Open water swimming can be an overwhelming experience, focused more on survival than actual training. It’s easy to get distracted by the logistics, the sensory overload, and the lack of lane lines, finishing your session without having worked on any specific aspect of your swim.
In this guide, we provide a framework to help you structure your open water sessions effectively. Learn why you should arrive with a plan, the importance of a dry-land warm-up, how to use time-based intervals for continuous effort, and how to practice essential race-day skills like sighting, pacing, and even fast wetsuit removal. It’s time to turn that chaotic swim into a high-quality, productive workout.
Chapters ⏱️:
00:00 The Problem with Open Water Training
00:35 Arrive With A Plan
01:25 Dry-Land Warm-Up
02:08 Focus On Time, Not Distance
03:37 Use Equipment | Paddles
04:11 Open Water Skills | Sighting
05:15 Practice Your Pacing
06:05 Transition Practice | Wetsuit Removal
06:51 Final Thoughts & Benefits
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Do you usually go into your open water swims with a plan—or just wing it? Let us know in the comments 🏊🏖️
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