GET READY FOR OPEN WATER IN THE POOL

Nervous about returning to open water? Or just keen to get ajump on your training? Then there’s plenty you can do inthe swimming pool nowto prepare...

- HELEN WEBSTER

Open-water swimming season may feel a long way away as this issue hits the shelves. After all, February is usually the coldest month in UK waters, the domain of hardcore dippers and folk who do things like swim the Channel and carry pickaxes around to make holes in ice.

In reality though, things will soon start to warm up between now and Easter, and triathletes will typically head back to outdoor swimming from about April, with races starting in late May/early June. Smaller lakes and bodies of water will heat up quite quickly, too, once the days lengthen and air temps rise.

For now, most of you will still be doing the majority of your training in the pool and as the key to staying safe in cold water is to keep it short, that’s the correct thing to do if you’re looking for a decent chunk of training. But if you begin working on some open-water skills now, you’ll be in a much better position when it’s time to head outdoors again. Over the next few pages, we identify the three key areas to focus on based on your ability and experience, with something for everyone to incorporate. Ready? Let’s go…

BEGINNER

OPEN-WATER SWIMMER 

Heading into your first season as an open-water swimmer? Then you may be feeling a little anxious. But don’t worry, here’s where to start… 

BEGINNER SKILL #1

R E L A X