What it is about open water (OW) that causes some folks anxiety? The darkness? That there’s no floor to stand on? The fish? Yes, all of these reasons are valid. But I truly believe that the stress people feel in OW has more to do with trust (or lack thereof) in their own swimming abilities. Simply put, better open water swimming comes from trust in your ability to adjust your swim technique to whatever the situation requires.
If a swimmer has full control over their stroke, their breathing rate & their energy output, then they will feel much more confident in their ability to adapt to whatever the situation requires. Sun in your eyes on the right side? No problem – breathe left. Goggles fill up with water? No problem – tread water & empty them out. Heart rate starts to get a bit too high? No problem – roll to your back to relax. Can’t see the buoys easily? No problem – do a bit of breaststroke to better sight them.
This is why I’m so proud of Melissa Thayer. She decided that her swim skills needed to expand in order to boost her OW confidence. And she’s rockin’ each & every new skill that comes her way. Way to go, Melissa! I know your next OW experience will be so much better!
In Melissa’s own words:
“I grew up terrified of water & could only ‘dog paddle’ in the shallows. In college I signed up for a swim class that had a prereq of swimming 150 m. I assumed that meant doggie-paddling. But, of course, they meant freestyle!
To pass the prereq I quickly learned the basics…and also learned that swimming…at least pool swimming…could be lots of fun. With a bit of swimming success under my belt I signed up for a pool-based triathlon & won my age group! I planned on doing several more tri’s, but several moves, 3 pregnancies & career changes interfered.
Now, 13 yrs later, I’m ready to try swimming & tri’s again! This time, however, I knew I’d need to overcome my fear of open water (OW). I went back to the pool & despite having minimal technique, it felt great. With my confidence boosted I tried swimming at Priest Lake only to find that I was still very scared of the rocks & the drop-off.
I had already signed up for the Priest Lake Triathlon so I figured I would just close my eyes until I passed the drop-off. But, when I put my face in the water on race day, I experienced a full-blown panic attack. I couldn’t breathe or think straight. I did the only thing I knew to do…doggie paddle…all 500 m of the race! I finished the triathlon, but knew it was time to get help.
I decided to join Coach Michelle’s Back-to-Basics swim group. Since I’ve never had any technique instruction, every little adjustment feels like a breakthrough! I love the sensation of stretching out in the water & gliding. I feel as though it is as close as a human can get to flying!
I look forward to every session & can’t wait to see where these new skills take me. My ultimate goal is to do the 2025 Ironman 70.3 Boise & I’m confident that my newfound swim skills will help me be a successful OW swimmer!”
If you’re ready to get more comfortable in open water, click here to learn about Swim Lessons & here for info on Coaching options.