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Someone I know went from no swimming (enough to not drown) to full Ironman (Weymouth) in similar timescales.
He had weekly 1:1 lessons in a pool and one or two extra sessions on his own each week to build up his stamina once he had got the basic technique sorted. Near the end he did some open water (lake) swimming to get used to that. Not sure if he did any sea swimming before the big event, will ask next time I see him.
Open water swimming in a lake is quite different to a pool as you get no mini rests at the end of each length, sounds obvious but it takes a bit of time to adjust your pace to be used to it. Then you've got the added fun of sighting and swim biff.
Open water sea swimming is then another chunk of different on top. Salty water, swell/waves, currents, jellyfish (ugh), etc.
Hoping I'll be reasonably safe if I get myself a thick wetsuit
Most swimming wetsuits are the same thickness, too thick and it's hard work to swim in. Many open water swimming places have rentals and then ex-rental or stock clearance sales.
an inflatable thingy that you tow behind you
A tow float, mostly for visibility rather than emergency flotation, but also useful for carrying stuff in you get a dry-bag version. Never used one myself.
and like a whistle or some shit for emergencies.
Attach one to the tow float if you want. I've only swum where there are people looking out for me (kayakers patrolling the lake, or lifeguards on the shore).
Where are you based? People here might have some recommendations for open water swimming...
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Greenbank
Anyone got any recommendations for waterproof MP3 player type things?
Also is it incredibly unwise to go straight from no swimming at all to sea swimming? I'm thinking of doing a 70.3 next summer but I never swim. (As in I do it once every few years in a pool on holiday.) Will obviously do a shorter distance triathlon beforehand. Hoping I'll be reasonably safe if I get myself a thick wetsuit, an inflatable thingy that you tow behind you and like a whistle or some shit for emergencies.