Pool v's open water

mjg

Just out of interest, how does pool swimming compare to open water swimming, ie. swimming 500 metres in the pool would be equivalent to how much in open water? I'm sure that the open water is harder but I don't know if you can even make that kind of comparison with all of the factors involved.

I enjoy the swimming and cycling, the running a little less, and am thinking of joining the local triathalon club and having a cut off one.

Mickeybags

In a pool you can swim in a straight line following the blue line. You will have a flat surface and the turns and push offs will give you an advantage time wise.

In the open water it is harder to keep a straight line (no blue line)
You will have better bouyancy in saltwater plus the benefit of a wetsuit which also increases bouyancy and also makes you more slippery thus faster

bagus

From what I've seen open water swims in Irish triathlons are rarely the distance they claim, and are sometimes up to half the actual distance!

Good pool swimmers don't always perform well in open water. Why?
IMO this is because open water swimming involves monitoring and working with any chop/swell/current/wind/etc... These aren't factors in a pool.

For me the key to open water is to be relaxed, and try and roll (literally) with the elements.

- if there is swell coming from one side, breath off the other side.
- check your direction regularly and do so at the peak of any swell.
- use landmarks for direction
- never assume the guy in front (or even the whole pack) is going in the right direction.
- learn how to porpoise (only relevant to some races).
- learn how to body surf (only relevant to some races).
- don't be afraid to give/take a swinging arm/leg

MrCreosote

I'm not a good swimmer but I find OW swims much easier (in general!).
Probably mostly a combination of the buoyancy with the saltwater and wetsuit, but I don't tumble turn so each length is interrupted too soon.
Not to mention sea swims just being more pleasant...

I'm definitely more tired after 1500m in the pool than 1500m OW

mjg

Thanks everyone. The little swimming that I've done in the sea has been enjoyable but I wouldn't call it open water, too close to the beach.

I had assumed that open water was more difficult than the pool, for no particular reason but I can see that it has advantages over the pool. I would definately be less aprehensive about trying it with a club in the near future.

Thanks.;)

Dilbert75

Could suggest if you want OW swimming practise, drop down to my local leisure centre on Tsunami night, sorry I mean ladies aqua aerobics night - many's a night I nearly got swept up onto the deck when the girls started a synchronised move

mjg

Maybe I should gain some experience first, don't want to get out of my depth on my first outing.:D

On second thoughts, a near drowning would provide a large sympathy vote to get it on with ladies of a certain vintage............