Ocean swimming is undoubtedly a challenge, both physically and mentally, but it’s an awesome experience too.
I would class myself as an okay swimmer – certainly not strong but I play a lot of sport and that has helped. I swam from a young age but never that well, and was always on the weaker end of average. When a friend asked me to do a 1km ocean race in Sydney with two weeks to prep, I enthusiastically agreed without really thinking. Trademark me. Thankfully it was alright but before I did my second one I definitely did a bit more work!
How much prep do I need to do?
If you are a reasonable swimmer and relatively fit, you’ll get away with very little preparation for a 1km. I was in this boat. I certainly wasn’t fast but to be frank completing was top priority. I also found that there really is a vast range of abilities at these swims and I ended up finishing middle of the pack.
What stroke should I swim?
My strongest stroke is front crawl or freestyle by a country mile but depending on the conditions I switch between this and breaststroke. Breaststroke is slower (or at least for me) but I find it easier to know where I’m going and to get more air in. It has the added advantage that I’m looking forward and not down and therefore not wondering what’s beneath me..
Do I need special kit?
No, generally speaking your normal swimmers will be absolutely fine. Most races have a wetsuit policy and through the Summer months you can’t wear them. For women it’s common to wear a one piece of crop top style bikini – definitely avoid anything that might come loose on the swim.
For men, any type of trunks go. My partner swims in board shorts but most people will wear a budgie smuggler type pair.
Usually you’ll be provided with a race cap for the day to help know which category you’re in/ your starting wave and for visibility in the water. Beyond this, a decent pair of goggles will see you through. Make sure they’re done up well in case you get caught my a cheeky wave on the way out or in! I’ve recently bought a new pair and would recommend the Speedo Biofuse’s (I have an old model because they were on sale..) if you’re looking.
Can I wear fins?
Check the T&Cs of you event but often you are allowed them, you just won’t be in the run for the prizes. You do generally have to give advance notice if you’re planning to wear fins/ flippers.
Race day tactics/ top tips
These are more recommendations than “tactics” but I hope they help:
- Watch the fast wave
If there’s an elite or fast wave that goes before you, watch where they swim. They will likely know the most efficient route to use, taking the rip is available and avoiding slow patches - Let the faster swimmers go
Unless you’re speedy yourself, I’d recommend letting the faster swimmers go. It’s not fun having people try to swim over you or around you, particularly when you’re not used to it. - Remember to breathe out regularly
This sounds daft but someone mentioned this at the start of my race and it was genuinely helpful. You won’t forget to breathe in regularly, but remembering to breathe out was a different matter, often quickly having to breathe out when I needed to breathe in. When I swim normally this isn’t something I forget, but during my race apparently it was! - Don’t overthink it
Let’s face it, the ocean can be scary. I take a dip every day and it still plays on my mind that I don’t know what is swimming with me. Generally ocean races are run by surf life saving groups or similar and you’ll be well supported. Focus on the job at hand and in the words of Dory “Just keeping swimming!”. - Swim your first race with a friend who will swim roughly at your pace
If it’s your first race, see if you can find a friend to go with you. I’ve swam both of my races with friends and it was a massive comfort, and made the experience all the more sweet. - Practice your entry and exit
The waves can be a real help or a real hindrance! You really do need to attack them to get out otherwise you could end up wasting a lot of energy early on for little gain. - Enter late
This is a personal thing; some people like to have a date locked in while others like to see the conditions. Most swims will stay open until the day, with on the day entries subject to availability. You may pay a slightly higher fee but you have the benefits of knowing what the conditions will be like. My second swim was in absolutely horrible conditions which was okay as I had done one before but it would not have been welcomed for my first swim!
Good luck and if in doubt, just keep swimming!