How should I train for a long distance open water swim?

Question

I plan on participating in my first ever 2.4 mile open water swim event in June. I understand that there are very different swim techniques for a long distance swim. I would love to get some input on this as well as some advice on the best way to train for this thing!
Thanks for your help!!

Answer 1

Distance training is needed, Work on swimming 3-4 miles a workout 3 x a week.
Also work some survival training. In the open water events swimmers are often kicked, pulled and surprised by the currents and waves. Spend some time learning how to handle the environment.
Learn to swim both on top and beneath the water. Practice sets of head up swimming to allow to continue to move forward while checking your location and watching for possible hazzards.

Answer 2

Swimming is alot harder than people take it for. If you're looking for speed you have to strengthen literally every mucsle in your body because every one is used. Sure swimming long distances will help, but if you do that in a pool it won't be the same as in open water that has currents, etc. I would suggest the following sets.

2 x 300(meters/yards)
5 x 50 (meters/yards)@1:10
and so on


I don't know if you've had previous expierence with swimming but if you haven't that'd be a good place to start. And any local gyms that you can lift weghts and do repititions will be to your advantage as well!

Answer 3

If you can't be bothered to get a coach to help here are a few tips to improve effeciency and make your open water a tiny bit easier: 1) Stroke Length: make sure that you are lots of lenth in your stroke. This means hip rotation but not past 45 degree angle. 2) Breathing Pattern: Establish a managable breathing pattern that will be sustainable for the entire race. For an open water swim might i suggest a 3,2 breathing pattern (3 strokes, breath, 2 strokes breath). 3) Body height: try and keep your shoulders on top of the water. avoid "digging in" as this will slow you down a fair bit. I think you should just get in the pool and swim laps, get a "hold" of the water. It may sound stupid but without regular swimming your hands tend to slip through the water an this detracts from power. anyway good luck with your triathlons and i hope i helped

Answer 4

well you could try swimming long distances in open water, but if you only have a swimming pool you could time yourself treading water and then gradually up the time, that will give you endurance while swimming long distances. just get your body used to swimming for a period of time. arm excersises would help so your arms are prepared for the length of the activity. its all about being prepared for the distance.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

by swimming long distances in the open water

Answer 7

Plenty of swimming (pool and ocean) and plenty of cardio work (for endurance) in the gym. Also concentrate on exercises for your shoulders and legs. Stretch heaps before and after training.

Answer 8

by swimming long distances...