Let’s be honest, open water swimming isn’t just about serene glides across a glassy lake. It’s a wild, unpredictable adventure. And in this adventure, there are dragons. Well, not dragons, but something arguably more territorial and definitely more likely to hiss at you: swans.
I know for a fact that some of you have had… close encounters… with these feathered torpedoes. You’ve been in race mode, only to look up and see a grumpy bird that refuses to yield the racing line. So, how do you prepare for the unpredictable, be it a rogue wave, a crowded turning buoy, or a swan that woke up on the wrong side of the nest?
You master the basics. Here’s how a few essential open water skills can help you navigate everything the open water (and its angriest residents) throws at you.
1. Getting Comfy in a Wetsuit (aka Your Body Armour)
The Swan-Proof Reason: Think of your wetsuit as your personal suit of armour. It’s your first line of defence against the cold, and more importantly, against the passive-aggressive glare of a territorial swan. A good wetsuit says, “I am a serious swimmer, not a giant, slow-moving piece of bread.” It’s your rubber shield against the forces of nature.
The Sensible Reason: Beyond swan-proofing, your wetsuit provides critical buoyancy and warmth. Getting comfortable in it before race day is crucial to avoid the dreaded chafing and feeling of restriction. A good fit helps lift your legs to the surface, improving your body position and reducing drag. It also keeps your core temperature stable in chilly water, allowing you to conserve energy and swim stronger for longer. A poor fitting wetsuit is one of many beginner mistakes.
2. Sighting (So You Can See Them Coming)
The Swan-Proof Reason: Why is sighting important? Simple. So you can see the feathered heat-seeking missiles coming at you. A swan on a mission has a very specific flight (or swim) path, and it’s usually aimed directly at your goggles. Regular sighting allows you to spot them early, assess their intent, and take evasive action. It’s your early-warning system.
The Sensible Reason: In reality, sighting is your GPS. It’s the single most important skill for swimming straight. Without it, you could be adding hundreds of metres to your swim by veering off towards the wrong buoy, a support kayak, or a distant, unamused fisherman. Practicing a quick, efficient “crocodile eye” peek every 6-10 strokes will help you swim the shortest, smartest line possible, saving you precious energy and time.
3. Turning (The Art of the Tactical Retreat)
The Swan-Proof Reason: A swan has appeared off your port bow, hissing gentle encouragement! What do you do? You execute a sharp, efficient turn. It’s the aquatic equivalent of a tactical retreat. A swift, powerful turn around a buoy can be your saving grace, leaving the feathered fiend to contemplate its life choices as you accelerate away into clear water.
The Sensible Reason: Sharp turns are a massive advantage in any race. They allow you to maintain momentum, navigate a crowded space, and accelerate away from the pack. Instead of coming to a dead stop at the buoy, you can use it as a pivot point to sling-shot yourself forward. Practicing your turns helps you navigate the course smoothly and can put you seconds, or even minutes, ahead of less agile swimmers.
4. Drafting (Using a Friend as a Human Shield)
The Swan-Proof Reason: This is the most cunning tactic in the swan-evasion playbook. Drafting is the art of using another swimmer as a human shield. Why face the wrath of the swan yourself when ‘Dave from accounting’ in the bright pink swim cap can take one for the team? You swim comfortably in his wake, protected, conserving energy, and silently thanking him for his sacrifice. It’s teamwork! (Dave doesn’t need to know he’s the bait). This probably isn’t the reason for having a race day plan though!
The Sensible Reason: All jokes aside, drafting is a legitimate and essential open water skill. Swimming directly behind or alongside another swimmer can reduce your water resistance by up to 21%. This allows you to conserve a huge amount of energy that you can then unleash on the bike and run. It’s the definition of swimming smarter, not harder, and is crucial for racing success.
So, there you have it. Four essential skills to make you a more confident, efficient, and, most importantly, swan-proof swimmer. Now get out there and practice. Just, you know, keep an eye out for the locals.
Reading all this is probably one of the reasons you hate swimming, but so did our athlete Abbie. You should check out her story to prove to yourself that there is more in you!
