Open water swimming is a unique and exhilarating experience that offers a sense of freedom and connection with nature. However, it can also be intimidating, especially for those accustomed to the controlled environment of a swimming pool. The vastness of open water, the unpredictability of the conditions, and the unfamiliarity with the surroundings can all contribute to a sense of fear. Fortunately, with the right approach and preparation, you can conquer this fear and enjoy the many benefits of open water swimming. Here’s a professional guide to help you get started.

1. Acknowledge and Understand Your Fear

The first step in overcoming any fear is to understand its root causes. Common fears associated with open water swimming include:

• Unknown Depths: The inability to see or touch the bottom can be unsettling.
• Marine Life: The thought of encountering fish, plants, or other marine creatures can cause anxiety.
• Environmental Conditions: Waves, currents, and cold water are often sources of concern.
• Limited Visibility: Murky water can obscure your vision and heighten your sense of vulnerability.

Recognizing these fears as natural and common is the first step towards overcoming them.

2. Gradual Exposure and Building Confidence

Start by swimming in smaller, more controlled open water environments, such as a calm lake or a sheltered bay. These settings are less intimidating and can help you build confidence gradually. As you become more comfortable, you can progress to larger and more challenging bodies of water.

3. Swim with a Companion

Having a swimming buddy can significantly boost your confidence and sense of security. Consider joining a local open water swimming group or club. These communities offer a supportive environment and can provide valuable tips and encouragement.

4. Master Breathing Techniques

Effective breathing techniques are crucial for managing anxiety. Practice rhythmic breathing exercises both on land and in the water. Techniques such as deep belly breathing and controlled exhalation can help you stay calm and focused. Incorporate these exercises into your regular swim training to make them second nature.

5. Equip Yourself with the Right Gear

Investing in the appropriate gear can enhance your comfort and safety:

• Wetsuit: A wetsuit provides buoyancy and thermal insulation, making you feel more secure and warm.
• Brightly Colored Swim Cap: A brightly colored cap increases your visibility to others, enhancing safety.
• High-Quality Goggles: Good goggles improve visibility and protect your eyes from saltwater or chlorinated water.
• Swim Buoy: Greatly increases your visibility to others in the lake, especially to those operating watercraft.

6. Familiarize Yourself with the Environment

Take time to explore and understand the swimming area before getting in the water. Walk along the shore, observe the conditions, and identify any potential hazards. Familiarity with the environment can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control.

7. Set Achievable Goals

Start with short swim distances and gradually increase them as your confidence grows. Setting realistic and achievable goals for each swim session helps you track your progress and stay motivated.

8. Focus on Technique

Improving your swimming technique can significantly boost your confidence and efficiency in the water. Work on your stroke, body position, and kicking to become a more proficient swimmer. Consider taking lessons or seeking advice from experienced open water swimmers to refine your skills.

9. Visualization and Positive Thinking

Visualization is a powerful tool in overcoming fear. Before your swim, take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine yourself swimming calmly and confidently. Picture the sensation of the water, the rhythm of your strokes, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel. Positive visualization can help reduce anxiety and prepare your mind for a successful swim.

10. Maintain a Positive Attitude and Patience

Overcoming the fear of open water swimming is a journey that requires time and perseverance. Stay positive, be patient with yourself, and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Remember, every accomplished swimmer started somewhere, and with determination, you too can conquer your fears.

Open water swimming offers a unique and rewarding experience that goes beyond the pool. By understanding your fears, taking gradual steps, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can overcome your anxiety and enjoy the incredible freedom and beauty that open water swimming has to offer.

If you’re gearing up for an event like the Kerrville Triathlon, conquering your fear of open water swimming will not only prepare you for the race but also enhance your overall triathlon experience. Kerrville’s stunning course, with its inviting waters and scenic surroundings, is the perfect setting to put your new skills to the test. Dive in, embrace the adventure, and look forward to the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering both the open water and the triathlon course. See you at the finish line!

Largest participant field in history gathers for The Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas

The Kerrville Triathlon Festival marked its 12th year this past weekend on September 23-24, 2023. A record setting 2,100 triathletes from 27 states, an all-time high for the event, flocked to the scenic backdrop of Kerrville, Texas. As with previous years, the breathtaking course featured swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the iconic Texas Hill Country, and running along the picturesque Guadalupe River. 

The sold out Kerrville Triathlon Expo served as the starting point of the weekend, where participants picked up their race packets. The festival had races spanning across both Saturday and Sunday, starting with the Rookie and Sprint Distance events on Saturday. The event saw more than 350 volunteers, each receiving a special appreciation package, contributing to the success of the festival.

“We’re immensely proud of how the Kerrville Triathlon Festival has grown over the years,” said race director Stacy Keese. “The record turnout this year underscores the appeal of the sport and the allure of the Kerrville scenery. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional experience for participants, and it’s heartening to see this sentiment reflected in the growing numbers.”

Post-race, participants reveled in the offerings of fajitas, refreshments, and cold beer from EIGHT beer. They also had the chance to unwind in the soothing waters of the Guadalupe River. To keep the momentum going for the next year, Kerrville Tri announced special Launch pricing for 2024, available until October 10th.

Stewart Mickler, who also led each day’s warm up as part of the Austin Tri Club, shared, “Each year, the Kerrville Triathlon outdoes itself. The organization, the course, the community support – it’s truly unparalleled.”

The champions for this year’s events are as follows:

Rookie Distance: Alex Flynn secured the top spot for men with a time of 01:09:15, while Mary Nunnally led the women, finishing in 01:12:07.

Sprint Distance: Ben Rawson took the title for men in 01:05:20, with Anjelica Barrientos clinching the women’s title in 01:09:17.

Quarter Distance: Michael Neugebauer and Desiree Wells were victorious in the men’s and women’s categories with times of 02:23:29 and 02:29:53, respectively.

Half Distance: William Flynn dominated with a time of 03:58:00, and Sierra Snyder Elcock reigned supreme for the women in 04:39:29.

The Kerrville Triathlon wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kerrville Parks and Recreation, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, our wonderful volunteers and sponsors including Peterson Health, H-E-B, GU Energy Labs, Nuun Hydration, evamor, Fleet Feet Austin, EIGHT Light Larger, Super Coffee, Texas Drain Specialist, Jack and Adam’s Bicycles Fredericksburg, Mamacista’s,Hill Country Bicycle Works, Gatorade, and Peak Fitness.

Triathlon swimming is different from competitive swimming. You’re in open water with a bunch of triathletes on the same mission: to reach the end of the swim as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible. The distance of the swim will help you determine which swim stroke style you should work on during training to do your best on race day. Your current skill level in the water is also important to factor in. Keep reading to see the benefits of learning multiple swim strokes during your training for your upcoming tri. Also, don’t forget to check out these fun but challenging swim workouts.

Why Different Swim Strokes Matter

In open water racing, you’ll find yourself having to swerve around other athletes. You may also have to stop quickly to avoid getting kicked and make tight turns around buoy markers. Adding in new strokes for just one of your workouts per week will make a difference in being able to react to these circumstances in an efficient way. Not only that, using different strokes will cause you to use different ranges of motion resulting in less strain to particular muscles and more of a complete shoulder and chest workout.

Freestyle Stroke

Freestyle is the best-known swim style stroke, and the most common stroke we see out at Kerrville Tri, it’s the most efficient swim stroke you can learn. It takes you farther than other strokes without expending more energy. Freestyle also gives you a full-body workout. It works the muscles in your arms, legs, core, and back. If you are looking for a particular swimming stroke to strengthen your back muscles, freestyle is definitely the way to go. Although the most efficient stroke, it can also be difficult to master. One of the most important things to focus on during training is your breathing. You can practice this by using the flutter kick while holding a kickboard out in front of you and practice rotating your face in and out of the water to breathe until you’ve established a rhythm you can replicate in the open water.

Click here to learn more about the freestyle stroke

Backstroke

Backstroke is rarely used during a triathlon, but it is a great stroke to incorporate into your training because it helps your shoulders unwind after sticking with one specific stroke for a while. This stroke is great for improving hip rotation. It also works your shoulder flexibility in the opposite way from freestyle. Depending on the length of your swim, mastering backstroke is always a great alternative to have up your sleeve. Your face stays out of the water, so you can breathe whenever you want. Backstroke is extremely useful when you need a bit of a rest period or if the water is choppy on race day.

Click here to learn more about the backstroke

Breaststroke

Breastroke is the perfect swim stroke style for building strength in your hands by using them as paddles. This will translate into a stronger pull in freestyle. It’s a great way to switch things up and focus on different muscle groups. If you’re hesitant to hold your breath, breaststroke is great because you breathe every stroke. You can also complete this stroke without having to put your face in the water. Some argue breaststroke is the slowest swimming stroke, which may be a con for people who prefer speed. This stroke can be done for longer periods of time, so it can serve as an endurance workout. It’s a good alternative to your regular stroke as a way to mix in some cardio and burn a lot of calories in a session.

Click here to learn more about the breaststroke

Butterfly Stroke

If you’re looking to challenge yourself in the water, the butterfly is the way to go. This stroke was named after the movement in which you move your arms and is great for strengthening your core. This is important to triathlon because a strong core aids in swimming, cycling, and running. Butterfly requires a great deal of strength and coordination that takes time to develop. Not only does is this stroke a great workout to build abdominal strength, but it also strengthens your shoulders and chest. Each stroke requires that your core muscles have enough power to pull your arms over the water. Just a few laps of butterfly leaves you feeling its effects and burns the most calories of any swimming stroke.

Click here to learn more about the butterfly stroke

Keep in Mind:

Although your goal may be to complete the distance as fast as possible, you have to pace yourself. Triathlon requires you to be as efficient as you can in order to save energy for the bike and run later on. Incorporating different swim strokes into your training builds strength in other muscle groups, reduces the risk of injury, and breaks the repetitiveness in your swim sets. In the meantime, try these ways to stay motivated to keep up with your tri training and we’ll see you in Kerrville in no time!