Open water swimming is to pool swimming what trail running is to track running and can be a wonderful activity.
It is a chance to get out and simply enjoy your surroundings.
You can stretch out your stroke and get into a rhythm that you can't achieve when there are walls every 25 or 50 meters.
When swimming in salt water, particularly when wearing a wetsuit,
you will be lifted further out of the water.
The reach stroke needs to enter the water sooner, and body angle adjusted to compensate.
Also, far less use of the legs is required than would be the case for swimming in a pool.
Don't practice open water swimming alone.
No matter how good a swimmer you are you should never swim alone.
Swim with another person or swim at an area with a lifeguard.
In addition to safety having another person around can help with your technique.
Stay relaxed when you jump in.
Cold water can make you breathe more rapidly initially.
Simply relax while your body is adapts to the water temperature and with time it will adjust, usually after a minute.
Concentrate on breathing deeply or visualise yourself handling the swim calmly.
This will help you a lot.
The water between your skin and your clothes will warm up a bit after a while, especially if your wear waterproof clothes on top.
You lose one third of your heat through the head, so put your hood up.
Some swimmers like to use fins, hand paddles,
a variety of clothes, boots or socks, neoprene balaclava hats and wet suits,
especially during the colder weather if they want to spend more time in the water.
After your swim dress up warm and protect against windchill with an anorak or poncho.
Wind can cool you down fast.
