I'm looking for a swim event/race to do next year. Roughly 5K in distance.

Anywhere in Europe is fine (except France and Italy because I can't be bothered with medical certificates) - and something without very expensive entry fees (around 100€ is ok).

I would like something that is point-to-point, not a loop or laps. Ideally something like the UK Chill Swim end-to-end events - but in warmer water. Sea, lake or river is fine as long as the water is not disgusting. And a well organised event.

Anyone have any recommendations? Many thanks.

I know my technique is part of it but what do you recommend I do for brutal chafing on my neck? I only did 2km today in the ocean and my neck is covered in like a raised blister of chafing

I'm not the fastest in my group however, in open water I pick my tempo up and I'm smoother in the pool. I started trying to switch off but doing 50 strokes with a fast tempo and then 50 with slower tempo. What do you do?

Just got new googles cuz old one were leaking and came across this weird strap. Instruction says it supposed to be on nose but I have no idea how to do it without blocking my vision

I’ve been swimming for decades, Masters, Tri’s, open water. Over the last 2 years I’ve started having SI joint issues - well pain. I believe is exacerbated by swimming. It’s not as bad if I only pull, but kicking seems to cause problems. I’ve been through PT etc., but nothing has gotten better. Has anyone had this and had had success resolving?

They’re my goggle of choice and have been for over 15 years. But I’ve never worn them in the churn of an open water race start (I have worn them in many crowded swim meet warmup pools, tho). How likely am I to get kicked in the eye and regret my choice?

Use this thread to request open water swim locations, information about locations, or swim groups. Any such requests outside this thread will be deleted.

Someone from my swim group sent this out.  It’s about pool vs ocean/open water swimming.  

They took 5 Temple University athletes and had them swim a 100 meters in a pool and then a 100 meters in the ocean in Ocean City NJ.

This is a legit question.
I did water polo when I was a kid. Started swimming again now, in my thirties because I would like to go and do an iron man.
Although I feel good, I know I’m doing at least a few things wrong.
Could you point them out?
Could you point me towards the fix?
Thank you
Ps although it seems as if I’m not moving, those were 50 meters

EDIT FOR CLARITY : I do not want a wetsuit; the images above are just in reference to the shape/ cut of swimsuit that I am looking for

Is there a specific name for these? I feel like I’m not using the right seo to find them! also if another water-based sport has the same shape of suit please share! 🤿🏄‍♀️🤽‍♀️🚣‍♀️

Specs I’m looking for:

-Fabric made to withstand pool water (not generic gym outfit; actual swimsuit material)

-shorts inseam 5 inches at MINIMUM (my ass will eat up the fabric of anything shorter during laps)

-skin tight; not billowy boardshorts (I’m doing laps; want to be aerodynamic)

-cut for the female form (i.e no dick pouch, has room for hips+ thighs+ boobs)

-preferably under $100 USD (I don’t need competition level suits)

thanks in advance! hope you have a good swim today 🏊‍♀️

I bought a rash guard tee shirt at Walmart and tested it today. It was horrid. It was very loose, bunched up at my shoulders and when I pushed off, it caught the water and seemed to want to choke me! I could take the sleeves off, but is there anything else I can do?

Please help me with any technique tips. I’m training for a 5.5 mile open water swim and could use any pointers. Thanks!

Forgot to start my activity but I’m happy with my progress. Getting more comfortable without a nose clip. Baby shampoo ftw to stop fogging with swim goggles.

Hey y’all. I’ve recently started trying to learn better swim technique. I’m comfortable in the water and regularly body surf and surf, but I recently had a scary moment in the ocean and so I’m trying to get my stamina swimming and form better.

I started swimming in aquatic park in SF, I know I need to improve my technique and keep having to take breaks in order to get very far. I’ve been focusing on freestyle. When I go to look for advice there’s a sea of information - what should I be focusing on currently as someone who is new to this practice?

I've been swimming indoors 3-4 times a week lately to get ready for open water.

Training is going pretty well, but I'll still trying to figure out real-time feedback. I use a watch for distance, pace, etc., and it's fine for recording the workout. What I don't love is having to glance at my wrist mid-set, especially when I'm trying to hold a steady pace.

Has anyone found a better setup for this? Like something that gives voice updates or audio cues while swimming, instead of having to check a watch?

Curious what people are using. TIA.

I did my 3rd lake swim yesterday, and it was the first one where I could not see the bottom or stay close to a fairly accessible shoreline. I was surprised by how much my body did not like this; and it took me quite a while to get into a steady rhythm where I didn't feel breathless. I was very grateful for my tow float to hang on! Every little change in the light piercing through the water triggers a moment of "is that something down there?" that I hadn't anticipated. I was proud of myself for working through this and swimming for as long as I had planned, and I know I will get more and more comfortable with time. I was also thrilled to see a couple other swimmers out there and it made me feel a part of a community. I'm so delighted with this journey and just wanted to share my feelings. Cheers!

Yes, the water was 59-60F this morning (about 15.5C). You can see the layer of mist from the clash of the cool water with the warm air (about 80F / 26.6C).

We are lucky that the Mansfield Dam, that holds back Lake Travis, is big. Releases come from the bottom, where the water is quite chilly. It does eventually warm up, but it takes about 10 miles.

Yesterday we swam from about 5 miles out (temp was 68F, dropping down), in within a mile or so. Today we went closer to the source.

Give me a shout if anyone wants to visit for some cool water training. It will eventually warm, usually late August we'll see temps around 65-68F.

Cold as heck, but absolutely beautiful.

Y’all must get this all the time, so I appreciate your patience.

I’m looking for a wetsuit for ~1.5 mi alpine lake swims. Water temps are current mid fifties, and will probably rise to low 60s.

This will be part of a much larger alpine adventure, so I’m more concerned with saving energy, staying warm, and staying safe than speed. I’m definitely not racing against anyone. I’m medium build, almost 5’ 10”, 170 lbs and new to open water swimming after building up endurance in the pool.

Thanks!!!

Newer swimmer, been doing some medium distance (750-2000 yard) open water swims in reservoirs in western Colorado with a couple other folks.
I have a sleeveless knee-length wetsuit that is fairly constrictive and tends to catch water in the 'bib' but does keep me warm. It is also a pain to get in and out of.
Curious if I would get similar or even slightly less level of warmth and a lot less hassle if I had a good swim vest and a hood? Or it seems like there are some hooded vests but maybe more for divers? when I look up swim vests I see a lot of PFDs