How does a beginner start outdoor swimming?
The rise in popularity of open water swimming has seen many celebrities and influencers sharing their out of this world open water experiences and we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to share in that joy! Or perhaps you’ve seen other people take on open water swimming and you’ve wondered about how liberating it must feel to glide smoothly through the icy waters like a pro. Swimming in a natural body of water is not only great for your mental and physical health, but it’s also totally exhilarating!
If you’re new to open water swimming, or even new to swimming in general, the idea of going outdoor swimming might feel intimidating. But, like anything else, it’s all just a matter of confidence and finding your feet. At Straight-line Swimming it’s our goal to empower the world to swim outdoors so here’s our quick three step guide to swimming for beginners.
- Take lessons or find a class
Whether you’re coming at it as a head out of the water, breaststroke swimmer or can already swim pretty well, lessons are a great way to build your confidence. Finding a coach will help you improve your technique which in turn will make you feel more at ease in the water. If you’re looking to try open water swimming for the first time, then finding a group class or a coach will make the first time feel far less daunting. Our Straight-Line Swimming membership comes with a handy coach-finder, so is a great place to start.
- Choose surroundings that make you feel safe
This will be different for everyone and if you’re a total beginner to swimming then you may wish to use a pool on the first occasion. Whether it’s a pool, a lake or the ocean, ignore the adage of ‘sink or swim’ and don’t ‘throw yourself in at the deep end’. Use the shallows and get used to the water slowly. You don’t even need to swim at first. ‘Dipping’ is a rising niche in the world of open water swimming, so just take a paddle and see how you feel.
- Get the right kit
Having the right gear and knowing how to use it can give you a sense of confidence and comfort when you’re just starting out. These things aren’t vital but they are practical as they will not only put you at ease but they’re also likely to be things you’ll want to invest in at some point anyway.
A really good pair of goggles is a great place to start; keeping water out of your eyes will instantly help you to feel more relaxed as it’s one less thing to worry about. Likewise, a swimming cap will keep your hair out of your face and also means that it stays dry. If you are swimming outdoors, you may want to invest in a wetsuit but if you just want to try it out, there are plenty of places where you can hire them. Finally, a warm jacket for after your session in the open water will always be high on our list of kit. Even if it’s a sunny day, it’s still possible to catch a chill once you’ve left the water.