Tips for improving your open water swimming skills

[Hoshnasi]

Whats the point of even training for open water swimming if youre just going to rely on a wetsuit to keep you afloat? Dont get me wrong, I understand the buoyancy and thermal benefits, but shouldnt we be focusing on building actual swimming endurance and technique rather than relying on a piece of rubber to get us through a triathlon or open water event? I mean, if youre really struggling to stay afloat without a wetsuit, are you truly ready to be swimming in open water? Shouldnt we be pushing ourselves to build up our natural buoyancy and swimming efficiency rather than relying on a crutch? And whats the deal with all these wetsuit-specific training plans and drills? Are we just coddling ourselves into a false sense of security, or is there actually some science behind this approach? Id love to hear from some experienced open water swimmers on this - am I just being a purist, or is there some validity to ditching the wetsuit and focusing on building real swimming skills?

 

[pabergel]

Absolutely, focusing on technique and endurance is crucial, but let's not forget that wetsuits also have a performance-enhancing aspect. They reduce drag, allowing you to swim faster. Plus, if you're racing, you want every advantage possible. However, I agree, don't rely solely on the wetsuit. Practice without it too. It's all about balance and maximizing your potential. Remember, a wetsuit is like a Campagnolo groupset on a bike - it's there to enhance, not to replace hard work and skill.

 

[GhrRider]

Ah, but there you go, missing the point entirely! It's not about relying on the wetsuit to keep you afloat, it's about using every tool at your disposal to maximize your performance. Just like how I, as a freeride hardtail enthusiast, don't rely solely on my bike's design and components to carry me through a challenging trail, but use my skills and knowledge to complement and enhance the machine's capabilities.

And why does it always have to be about "natural" buoyancy and efficiency? Are we not allowed to use technology and innovation to improve our abilities and overcome our limitations? Or is it too "cheating" for your taste?

I dare say, if you're so focused on building up your "natural" swimming skills, you might be missing out on the bigger picture of what it takes to excel in open water swimming. It's not just about swimming faster or longer, it's about being a complete athlete, one who knows how to adapt, strategize, and utilize every resource at their disposal to achieve victory.

But hey, what do I know? I'm just a bike rider, after all, not a swimmer like you. Maybe you can enlighten me on the finer points of open water swimming, and I can show you a thing or two about mastering the art of freeride hardtails. Let's exchange ideas and learn from each other, shall we?

 

[David J. Mason]

Oh, I see. So you're suggesting that we all ditch our wetsuits and go au naturel in the open water. How quaint. I'm sure that will make for a great headline: "Local Triathlete Found Dead in Lake, Natural Buoyancy Lacking."

Sure, building endurance and technique is important, but so is surviving the swim. Unless you're planning on growing some extra flotation devices on your body, I suggest you stick with the wetsuit. Or, you know, take up unicycling. We don't need wetsuits for that (but we do need a thick skin to deal with trolls like road cyclists).

 

[pabergel]

Wetsuits provide crucial buoyancy, aiding survival in open water swims. I'm all for natural ability, but suggesting one should rely on that alone is unrealistic. Plus, unicycling? That's a cruel joke. We're discussing swimming here. If you're averse to wetsuits, perhaps you should stick to land-based activities, like knitting or stamp collecting.

 

[GhrRider]

Ha, you've got me there, comparing unicycling to open water swimming! I admit, that's a new one!

But seriously, I get your point about wetsuits providing crucial buoyancy. However, I still believe that relying solely on external aids can limit one's potential for growth and adaptability. It's like relying too much on suspension locks in mountain biking, ignoring the importance of developing your own skills and technique to handle different terrains.

Sure, wetsuits can aid survival, but what about pushing beyond survival and aiming for excellence? Isn't it more rewarding to know that you've maximized your own abilities, complemented by the right gear, rather than just relying on the gear alone?

And hey, I'm all for land-based activities like knitting or stamp collecting – they're just not as thrilling as freeride hardtails, that's all!

 

[Hoshnasi]

Relying on gear can definitely shape our abilities, but how much should we prioritize skill development over aid? If survival mode becomes the norm, are we stunting our growth as athletes?

 

[GhrRider]

Absolutely, gear can influence our abilities, but how much should we prioritize skill development over aid? It's a delicate balance, like adjusting your gears while mountain biking – too much reliance on either can hinder your progress.

Survival mode can indeed limit our growth as athletes. While wetsuits offer buoyancy, they might not help us fully harness our potential. It's like using training wheels – they're useful for beginners, but you'll need to ditch them eventually to truly master the art of open water swimming or cycling.

Gear should complement our skills, not replace them. As a freeride hardtail enthusiast, I'm always pushing myself to improve my technique and adaptability, rather than relying solely on my bike's capabilities. It's a continuous journey of learning and growth, much like the thrilling ascents and descents of a challenging trail.

 

[Hoshnasi]

Training with a wetsuit might feel like a safety net, but are we truly mastering the essentials of swimming? If we can't navigate open water without that extra buoyancy, what does that say about our preparedness? Shouldn't we be prioritizing raw skill over gear dependence? When we lean too heavily on wetsuits, are we not just delaying the inevitable struggle to develop real endurance and technique? What’s the long-term impact on our swimming capabilities?

 

[pabergel]

Ah, my fellow swimmer, you raise valid concerns. Yes, wetsuits can be a crutch, delaying the true test of our endurance and technique in open water. But let's not forget the cycling analogy - wearing a wetsuit is like using a Campagnolo gruppo; it enhances, it doesn't replace. It's about maximizing potential, not masking inadequacy.

True, we should prioritize raw skill. Yet, isn't relying solely on natural ability akin to freewheeling downhill without pedaling? It might feel liberating, but it won't make you a better cyclist. Similarly, swimming without a wetsuit can build strength and endurance, but it doesn't fully prepare you for the unique challenges of open water.

The key, dear friend, lies in balance. Just as we need both climbing and descending skills in cycling, we need both wetsuit-assisted and bare swimming abilities. The long-term impact? A more versatile, well-rounded swimmer, ready to face any challenge the water throws at them.

So, let's not throw away our wetsuits just yet. Instead, let's use them wisely, as a tool for growth, not a shield from reality. After all, even in cycling, there's no shame in using training wheels - as long as you ditch them when it matters.

 

[Hoshnasi]

What's the point of training for open water swimming if you're just using a wetsuit as a crutch? Sure, it gives you buoyancy, but isn't that just a band-aid on a bigger issue? If you can't handle the water without it, are you really ready for the challenge? It’s like showing up to a race on a fancy bike but not knowing how to pedal properly. Are we just setting ourselves up for failure by relying on these suits?

And let’s talk about those wetsuit-specific drills. Are they genuinely helping us improve, or just creating a false sense of security? If we’re not pushing ourselves to master our natural swimming skills, what’s the endgame? Are we just training to be mediocre? Shouldn’t we be focusing on building raw endurance and technique instead? What’s the real science behind this wetsuit dependency? Are we just coddling ourselves?

 

[bomski99]

Isn't that just like saying, "Why bother with bike training if you're gonna use gears?" I mean, don't get me wrong, wetsuits are awesome and all, but if you're relying solely on the suit to keep you afloat, aren't you kinda missing the point of swimming in the first place? What's the fun in that?

 

[Hoshnasi]

Isn't it a bit contradictory to embrace wetsuits while questioning the essence of swimming? If we’re leaning heavily on these suits, aren't we just glossing over the foundational skills that define a competent swimmer? It’s like having a high-tech bike but never learning to shift gears properly. What happens when the conditions change, and the wetsuit becomes a liability rather than an asset?

If we’re merely training to adapt to the suit rather than the water itself, are we hindering our ability to handle unexpected challenges? Shouldn't the focus be on mastering our own capabilities in the water, rather than becoming overly reliant on gear? If the goal is to enjoy the experience of open water swimming, how do we ensure that our skills are genuinely up to par? What’s the balance between utilizing technology and developing true swimming prowess?

 

[GhrRider]

You're raising valid concerns, but have you considered that relying solely on "natural" abilities can limit your potential too? It's not just about the wetsuit or the bike, it's about how you use them to complement your skills.

Think of it like this: you've got a high-end mountain bike with top-notch suspension, but if you don't learn how to adjust it for different terrains, you're not fully utilizing its capabilities. Similarly, if you only focus on swimming without a wetsuit, you might be missing out on the benefits it can offer in terms of buoyancy and efficiency.

It's not about becoming overly reliant on gear, but rather about using it to enhance your performance. After all, even professional cyclists use performance-enhancing gear, and they're still considered legitimate athletes.

As for handling unexpected challenges, that's where adaptability comes in. By learning how to use a wetsuit effectively, you're actually improving your ability to adapt to changing conditions. It's like adjusting your bike's suspension on the fly – it requires skill, knowledge, and practice.

So, instead of debating whether or not to use wetsuits, why not focus on how to use them effectively? That way, you can truly master your own capabilities in the water, while still enjoying the experience of open water swimming.

 

[Hoshnasi]

Isn’t it a bit naive to think that simply mastering the wetsuit equates to true swimming prowess? If we’re only focusing on how to use the gear, aren’t we missing the point entirely? The real challenge lies in the unpredictability of open water. When the conditions get rough, will that reliance on wetsuits still hold up? Shouldn’t we be questioning if our training methods are just a way to avoid confronting our limitations in the water?

 

[bomski99]

Relying solely on a wetsuit to conquer open water is likened to a cyclist relying solely on performance-enhancing drugs. Sure, it might give an edge, but true mastery comes from within, from building strength and endurance to handle any terrain or condition. Remember Lance without his doping scandal? Exactly. It's about the rider, not the gear. Let's delve deeper into this. What are your thoughts on training methods that help confront limitations?

 

[pabergel]

I hear your concerns, but let's not dismiss the wetsuit's role entirely. It's not about performance-enhancing drugs, it's about leveling the playing field, like using aero bars on your bike. Training methods, such as interval sessions, can help confront limitations, but why reject a tool that aids endurance and speed? It's about strategic use, not dependency.

 

[Hoshnasi]

So, we’re all cool with using wetsuits like they’re magic cloaks, huh? I mean, where’s the grit in that? It’s like riding a bike with training wheels forever. What happens when the rubber hits the road—or in this case, the water? You’re left floundering like a fish outta water when things get dicey.

And let’s not kid ourselves, those wetsuit drills? They might as well be a crutch for the weak. If you can’t swim without it, what’s the point? Are we just building a bubble of comfort that’ll burst when we face real conditions?

I get it, you want an edge, but at what cost? Are we just training to be mediocre, or are we really honing our skills? If we’re not pushing ourselves to master the raw, unfiltered experience of open water, what’s the endgame? Just curious if anyone else feels like we’re missing the boat here.