Open water swimming: the guide

Swimming in a pool and swimming in open water are two different worlds. For a triathlon or a crossing, you need to prepare specifically for it — especially in summer, the best season to get started.

The big difference: no lines or walls

In open water, there's no line at the bottom to guide you, no wall to rest against, and sometimes currents or waves. You need to learn to swim straight and manage continuous effort.

Navigation ("sighting")

To avoid zigzagging (and swimming extra meters), regularly look up at a fixed reference point (buoy, building): a few quick glances every 5-8 strokes, while maintaining your rhythm. It takes practice.

Managing stress and breathing

Cold water, poor visibility and crowds at the start can be surprising. Enter gradually, breathe calmly, and if stress rises, slow down or switch to your back for a few seconds. Bilateral breathing helps you see both sides and adapt to waves. Technical work in the pool remains the foundation — see improve your swimming.

The neoprene wetsuit

Often allowed (and mandatory below a certain temperature), it provides buoyancy and warmth. Try it during training before the race: the sensation and breathing change.

Special triathlon tips

Train yourself to exit the water and transition (swimming → cycling), and to swim in a small group. Don't start too fast: the classic mistake is to go all out at the start and burn out. See our beginner's triathlon guide.

Prepare your season with confidence

Sports Coach AI structures your swimming preparation and integrates it into your overall triathlon load, so you arrive feeling confident on race day in open water.