The Open Water Experience

Open water swimming occurs in large bodies of water. In the late 19th century, swim competitions for the Olympics were held in open water.

Today, Long Beach Calif. is home to one of the top three marathon courses in the world. The 21-mile course from Catalina Island to the Long Beach shore along with the 21-mile course across the English Channel and the 28-mile course around Manhattan Island in New York  complete the “Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming."

Open water has its own techniques, which help swimmers endure the race.

Stroke

There is no specific stroke for competitions, but most competitors employ the Freestyle Stroke. 


Sighting

When competing, buoys are stationed to provide guidance since it is easy for swimmers to head off course. Since a swimmer's visibility is reduced from foggy goggles and choppy waters it can sometimes be impossible to see the buoys. Therefore, "triangulating" helps by looking for two aligned, easily visible objects on land and making sure they continue to appear aligned during the race.


Drafting

"Drafting" helps a swimmer reduce water resistance by closely following another swimmer. When utilizing this technique, someone is able to swim at the same speed as the lead swimmer with little effort. Not all race organizers permit its usage.

Beach starting/exiting

When entering the water, it is important to high-step into the water and at hip depth begin "dolphining.” When exiting, it is important to body surf as far as possible and then high-step the rest of the way. 

Video #1: Leslie Thomas, open water coach for 11 years reviews some additional techniques like breathing and mental elements of open water. 

Video #2: Gerry Rodrigues demonstrates the "dolphining" technique swimmers use to enter the open water competition. 

SoCal Swim: Spotlighting Long Beach

Labeled the "Aquatic Capital of the Nation," Long Beach, Calif. is home to some of the world's greatest aquatic athletes like 1948 Olympic swimming gold medalist, Greta Andersen and long-distance open-water swimmer, Lynne Cox.

Long Beach is also known for it's renowned Olympic-size swimming pool. This facility gained recognition after hosting the 1968 and 1976 US Olympic swim trials, as well as the NCAA championships in 1974 and 1978.  In 1984, it was also the training site for the Los Angeles Olympic Games.  

This million-gallon facility sits right on the beach and the best part is that anyone in the community can utilize it for lap swim, water exercise/aerobics, deep water exercise, springboard and platform diving instruction, SCUBA lessons, swim lessons and open swim.

The fee for public swim is $3 for children and seniors and $4 for adults.  For details on fees and times please visit the city of Long Beach website .

Long Beach is also a great training area for open-water swimmers. The Naples Island channels and the beach provide a calm environment that helps swimmers build the endurance needed for the stronger ocean currents experienced during long-distance competitions.

Whether you are on a mission to train for a triathlon or you are simply in need of some daily exercise, Long Beach is a convenient location for you to take a dip!

The historic Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, Calif. is a perfect place for  anyone to learn or enhance their skills in various aquatic sports like diving, swimming, SCUBA diving and water polo. (Photo by: unknown)