for just about everything.
If you’re used to always seeing your arms, it can feel really off when you suddenly can’t.
I know my stroke feels different when I just change my goggles!
Here’s a solution- close your eyes as much and as often as possible (be safe!)
For instance, you can practice only opening your eyes when you breathe, which is more or less what happens in open water.
At first, this will be uncomfortable.
You’ll get used to it pretty quickly, which smooths the transition to open water.
This can make a really big difference.
2. It’s wavy and there are people in your way!
Pools are often nice and calm.
Open water is chaos- there are waves and there are people.
You want to replicate that in the pool.
Take the lane lines out if you can, with even 1 making a difference.
You want waves!
Create lane traffic by swimming with as many people in the lanes as possible.
You can swim 4 across the lane, doing so with and without a stagger to practice drafting.
Practice swimming around people or having people swimming around you.
If you typically swim by yourself, and you hate sharing a lane (like me!), welcome a stranger into your lane.
They’ll help you get a little more comfortable with the chop.
The more you can practice these skills, the easier the transition will be.
It just takes a little creativity!
Got a question you want answered? Let me know I’ll make sure it gets addressed.
Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you take your swimming to the next level:
1. If you’re looking for do-it-yourself solutions to improve your swimming, check out my resources Freestyle Made Simple and Addressing Adult-Onset Swimming.
2. If you want a more personalized learning experience, we can work together to analyze your stroke or develop a technical training plan.
Exit the water...
Andrew
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