OW comfort poll

[alpinerabbit]

So, we've heard of open water scares - I was wondering how many of us have had it happen, and perhaps it is a comfort to those who have never been in open water to see whether a) it happens to many and b) it doesn't happen to everyone and c) how to make it go away.

So vote away!

[crazycanuck]

I answered i'm still afraid but it's slowly getting better.

Perhaps it's my fear of the creatures in the water..Stingers, other types of jellyfish, sharks & murky water. Have i been watching too many movies? :o

When I did the Rockingham Tri last december, I realized I wouldn't do any further tri's until i overcame the fear of open water plus get my swim stroke under control.

C

[HillSlugger]

I didn't answer the poll because I haven't yet done an open water swim. However, I grew up on Long Island, on the water and swam in OW all the time. I am hoping I'll feel pretty comfortable, only needing to get used to no lane markers to follow ;)

When I was on my honeymoon in Hawaii many years ago we went out on a snorkeling trip. While we were on our way back the captain stopped the boat and asked if anyone wanted to go for a swim. I did. I remember it feeling strange because I knew the bottom was several hundred feet below and who knows what could be below. I was able to put the feeling aside and enjoy the swim. Hopefully, my first tri OW will be much the same experience.

[KSH]

Well, I was never afraid of open water. I swam in lakes as a kid... and I became a certified SCUBA diver when I was 18. I have been diving up to 120 feet... so swimming in OW is not scary for me.

Although, I was INTIMIATED by the OWS experience associated with a tri. I wasn't sure how to site, and how to swim with other people... and no lane ropes to keep us all in order.

So, to make sure that I was prepared... I took 4 OWS clinics at a local lake hosted by the Master's swimming team in town. This gave me the confidence to know that I could swim OW in a tri.

In fact, these days, I actually REFUSE to do a tri with a pool swim. I honestly hate it. It's worse than OW if you ask me.

And... even after all my practice and competing in OW tri situations and loving it... when I had to do the wetsuit OW swim... I felt panic. I couldn't breathe... it was horrible. I just talked myself through it, and kept stroking. It worked out.

[KnottedYet]

I don't like swimming pools.

Grew up swimming in lakes and the ocean, and prefer to swim in open water. Wouldn't know how to behave with lane markers.

I didn't do the poll cuz "never" doesn't fit me. I'd say "not generally". There are times I get scared, like when a boat is coming in my direction (probably an irrational fear cuz there are swimming area markers the boats stay away from). And I do get the creepy crawlies when a dead fish floats by or a hunk of lakeweed bumps my skin.

I'm more afraid of the other swimmers in a tri than of the water/lake/bay itself.

[mimitabby]

Like Knot, I grew up swimming in the ocean, and lakes. In fact, the ocean "taught" me how to swim. As a small child, waves went over my head while I played on the beach, and I held my breath. before i knew it, I was doing a froggy kind of swim long before I had real swimming lessons.

I remember my delight the first time someone took us in a boat out beyond the shore. I jumped in the water, happy as an otter.

[eclectic]

I haven't done an open water swim yet. I am more in fear of the COLD than the water. But then I got to thinking of the white water rafting trip I was on last year when we got to calmer waters the guide said "anyone up for a swim?" and jumped in. I quickly followed and that water was COLD! early June in Glacier Montana. After the initial shock it felt great - wetsuits do what they are supposed to.

I may be in severe denial but I don't think open water lake swimming will bother me. I lifeguarded at a lake for 2 summers and I know as long as you stay out of the weeds nothing is going to "get" you. (in the weeds a girl did get bit by a Northern Pike once - shiney white skin was just too tempting I guess) 20 feet of water or 200 feet of water - I can't touch bottom either way so there is no difference (I actually prefer deeper - less stuff near the surface )

Sighting is going to be the biggest challenge however.

I am w/ you Knotted yet - I am more afraid of the throng of people than the water
also I think open water will be to my advantage because I don't have the world's best flip turns

I will vote in a week if this is still open :D

[rocknrollgirl]

Mine issue was a wetsuit issue. I had to work through that, it took about three swims. As far as OW, I really enjoy it. I have been going out to the lake and swimming alone, well there are people on the shore, but swimming alone. It feels nice to me to be able to get into a groove and just swim, no wall, or lane lines. I still go to the pool because it is esier to work on speed, but I am really enjying my weekely OWS. And it is getting HOT here so it feels nice.

As far as the creatures...I just don't think about them, well, not much anyway!

[eclectic]

Ok I did my first official tri training open water.
I voted "never" because I didn't find it any worse than any lake swimming I have done recreationally.

The thoughts and fears leading up to it were way worse than the reality.