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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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Better to get better in a pool first before venturing outside. As @Greenbank the next logical step is an organised lake where there are lifeguards and stuff, plenty around the west side of London but most will have closed for the winter now.
If you're really keen on sea swimming look up your local open water swimming society, usually found on Facebook and there are likely to be crazy regulars there who are super encouraging of new people to the sport and probably swim all winter in skins (no wetsuit).
swimming on your own is really not recommended, between just getting into difficulty, currents or water craft can all go from something minor to a full on disaster very quickly. whistle or no whistle if there's no one watching then it ain't gonna do much good!
Tow floats are good for visibility and a bit of buoyancy, but I would want to need one if you know what I mean, they do all come with whistles but as said before who's attention are you trying to get, and if they heard you blowing away are they going to be able to do anything to help you in time!
Wetsuits are definitely a good idea for beginners both for floatation and warmth when you are first going from a 23 degree pool to 10 degree water it can be a bit of a shock!
Finally, MP3 players in the pool are a bad idea as you can't hear other things around you but are an absolute no no in open water, if you can't hear the boat coming towards you how are you going to get out the way!!
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I started this thread several years and aliases ago.
I started it whilst getting into shape to do my first 5k Swimathon. That became an annual fun feature in between triathlons, which led to my joining la casual masters swimming club (Cally) and then a more serious one (Otters). At the latter was knocking out 5k of drills in a session three times a week. That fell by the wayside when I moved out to the burbs in 2012. Then I stopped swimming altogether when we had a baby in 2015 and subsequently moved out of London last year. I don't think I've swum a length in anger in about 4 years.
For ages I didn't miss it at all. For all the enjoyment I got from swimming when it went well: the physical sensations of it, the challenge and sense of achievement of working on your stroke, the improved strength and fitness; it was more than offset by the relief of not having the faff of getting to the pool at awkward times, lugging wet towels around, drafty/grubby changing rooms, the chlorine and the monotony of endless hours of looking at the bottom of a pool.
For a long time my running/cycling/workout habits kept the middle aged spread in check, but changing from a 10k cycle commute to an hour on the train coupled with getting a a hernia last year put paid them as well. All this culminated in the feeling if I don't make some fairly dramatic changes sharpish i'm going to slide into a place of serious dad-bod blobbiness from which recovery will feel insurmountable. Hernia is now repaired and my local pool is calling. Time has come to squeeze into the Speedos and get back in the pool.
*does a bomb
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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.
Yeah, this is what I've heard. With the added stresses of people all around bashing into me and adrenaline from the start of the race I want to be extremely confident in open water before I take on a triathlon. I know people die all the time in the swim section which I'd like to avoid. I think I'd probably wait until the big rush of people has gone, then stroll in myself, do a slow/steady swim and then try to make up some time on the cycle and run (although having said that I won't be concerned about my time in the slightest). Just want to comfortably make it through.
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.
Oh right. Was thinking I'd get a nice warm one because supposedly you can just let some cold water in through the neck if you're too hot, whereas there's nothing you can do if you're cold. The extra buoyancy and survival time if I get pulled out to sea or something mad would be a major bonus. I can deal with the discomfort if it means I'm more likely not to die.
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.
Yeah, a) visibility, b) I can put my stuff in it rather than leave it on the beach, c) you can pop a GPS in there to record for Strava and d) if I'm drowning I could try to cling to it. Seems ideal. Again I don't care if it's uncomfortable or makes me slower.
Where are you based? People here might have some recommendations for open water swimming...
Edinburgh. There are some lochs for open water swimming in the Pentlands which a little way South of here. But unless I'm with someone else or it's very busy there (summer) that seems dangerous. There is also Portobello beach, which doesn't have great water quality, but is always busy with people walking along the promenade (lower risk of drowning) and pretty safe for swimming I think with no significant currents etc. I'd just go back and forward along a section of beach probably. Say if I went at 8am, when there's loads of people walking/cycling to work. As you say not sure they could actually intervene but at least they could call me an ambulance...
I do have a triathlon friend so could definitely persuade him to swim with me... having said that does one friend really make a difference? If I'm drowning, aren't I just going to take him down with me if he comes near me?
Better to get better in a pool first before venturing outside. As @Greenbank the next logical step is an organised lake where there are lifeguards and stuff, plenty around the west side of London but most will have closed for the winter now.
Hmm, okay, I'll try in a pool first then. Just really hate the idea of paying £3 or whatever for 20 minutes of exercise (I probably won't even manage that the first few times I go).
If you're really keen on sea swimming look up your local open water swimming society, usually found on Facebook and there are likely to be crazy regulars there who are super encouraging of new people to the sport and probably swim all winter in skins (no wetsuit).
Good shout, I'll see if there's one near me.
Finally, MP3 players in the pool are a bad idea as you can't hear other things around you but are an absolute no no in open water, if you can't hear the boat coming towards you how are you going to get out the way!!
Alright, I won't bother with that then!
Maybe my best option is to swim over winter in a pool and then start doing open water stuff at the first sign of spring. But I think I'd like to do a shorter distance triathlon in spring in prep for a summer 70.3, so I wouldn't have as much open water experience as I'd like for the first tri I do. Either way pool swimming for a few months (starting now) seems like the best way to start.
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As mentioned previously, swimming wetsuits are much more supple (read thinner) than a general use/surf wettie. However, wearing a winter suit is actually excellent resistance training.
A big thing for first time cold water swimmers is Cold Water Shock. I would advise having a partner or someone on shore for the first couple of times.
One of the differences between the sea and the pool is the 'silkiness' of pool water. This is due to higher density water in the sea, so while you are slightly more buoyant, its slightly harder to move through. So I would suggest increasing your drag in the pool,
but is always busy with people walking along the promenade (lower risk of drowning)
I would have a slightly different viewpoint, in that it is slightly more likely that your calls for aid would be heard, rather than being less likely to drown.
As a water polo player, I would suggest learning to tread water using the eggbeater technique. Its a fairly easy skill to learn, and it is great for keeping your head steady above the water for a fairly low output of energy.
Apparently Edinburgh Road Club do swim sessions.
Well that felt like a scattershot post but meh.
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As mentioned previously, swimming wetsuits are much more supple (read thinner) than a general use/surf wettie. However, wearing a winter suit is actually excellent resistance training.
Okay, good to know. Winter wetsuit seems like what I'm after. I expect the water's a good few degrees colder up here than down South so I might be okay with a winter one year-round?
A big thing for first time cold water swimmers is Cold Water Shock. I would advise having a partner or someone on shore for the first couple of times.
Yes. Hence I was thinking I'd stroll into the water after the crowds have gone in a race rather than going for a decent position. I'm in no rush either in an event or swimming myself so happy to spend a few minutes standing around in the shallows before I do any swimming.
One of the differences between the sea and the pool is the 'silkiness' of pool water. This is due to higher density water in the sea, so while you are slightly more buoyant, its slightly harder to move through. So I would suggest increasing your drag in the pool,
How does one do that? My flatmate swims with a leg float thing but that's because of a dodgy hip, whereas I would want to use my legs obviously. Wear a t-shirt?
I would have a slightly different viewpoint, in that it is slightly more likely that your calls for aid would be heard, rather than being less likely to drown.
Fair assessment, that's what I meant really. Increased chance of being noticed would hopefully translate into a slightly lower chance of drowning, either through the possibility of a passing lifeguard, someone throwing me a ring, an ambulance or doctor being nearby, etc.
As a water polo player, I would suggest learning to tread water using the eggbeater technique. Its a fairly easy skill to learn, and it is great for keeping your head steady above the water for a fairly low output of energy.
Apparently Edinburgh Road Club do swim sessions.
Great, I'll look those up. Thanks. I did see ERC do swimming but I thought it was just summer. Will check.
Edit: eggbeater looks deadly on the knees!
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It's probably about 1 degree colder up there at the minute. But once air temp really changes I imagine the gap to increase a bit. A winter suit will do you all year, definitely. Top tip, vaseline your jaw from your ear. You will rub the hell out of your skin in a thicker suit. And its hard on suit if you have stubble ha.
Not sure on tri rules about hoods etc, but its amazing how hard it is to think when swimming in cold seas. It might be worth looking at Alpkit or something, but neoprene hoods really helped girlfriend enjoy surfing over winter.
Its been a long time since I've done any swim training, but if I remember correctly, we had a weird belt with up-turned cups on it. Not sure if someones Dad had bodged it together. The leg floats are effective training aids for improving stroke power too.
Edit: Over a long period of time (intensive training of keeping torso, and a medicine ball out of the water), yes.
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It's probably about 1 degree colder up there at the minute. But once air temp really changes I imagine the gap to increase a bit. A winter suit will do you all year, definitely. Top tip, vaseline your jaw from your ear. You will rub the hell out of your skin in a thicker suit. And its hard on suit if you have stubble ha.
Currently have something of a beard but I do cut it and grow it on a whim so I'll bare that in mind, thanks.
Not sure on tri rules about hoods etc, but its amazing how hard it is to think when swimming in cold seas. It might be worth looking at Alpkit or something, but neoprene hoods really helped girlfriend enjoy surfing over winter.
Hmm, the only concern would be that I would definitely want something hi-viz in case of boats. So a hood might not be an option.
Its been a long time since I've done any swim training, but if I remember correctly, we had a weird belt with up-turned cups on it. Not sure if someones Dad had bodged it together. The leg floats are effective training aids for improving stroke power too.
Ha, love it. Sounds like a great bodge. I'd look a bit mental getting in a pool with something home-built like that though.
Edit: supposedly a beard is the way to go when it comes to jellyfish - might go for the full Sean Conway look
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https://www.tyr.com/shop/tyr-hi-vis-warmwear-swim-cap.html
https://www.orca.com/gb-en/high-visibility-neoprene-swimcap/
https://www.tyr.com/shop/tyr-hi-vis-neoprene-swim-cap.html
Edit: Unfortunately you are buying at the worst time of year, as mostly the new stock has come in for winter, although you might find some bargains.
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Ah, didn't realise they made those. Yeah, might be best to wait until after Christmas. Pool til then. No rush.
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Sounds sensible. I really wouldn't go down the route of a winter surfing wetsuit though, you'll be too hot very quickly as they are designed around sitting in cold water for a while whereas swimming you're moving the whole time! If you find a swimming wetsuit isn't warm enough you're better off buying gloves, swim socks and a neoprene hat as you'll lose more heat through your extremities anyway.
Lots of open water groups will organise Christmas morning swims which will be short and followed by booze and mince pies so maybe try to get confident enough to swim 400m or so contuously by Christmas and find a convenient one to you?! Nothing like a bracing swim to clear the Christmas Eve cobwebs and get you going for the food ahead!
Oh and as always with any open water environment make sure you ask locals about currents and tides or at the very least make sure you know what rips look like on a beach! unfortunately by the time you realise you're in danger is usually long after the danger starts, and can be a pretty shit scarey experience even for a really strong swimmer!
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Sounds sensible. I really wouldn't go down the route of a winter surfing wetsuit though, you'll be too hot very quickly as they are designed around sitting in cold water for a while whereas swimming you're moving the whole time! If you find a swimming wetsuit isn't warm enough you're better off buying gloves, swim socks and a neoprene hat as you'll lose more heat through your extremities anyway.
Sorry, I meant a winter swimming wetsuit (if such a thing exists?). Definitely won't be getting a surfing one, don't worry.
Lots of open water groups will organise Christmas morning swims which will be short and followed by booze and mince pies so maybe try to get confident enough to swim 400m or so contuously by Christmas and find a convenient one to you?! Nothing like a bracing swim to clear the Christmas Eve cobwebs and get you going for the food ahead!
Unfortunately I'll be in Birmingham over Christmas which is about as far from the sea as it gets! Maybe there's some nearby lakes though. I'll be in Cornwall on New Year's Day though, I bet people jump in the sea then.
Oh and as always with any open water environment make sure you ask locals about currents and tides or at the very least make sure you know what rips look like on a beach! unfortunately by the time you realise you're in danger is usually long after the danger starts, and can be a pretty shit scarey experience even for a really strong swimmer!
Have read a little about them, enough to know that you shouldn't swim against the current and a little bit about what they look like. Will do some more reading though.
Also has anyone got goggle recommendations? Some popular stuff on Wiggle but I'm guessing fit is most important. Might even go for a swim (in a pool) on Thursday morning so if I can get some tomorrow that'd be great. Pop down a shop and try a few pairs on?
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Yeah goggles are pretty personal, the zoggs predator get my vote they come in a variety of lenses but I just use the orange polarised ones for everything from the pool to open water.
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Rave reviews on Wiggle, I think I'll just buy a set and return them if they don't fit.
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I used to swear by these. https://www.tyr.com/shop/tracer-racing-mirrored-goggles.html
Mainly because they look cool as fuck
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Have to admit, I think goggles of all sorts look stupid as hell. Moderately concerned that I'm going to look like a complete prat the first time I get in a pool
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2nd swim session this week. Haven't been swimming for years and it is a killer. I'm blowing out of my arse after 10 minutes
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Just read about the Thames Lido.
£20 to go swimming in Reading. U ok hun?!
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Little late but Re: goggles. I find these to be pretty much as good as any I've tried: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Malmsten-1710004-Swedish-Standard-Goggles/dp/B00B1PIKGE?th=1
Cost very little and you build them to fit your face. No rubber seals on the lenses so if they let in any water you know it's because you put them on wrong. Anything breaks, just replace it (or buy another set as it's usually cheaper).
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You're actually not too late. I did buy the Zoggs Predator ones but they didn't fit at all so I returned them. Decided I should go and try some on instead, but never figured out where you can actually buy decent goggles in a physical shop any more.
If they've got the replaceable nose-bridge etc. then they might be alright for me. Might take a punt seeing as they're only £3.
Edit: enjoyed this guy's review: "I've got a narrow face and my eyes are quite close together, but my head is also quite bulbous and so quite big in circumference, considering how narrow it is."
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swimming on your own is really not recommended
This.
Accute hypothermia after a late Summer lake swim in Cornwall taught me that.
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@dooks
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.