Guide to Open Water Swimming: History and Tips

Open water swimming, also known as wild swimming, is a form of swimming that takes place outdoors, in oceans, lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water. Open water swimming is usually part of triathlons or marathon swims, but open water swimming isn’t just for professional athletes—it can be a great way to exercise. Open water swimming events do not usually require a specific style of swimming, however, most open water swimmers utilize the front crawl, which involves alternating reaching your left and right arms forward to push the water back and propel yourself forward, while simultaneously kicking your legs, usually in a flutter kick.

Professional open water swimming dates back thousands of years, with the first organized races occurring in Japan around 36 B.C.E.

• Lord Byron: Famed Romantic poet and politician Lord Byron is often credited with the start of modern open water swimming. He swam from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles (then known as the Hellespont) in 1810.
• Captain Matthew Webb: In 1875 Captain Matthew Webb became the first person to swim the English Channel. He failed to cross the Channel on his first attempt, but in his next, he accomplished the swim in 22 hours using the breaststroke. Since then, the English Channel has been crossed by almost 2,000 solo swimmers.
• Olympic Games: The earliest modern Olympic swimming races were held in Athens in 1896. Olympic swimming events all took place on the open water until 1908, when they switched to pools. In 2000, open water swimming returned to the Olympics with the first Olympic triathlon event in Sydney, Australia.
• FINA World Aquatics Championships: FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation, or International Federation of Swimming), run by the International Olympic Committee, first began featuring open water events in 1992.

Swimming in open water, without lanes, and for long distances, requires great training and technique. Most open water swimmers are versed in these five essential techniques.

1. 1. Front crawl: Most open water events allow swimmers to use whichever swimming technique they are most comfortable with. (The only swimming style not advised for open water races is backstroke, as being on your back doesn’t allow you to see the path ahead.) However, the front crawl (aka freestyle) is the most popular stroke as it allows the arms to generate more power. In the front crawl, swimmers typically flutter their legs, but reducing the number of kicks can help conserve energy.
2. 2. Sighting: There are no lane lines in open water swimming, so swimmers use a technique called sighting to swim in a straight line. This involves choosing a marker and continually looking up while swimming to make sure they are in line with the marker.
3. 3. Drafting: Though prohibited in many competitions, drafting involves following your competitor closely to reduce your water resistance.
4. 4. Turning: Instead of swimming shore-to-shore, many races use buoys as turn points. New open water swimmers can practice turning in a pool without letting your feet touch the ground or walls, before trying this in open water.
5. 5. Bilateral breathing: Most professional swimmers breathe on alternate sides, which involves rotating your head with your shoulders for each stroke and breathing in, and then breathing out while your head is submerged. It may not feel natural at first, so practice breathing in a pool before heading into the open water.

Whether you’re interested in casual open water swimming or have big dreams of swimming to Alcatraz in the San Francisco Bay or crossing the English Channel, there are a few universal tips.

1. 1. Don’t swim alone. Open water swimming can be dangerous, as the water’s temperament can change and overwhelm swimmers. Bring a friend so you have help if you find yourself in trouble.
2. 2. Find a swimming center. Consider joining an open water swimming center where you can train, find teachers, and make friends. Outdoor swimming centers can provide basic instruction, lifeguards, and routes.
3. 3. Get a wetsuit. If you’re serious about open water swimming and racing, a swimsuit isn't going to cut it. Neoprene wetsuits trap body heat, allowing you to tolerate cold water temperatures; increasing buoyancy; and protecting you from debris and animals found in the water. You may also consider investing in earplugs, keep the water out of your ears and prevent infections, and a swim cap retains the heat around your head and keeps hair out of your face. A colorful swim cap can also increase your visibility.
4. 4. Change your stroke to match the water. Unlike pool swimming, the open water changes, and you may have to deal with large waves or choppy water. While the front crawl is the most commonly used swim stroke, you may find other techniques, such as energy-conserving breaststroke or treading water—necessary to handle inclement weather or fatigue.

Swimming is a recreational activity, but also a lifesaving skill that requires full concentration, proper attire, and comprehensive safety measures. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional swimming lessons.

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