For young athletes, adult athletes just getting into the sport, triathletes who are better at running or cycling, or multi-sport athletes who wish to improve their swimming performance, a great deal of information is below for your reference including a list of open water races and swim information from around the U.S.

▪ What is Open Water Swimming?
▪ Local Open Water Swims (website and race info)
▪ A Brief History of Open Water Swimming
▪ Pre-race Preparation
▪ Race Starts
▪ Around Turn Buoys
▪ Feeding During Longer Swims
▪ Racing Strategies
▪ Navigation Techniques
▪ Race Finishes
▪ Dealing With Weather, Water and the Elements
▪ Officiating Open Water Races
▪ Pool Drills for the Open Water
▪ Where Can I Get Coached?
▪ Training for Open Water Swims
▪ Good Open Water Workouts
▪ One Long Night Swimming
▪ Open Water Swimming Dictionary
▪ Animations

What is Open Water Swimming?

Open water swimming is the art of swimming in any body of water, salt or fresh, natural or man-made, as an individual or on a relay.  Open water swimming is also popularly referred to as marathon swimming, if the distance is over 10 kilometers, long-distance swimming or rough water swimming if done in the ocean.

Open water swimmers, including newcomers and veterans alike, can attest to the sense of adventure that is needed to swim past the shoreline of the ocean or the shallows of a lake. It
is natural to feel disoriented and nervous in the rolling swells and turbulence of the open water among the occasionally visible sea life.

However, with additional experience and increased familiarity of the open water and its variable conditions, these natural fears can be overcome.

Most open water swims in the U.S. are between 1 kilometer and 3 miles.  Other famous swims include the English Channel, which is a bit longer than 20 miles.  The length of the swim leg of the standard Ironman triathlon is 2.4 miles, which is exactly the distance of the Waikiki Roughwater Swim, the inspiration for the swim portion of the Ironman

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Local Open Water Swims
(website and race info)

January

February

March

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September

October

November

December

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A Brief History of Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming has been done competitively for more than 2,000 years.  From Japan to ancient Rome, many societies have held competitive swimming races in the open water for centuries. 

In the modern day, open water races are held in oceans, bay, lakes, rivers, reservoirs, dams and rowing basins around the world.  Open water swimming is also referred to long-distance swimming, marathon swimming, if the race is at least 10 kilometers, or rough water swimming, when races are held in the ocean or large lakes.

The sport first became known globally when Matthew Webb made the first successful crossing of the 21-mile English Channel in 1875.  The sport continued to steadily attract adventures and participants throughout the 20th century until 2005 when the IOC decided to add the 10K Marathon Swim as a 2008 Olympic medal event.

But, the history of open water swimming at the Olympics goes back a long way.  During the 1896 Athens Olympics, four races were held in the Bay of Zea.  100-, 500- and 1200-meter open water races were held in 55ºF water and very heavy surf in front of a reported 20,000 spectators.  During the 1900 Paris Olympics, five downstream swims were held in the Seine River, including a 4K race.

In the U.S., the La Jolla Roughwater Swim, near San Diego, is the longest continuously held open water race that began in 1916.  In the 1920’s, Gertrude Ederle, a triple Olympic medalist, became the first woman to swim across the English Channel, while George Young won $50,000 in a Catalina Channel race in 1927 and Ed Keating won a 24-mile Lake George Swimming Marathon in New York.

In the 1950’s professional marathon swims began in earnest.  In 1954, the 37K Atlantic City Around-the-Island race began as did numerous pro races in Canada and the Great Lakes.  All these races attracted skilled and colorful swimmers from all around the world.

In the 1970’s, John Kinsella, an NCAA champion from Indiana and Olympic medalist, won dozens of races on the World Professional Marathon Swimming Federation circuit.  Paul Asmuth, an NCAA finalist in the 1650 from Arizona State, continued the American domination of professional marathon swimming throughout the 1980s.  Also during the 1980s, Lynne Cox helped bring open water swimming to the front papers by becoming the first person to swim across the Bering Strait in the Arctic Ocean and, later, in a historic swim in the South Pole.

In the 1990’s, a global World Cup and Grand Prix Open Water pro series was organized by FINA where races are held in Dubai, Egypt, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Serbia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Brazil and the U.K.  During this decade, Chad Hundeby from Irvine, Tobie Smith of the University of Texas and Erica Rose of Northwestern won world championships, but the FINA marathon swimming circuits have largely been dominated by swimmers from Russia, Germany and Italy in the recent past.  Swimmers from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the U.K., Spain, France and Australia have also been successful.

With the advent of triathlons and multi-sport events, the number of open water races across America and throughout the world have significantly increased over the last 20 years.

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Pre-Race Preparation

Every race begins with a start, but preparation for open water races begins well before the gun start.

In FINA and national championship races, all swimmers are numbered on their arms, shoulder blades and the back of their hands by race officials at the check-in.

These numbers are used to (1) monitor the swimmers’ progress during race, (2) announce swimmer’s position to crowd and media throughout race, and (3) inform swimmers who have committed rule infractions during the race.

In FINA and world championship races, swimmers are provided with two transponders.  These Omega transponders are attached to both wrists at check-in and are used to provide official timing.  Swimmers should firmly tape these transponders to their wrists for two important reasons: (1) the transponders can come off or flap while swimming which can be very irritating, and (2) swimmers must finish with both transponders or they will be disqualified.

In local lake and ocean swims, swimmers generally are numbered in the same manner as the world-class events, but the races are often started by a run into the water, from a standing start at the water’s edge or from an in-the-water start as designated by a start rope.

Swimmers should apply either Vaseline or lanolin to the chafing points on their body.  This includes the neck, underarm pits, inside thighs, chin and around their swim suit straps.  The Vaseline or lanolin should be applied by a teammate or coach in order that no Vaseline or lanolin is left on the swimmer’s hands.  But, just in case, the swimmer should also carry a small terrycloth towel with them until the race start because the Vaseline or lanolin can inadvertently get on their hands or goggles, which would be disastrous right before the race start.

If the water is cold, some swimmers use silicon earplugs and two swim caps to fight the cold.  Two swim caps are legal in open water swims, although neoprene caps are not allowed.

The first pre-race requirement is to completely understand the race course.  Swimmers must know what direction to head, where the intermediate buoys are, where the feeding stations are, where their coach will be positioned for their feedings, what direction to go around the turn buoys, where the finish is and other basic facts.  Secondly, the prevailing currents, winds, waves, surface chop, glare of the sun and water temperature should be taken into account.  Thirdly, the coach should discuss and determine a race strategy before heading out for warm-up.

If possible, the warm-up should include a swim out to the first turn buoy and the last turn buoy.  Sightings of landmarks and an understanding of the race course from the perspective of the swimmer in the water are essential.  The warm-up should be at least the same length and intensity done for a 400-meter race, although some athletes will be satisfied with either a shorter or longer warm-up. 

In FINA and world championship races, swimmers are required to attend a pre-race meeting.  Most domestic races also have these important pre-race meetings where any changes in the course will be explained.  The Head Referee will explain the race course and give final instructions to the swimmers.  During these meetings, swimmers often ask questions or request clarifications of the course, especially about the intermediate and turn buoys.  In summer, especially when the races are held in hot and humid conditions, swimmers should continue to hydrate during these pre-race meetings.  

After the pre-race meeting in FINA events, swimmers will be called by their number to head out to start area.  Clothing and gear will be placed in buckets and gathered by the race officials.  Water bottles and gel packs can and should be taken into start area and consumed before the start.

At some races, the announcer will introduce each swimmer, his or her number and country to crowd before the start.  In most local races, the announcer will simply encourage the swimmers to start moving into position for the race start.

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Race Starts

Photo courtesy of Craig Kojima

There are 4 general types of starts: (1) floating pontoon starts that are used at Olympic and world championship races, (2) in-the-water starts that are used at many open water swims, (3) run-into-the-water starts used on many races on the East and West coast, and (4) standing starts at the shoreline or lakeside.

When the start is from a floating pontoon or fixed dock, the swimmers will be pre-assigned a starting position which is drawn at random before the race.  This random drawing is usually done before race day.

When the start is in the water, the swimmers are free to enter water and position themselves along a starting rope in whatever position they desire.  Significant jostling among swimmer will occur near the “best” starting positions.   It usually always takes a while for all the swimmers to get into position and the Head Referee will patient until he or she decides a fair starting line has been established.  Swimmers usually have one hand on the start rope and should remain horizontal – not vertical – before the gun start.  In other words, keep your hips up, feet near the surface of the water, and ready to go at any time.  Sometimes, there is a countdown, but many times you will only hear a gun start or a sound of a horn to signify the start.

Once the swimmers are lined up by the Head Referee, the start gun or horn can go off at any time.  Swimmers should be prepared to go at any time.  Many newcomers are often caught off-guard by a quick start. 

Another general rule of open water swimming is to start as soon as any other swimmer starts.  Occasionally, the race begins before the starter’s gun is shot (or starter’s flag is dropped).   Often, the swims are NOT called back and, if the swim IS called back, there will be no disqualifications.

Generally, the pace will be quick – very quick and certainly quicker than most newcomers will imagine.  Experienced swimmers understand that positioning is an important part of winning and they immediately begin to position themselves right from the start.

Beach Starts
When the start is from a standing start at a shoreline or lakeside and requires a run into the water from a beach, it is essential to get a good starting position, run and dolphin as far as possible without losing momentum, and avoid the logjam of bodies that inevitably occurs around the first turning buoy.

The best swimmers will dolphin through the shallow waters, generally until the water hits their swim suit line. 

Dolphining means the swimmer pushes off the bottom and dives forward in a streamlined position, often kicking butterfly underwater, then repeats until he or she is in deeper water or past the surfline.  In shallow waters, it is generally much faster to “dolphin” rather than to swim.  As the water gets up around the waist, it is generally faster to start swimming.

Because the first and last part of most beach swims involve a combination of running and wading, swimmers should check out the depth of the water and slope of the shoreline at the start and finish. 

Depending on one’s level of competitiveness, one should run into the water together with the crowd, neither pushing the person in front, nor slowing those behind.  As one reaches the shoreline, swimmers naturally slow down slightly as a precautionary measure and, until the water level is above one’s knees, experienced swimmers will run with their knees high while they swing their feet over the water in a circular motion.  This method of running looks similar to a duck waddle, but is the fastest and least resistant way to get through shallow water. 

Once the water is deep enough to dive in safely, experienced swimmers begin to dolphin until the water is about waist high.   Dolphining consists of repeated dives and jumps off the bottom and is the quickest way to get through the water between knee and waist high.

As the water reaches one’s thighs, experienced swimmers take long, flat dives. These dives
are done in a streamlined manner with one’s head down, chin tucked to one’s chest, arms squeezed by the ears, and hands overlapped.  After taking full advantage of the momentum of the dive, one should pull their legs under their body and spring off the bottom, at approximately a 45 degree angle. Repeat this process until the water is chest high or it is faster to swim.

After the last jump off the bottom, one should be prepared to start swimming without losing momentum or rhythm.  If there is surf at the start, swimmers jump over the waves or whitewater until they begin to dolphin through the surf.  Once the water is of safe depth, diving under the waves is usually faster than plowing through them. If the surf is breaking in relatively shallow water, hold onto or crawl along the bottom to best maintain one’s position.

As the wave passes over, it is important to kick hard and come up to the surface looking for the next wave.  Remember, one unseen wave can completely wipe out any lead or momentum one has.  If large swells continue out to the first buoy, it may be faster to occasionally go through the waves in a streamlined manner using a butterfly kick than to go up and over the swell.  While swimming through a series of swells, swimmers should check their position by raising their head at the swell's crest.  A good view of the competition and the race course can be obtained at this point.

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Around Turn Buoys

Once the swimmers have started, they will immediately form into packs and look for the first turn buoys.  There are generally three types of buoys, but every race will be different.  There is no standard for turns or turn buoys in open water swimming.

The first type of open water buoy is called an intermediate buoy.  These buoys can be any color and are usually smaller than the larger turn buoys.  Many times, it is not necessary to stay on any particular side of these buoys.  In other words, swimmers can swim to the left or right sides of these buoys as they wish. 

The second type of buoy is a turn buoy.  These are the most important buoys in a course.  These buoys are usually large and orange or red in color.  Most times, these turn buoys can be seen from a distance unless waves or boats are in the way.  Swimmers must round these turn buoys in one particular direction.  The Head Referee will inform the swimmers if they must keep their left shoulder or right shoulder next to the turn buoys during the pre-race meeting.  Sometimes, the swimmers must go around the last turn buoy in a different direction that the other buoys along the course.  The buoys are usually anchored, but because of waves and currents, they can move during the race. 

This fact brings up an important rule of thumb for any open water swimmer.  It is important to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.  In other words, every open water swimmer should be flexible and understand that the race is not in a controlled environment like pool swimming and things often go wrong or unexpected happenings occur.  Currents can dramatically shift during a race or large waves can dislodge turn buoys. 

The intermediate buoys often serve as guides between the turn buoys, but that does not necessarily mean the intermediate buoys and turn buoys are perfectly lined up. 

The third type of buoy is the finish buoy.  The finish buoy can range from balloons near the finish line or a lane line funneling the swimmers to a finish pad, but the buoys come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.  Occasionally, there are no special finish buoys.  Whatever the case is, it is important to know how to navigate the last 50-100 meters of the race because close races are the norm in open water swimming.

Positioning before and around the turn buoys is one of the most important skills to learn for competitive open water swimmers.  Many races have been lost because swimmers had poor turns and lost valuable time around the turn buoys.

In competitive races, there will generally be many swimmers going around the turn buoys at one time.  The packs at FINA and world championships races can be as large as 25 swimmers fighting around a turn buoy at one time.

Because going around the turn buoys is so critical, the best swimmers start positioning themselves for a fast turn well before reaching the turn buoy.  Some swimmers will protect their position if they think they are in the “right” position and other swimmers will speed up or make moves against their competition if they are not in a good position.  Obviously, heading into and swimming around the turn buoys among dozens of swimmers is difficult and often results in numerous changes in positions and leads, especially around the last few turn buoys in the race. 
It is important for swimmers to swim tightly around the turn buoys, but it is also extremely important for swimmers to protect themselves and their goggles in the pack around the buoys.  Arms get tangled and legs get pulled in the midst of a lot of kicking, thrashing and splashing.  Swimmers can get kicked, elbowed, bumped, pulled, banged, kneed, cut off, scratched and jostled at the turns, especially if swimmers are asked to make U-turns or 90° turns.

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Feeding During Longer Swims

In most open water swims, feeding and hydration are not absolutely necessary, especially when the race is under 3.1 miles (or 5 kilometers).  However, in case of swims longer than 5K, hydration and feeding are an essential element of success.

Feeding and Hydration: What and When
A 5K race can take between 50-60 minutes, depending on the conditions.  A 10K race will take between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours.  A 25K race can take between 5 and 7 hours.  Swimmers take a wide variety of liquids and gel packs during races above 5K.

Liquids include Gatorade, flavored water or water.  Food includes primarily gel packs, although a variety of foods are also occasionally consumed in races longer than 10K.

Sometimes, especially in major races, feeding stations are provided along race course.   Feeding stations can be a dock, a pier, an anchored boat or floating pontoons.  However, in cases where escort boats are not allowed or feeding stations are few and far between, swimmers are recommended to take gel packs in their swim suits to use during the races above 5K.  At least two gel packs are recommended just in case one gel pack is lost or yanked off by another swimmer, or a feeding is missed at one of the feeding stations.

The gel packs can be stuffed in one’s swim suit, but the sharp edges of the packaging should be cut and rounded so the edges do not cut into one’s skin.  The gel packs should be placed so the gel packs do not rub and are easy to grab while swimming.  The swimmers should feel comfortable and be able to grab the gel packs (preferably) with their writing or strong hand.  This may take some practice.

The gel packs should be prepared by “pre-slitting”.  That is, the gel packs may be difficult to open in the water with wet hands during a race.  Therefore, a small incision can be made before the race so the gel pack can be opened immediately.  Even if a little bit of the contents leaks during the race, it is much preferable to easily open a gel pack rather than struggling with the gel pack during a race.

In cases where feeding stations are available, swimmers do not have to stop at the feeding stations, although it is advisable.  Some swimmers do not stop at the feeding station because they are not close enough to their coach due to the number of swimmers in a large pack or because it is part of their strategy.  However, in these cases, these swimmers will take their own gel packs at their convenience somewhere along the course.

Feeding Mechanics
Feeding can be described in four stages as the swimmers come in and out of the feeding area:

In the Seek and Spot stage, the swimmers should spot their coach on the feeding station when they approach.  Many coaches will tie their country flag or special markings at the end of their feeding stick.  Because some feeding stations can get very crowded with many coaches, coaches can wear clothing that stands out from their coaching colleagues in order to help make them more visible to their swimmers in the water.

In the Reach and Roll stage, swimmers grab their cup or bottle from the feeding stick and reach for the top of the cup.  The palm of their hand places over the cup help keeps the liquid in the cup when the cup is removed from the feeding stick. 

In the Gulp and Go stage, swimmers should swallow quickly and then continue swimming, ideally within 2-3 strokes and within 3 seconds.  As the swimmer rolls over on their back and quickly drinks from the cup, they should continue kicking so their momentum is not lost.  Swimmers drink what they can and quickly take off.  While it is advisable to drink everything in the cup or bottle, there is no need to worry about drinking every last drop.  If the swimmer only drinks half of what is offered, this will often be enough. 

Sometimes, cups are inadvertently overturned by other swimmers as the swimmers pass through the feeding station.  If a swimmer’s cup is overturned, the swimmer should simply continue to swim and take his or her gel pack sometime later in the race.

In the Toss and Turn stage, the swimmer can and should quickly discard the cup and turn over on their back.  It is acceptable to simple drop the cup.  It is not necessary to toss the cup back to the coach.  As the swimmer turns over on his or her back, they can take a quick look forward to help decide where to swim. 

Feeding Sticks and Cup
Coaches use feeding sticks of various types and lengths.  Coaches must hold their position on the feeding station while they very carefully steady themselves on the occasionally slippery surface.  If the feeding station is crowded, then each coach feeds his or her swimmer when they come into the feeding station and then graciously move aside after their swimmer has been fed.

If a coach falls into the water, then his or her swimmer will be disqualified, so non-slip shoes are recommended.  Sometimes, the feeding stations are floating pontoons in the ocean or large lakes where the coaches must wear life jackets due to local laws.

Coaches must communicate quickly and briefly to their swimmers at the feeding stations.  For example, “You’re third – looking good!” or “25 meters ahead of the pack” is generally the limit of what can be said because the swimmers have very little time to listen.

After the swimmers have left the feeding station, coaches may want to talk to their team members at the finish or spectator areas via radio or cell phone.

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Racing Strategies

NOTE: There are numerous racing strategies and tactics to use in a race.  Many of these strategies and tactics are dependent on one’s goals and level of experience.  The strategies and tactics explained below are for the experienced swimmer who wishes to be highly competitive with their peers.

Race strategy is often dictated by one’s competitors, the venue and the water conditions.  However, the classic race strategy is at once simple and difficult to execute. 

The best open water swimmers have a combination of great endurance and sprint speed along with a high navigational IQ and are savvy racers.

In races between 1K and 10K, the world’s best swimmers are always in the lead pack, jabbing and fading like a skilled boxer.  They rarely lead the race and always drafts inches from their competitors.  Because they are drafting so close to their competitors, they infrequently lift their heads to look forward.  They are also masters of fast and efficient feedings at the feeding stations or while taking gel packs from their swim suits. 

Once the lead pack starts to thin out and separate itself from the rest of the competitors towards the last half of the race, the world’s most experienced swimmers move up to the second, third or fourth position, never much more than a body length from the leader. 

There are occasions when leading a pack is advantageous.  For example, if the pace is too fast, a swimmer can literally slow down the entire pack by sprinting into the lead…and then slowing down.  In most cases, the pack will slow down with the lead swimmer, who can then relinquish the lead to his or her competitors.

In a 10K race, after the 8K mark, if any swimmer makes a break, the best instinctively follow, hanging on right behind their competitor’s feet or immediately somewhere off to the side between their hips and feet.  

At the end, as the remaining lead swimmer or swimmers approach the last turn buoy, the best open water swimmers move into position to take the lead.  Either right before or immediately after the last turn buoy, they step up their pace to either take the lead or swim right next to the leader.  Then, because they have conserved more energy than their competitors throughout the race, they have the energy to begin a final kick, often brushes up against their competitors until they can “break” their competitors.

Race strategy in open water swimming involves a variety of issues that may not be readily apparent to the pool swimmer.  For example, in large domestic races or in major international races, there may be a flotilla of boats – official’s boats, escort boats and media boats – around the swimmers throughout the race.  Many of these boats emit exhaust and create waves that can be irritating to the swimmers.  They can also block the view of turn buoys and finish lines. 

After the start, packs will form immediately.  The top swimmers know where their top competitors are.   While it is important to draft, there are also limited instances where leading is a necessary race tactic.  For example, if the pace is too fast, some swimmers have sprinted to the lead of the pack…and then slowed down to purposefully slow down the entire group’s pace.    

Another key tactic that is difficult for many newcomers to learn is how to avoid getting boxed in between swimmers to the left, right, front or rear.  Once a swimmer is boxed in, his or her ability to break free and keep up with a breakaway swimmer is significantly reduced.

Race strategy also involves self-protection in open water races.  Swimmers must be careful of flying elbows and competitors bumping against each other.  The best swimmers stay calm and move into a better position within the group rather than retaliate.  However, for many swimmers, the first instinct is to fight back.  Resist this instinct and focus on your goal.

The pace will significantly increase in the second half of race.  Sometimes, two or more packs form.   If two packs form, swim with the faster pack even if you do not know which pack has the best line to the finish. 

Referee boats will be visible throughout the race.  Swimmers may hear the referee whistle and point to swimmers who are in violation of race rules.  

Each race will vary in its rules and how these rules are interpreted.  At the highest levels, rules are strictly enforced and several referees will be on the race course.

For example, in major international competitions, the Head Referee will frequently blow a shrill whistle when competitors jostle each other.  The whistle is only a warning.  If there is a more serious infraction, the Referee will issue a yellow card.  The Referee will write the name of the swimmer who committed the infraction on a white board and will hold up a yellow card.  This is a serious warning, but it is no reason to slow down or give up one’s position in the pack.

If there is a serious infraction, then the Referee will write the name of the swimmer who committed the infraction on white board and hold up a red card.  A red card means the swimmer is immediately disqualified. 

What actions lead to red cards?  The official FINA rule is as follows: Obstructing, interfering with or making intentional contact with another swimmer shall, if in the opinion of the Referee deemed to be “unsporting”, will lead to disqualification whether made by a swimmer or their escort safety craft. 

Practically, this means anything like punching, elbowing or pulling on the legs or body of a competitor leads to an immediate disqualification.  Also, swimming another swimmer off-course or purposefully spilling their water cups are other examples of serious infractions.

Because there is so much physical contact between swimmers in open water swimming, one good prevention measure is to put a light amount of Vaseline on one’s ankles, lower legs and shoulders before the race.  This Vaseline will help ward off other swimmers from effectively grabbing other’s ankles, legs and arms.   

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Navigation Techniques

Great open water swimmers either have – or develop – a high navigational IQ.  Navigational IQ refers to the ability for a swimmer to swim the fastest course in an open water race.  But, the fastest course may not always be the straightest course, depending on the currents, waves and surface chop. 

Additionally, navigational IQ refers to the ability to know not only where the competition is, but also the distance to the next turn buoy, distance to next feeding station, the remaining distance to the finish, and the effect of any currents waves, wind and surface chop.

For example, if the ocean winds are blowing strongly towards the shoreline, then an experienced swimmer will expect that the turn buoys will be slightly off course and will swim accordingly.

This need to be fully aware of the surroundings requires swimmers to occasionally raise their heads to look ahead.  But, looking ahead must be done within the natural rhythm of the stroke, without letting the hips drop too much. 

Sometimes, it is difficult to know where one is or where one should swim due to the glare of the sun, currents or a boat blocking one’s line of sight or waves.  In those cases, the swimmer should make reasonable judgments where to swim based on their competitors to their right, left and in front of them.

Drafting is a key element in racing: the closer the swimmers are to their competition, the more energy they can save for the sprint at the end of the race.  Drafting wisely means swimmers are close enough to touch their competitor’s feet if they are swimming behind them or close enough to touch their swim suit if swimming side-by-side.

The importance and benefits of drafting cannot be overemphasized.  Swimming alone in an open water race is almost never advisable unless a swimmer has broken from the lead pack and is sprinting alone first to the finish.

Sometimes, swimmers cannot see landmarks because there are too many escort or official’s boats in the way.  In that case, swimmers can look at the boats and swim in the same direction as the bow (or front part) of these boats.   Generally, the pilots of boats along the course will be aiming either for the turn buoys or the finish point.  Therefore, following their line of sight is general an excellent guide for open water swimmers.

For the uninitiated pool swimmer, open water races can present an intimidating challenge. No longer are you safely bounded by pool walls and guided by black lines on the pool bottom, but are instead navigating in the vast expanse of water under variable conditions. The ability to swim straight in the open water is usually difficult to master.

Open water navigational skills also include head lifting and bilateral breathing and may take a few years to develop.  By lifting one’s head during the normal breathing pattern and taking frequent sightings of the race course, a swimmer can make directional adjustments and swim a generally straight line. The frequency of head lifting depends on the conditions of the water, the swimmer’s familiarity with the course, one’s natural ability to swim straight, and the number of experienced swimmers in the general vicinity.

Swimmers may have to lift their head every 20-30 strokes if there are large waves, heavy surface chop or strong cross currents. If swimmers are familiar with the course and can swim straight, then quick infrequent glances forward should be sufficient.  If a swimmer is drafting off experienced swimmers, they may be able to take even fewer sightings.

In every case, head lifting should be efficiently incorporated with one’s breathing cycle and natural swimming stroke in order to save time and energy. There is no need to lift one’s head once to breathe and then another time to navigate.

In the "look-and-breathe" style, a swimmer should first lift their head forward to look, then turn their head to the side to breathe. In the contrasting "breathe-and-look" style, a swimmer will first take a breath to the side, then turn his or her head forward to look.  Both styles work best if the swimmer lift their head only high enough for their eyes to clear the surface of the water. If a
wave or another swimmer blocks one’s view when the head is lifted, take another quick look after a few strokes.  It is not recommended to swim head-up like a water polo player, struggling to find the correct course.  R