Swimming in the Open Water against a Current
When you’ve been pool swimming for nine months out of the year, you forget that there a strong currents in the open water, especially in the Northeast or West Coast.
The other day, I swam at Tobay with a group there and the current was so strong, I felt as if I was swimming in an endless pool. It was frustrating, annoying and I just wanted it to end! When I finally got out of the water, I felt nauseous. I just stood there and didn’t move. The world was rocking and I just wanted it to stop.
After that, I asked one of the coaches, “Are there any tricks to swimming against the current?”
He told me to breath less. “Breath every 3rd, 5th or 7th stroke,” he said.
Hmmm… interesting.
A week later, I went in the same body of water again. This time, with my coach and a friend. “Do you know if there are any tricks for swimming against the current?” I asked them both. They both are incredible swimmers so having the opportunity to ask questions in person was a real treat for me.
“Well, what you need to do is,” said our mutual friend, “don’t look at your watch to see how fast you’re going. Because you aren’t going fast. And, just enjoy the added time in the water. Don’t think of it as a challenge but as an opportunity.”
Hmmm… interesting.
She’s right you know. We only get a couple of months in the water and why not enjoy every moment while we’re there?
