7 Things You Need For Your First Open Water Swim | Essential Tips For Open Water Swimming

If you’re intrigued about open water swimming but don’t really know where to start or you’re nervous about taking the plunge, then we have got 7 tips for that first open water swim!

Are you intrigued about open water swimming but don’t really know where to start or you’re nervous about taking the plunge?

It doesn't need to be complicated so Mark and Heather are here with 7 tips for that first open water swim!

If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍

Submit your content here:

Watch more on GTN...
📹 9 Open Water Swimming Tips | Swim Skills For Beginners

Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
Same Song - Damma Beatz
Ice Cream Social - Dylan Sitts
Eternal - _91nova

Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the best triathlon YouTube channel, with videos for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned Ironman racers to first-timers – and everyone in between.

With the help of our pro and Olympic medal winning team, we’re here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:

How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
Beat your PB with record-breaking expertise
Get the best from your bike and gear with pro-know-how
In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media every week

Join us on YouTube’s best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete.

Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.

Thanks to our sponsors:

[ngdawgs]

The ‘flipping to your back’ trick literally saved my tail during my first triathlon a few weeks ago. I experienced some panic early on, but I remembered this advice, and it totally helped me calm down. Oddly enough... probably one of the most relaxing moments I’ve ever experienced. I was able to finish my swim, and I’m now enjoying training in open water a bit more. Thank you both n GTN for all the great content!! 💪🏽

[Kadenbauer]

Had my first sprint last week. And it was great. It is such a difference between getting told how difficult a start and a swim can be in pack of triathletes and then experiencing it on your own. I got carried away by the speed of the field and had to fight a bit of exhaustion and panic around 2/3 of the distance. But I always kept telling myself: not today!
I switched to breast for some meters, calmed myself down and carried on. And damn, that felt good finishing it!

[LizaLavolta]

This has been my new favorite quarantine workout tbh. I am enjoying the local lakes and it's incredible

[mochidomo]

Heather casually wearing a Roka wetsuit in the intro then wearing an Orca suit when swimming 😅😂😂

[supreethvasisht]

I did my first open water swim for local triathlon event, 550m of pure joy and agony, murky water, coming out the last but one and feeling I have achieved something. My next goal apart from getting quicker is to do the olympic distance!

[zungagames]

Earplugs. I was on the swim team before my first open water swim and went in nothing but my speedo. Also did not openwater practice swims. Got totally off course (even though I finished 2nd - it was a fairly small race mind you) but the biggest thing I remember was being dizzy for 5 solid minutes. SO much so that my run up to the bike was ridiculously off balance and swaying all over the place. Luckily I was on a relay and just had to tag my biker, because I spent the next 5 minutes just getting my balance back. Now I swim with earplugs and no probs. I attribute it to my inexperience as well as not wearing earplugs in that colder water.

[steveosborne]

Have noticed that many Triathlons have open water training sessions leading up to the race. Highly recommend it for new Triathletes. Definitely helped me with my first ocean swim.

[panagiotispapakostas]

Nice video, well done!!! Continue like that!!!

[TheMichaelguerrero]

I just hit my first open water swim today and experienced everything explained here haha. cant wait till the next swim.great video

[charlieowen]

ooo thats vobster quay. I swim there and its so good. Maybe i’ll see you there. Good luck swimming guys. 🏊🏼‍♂️

[becmango]

Props to presenting while treading water! Thanks for the tips!

[melrichardson]

Thanks for the tips the more the better.

[peckymother]

I'm going for my first sea swim next week with the Felixstowe Swimming club and am looking forward to it. I've got a wetsuit and cap and float for safety as I'm concerned about getting cold and tired. Will let you know how it goes !!

[averagerunner_]

Trying open water swim for the first time this summer, thank you for this, rly enjoyed your video.

[ODYSSEYOpenWater]

Thanks for sharing! Just get out there and try it. Most swim groups have experienced swimmers and coaches who can get you up to speed and answer any of your questions.


If in the San Francisco area, make sure to check us out. We host weekly Berkeley swims throughout the year in addition to Alcatraz swims and other special events.

[mattbrownruns]

I just tried wild swimming yesterday, thanks GTN! I swam a part that was too far upstream. Yeah, it was shallow at points to say the least. I will choose another location a few miles away next time... It was incredible!

[Mint_Mushroom]

Some of these reccomendations happened intuitively with my first swim.

[neilshannon]

That water is so clear...
Looks beautiful!

[strikerone]

Had my first long distance open water swim last week. Amazing feeling when I finished.

[thanktheuniverse]

Great tips... I went into open water for the first time with all the kit and an experienced swimmer and still had a panic attack. It seems daft looking back. My suggestion is to get in slow, take a deep breath and breath with your face under. Don't worry about breaking up your stride between breast and front crawl. Ironically I found the further I swam the more relaxed I got.