Cheers To Open Water Season!
Summer with SPP means Open Water Swim Clinics! We have been fortunate enough to partner with the Disney Triathlon Team again this year in supporting their swimmers with open water practices. But our own team members have been getting in the water as well! Here’s what they had to say about their Open Water Experiences…
JOSEPH ALVARADO
1. What was the most fun aspect of the Open Water Swim for you?
Just being in the water and the thrill of swimming in the ocean.
2. What made you the most anxious about swimming in the ocean?
SHARK! Didn’t see any but my imagination did.
3. What did you learn about yourself from the experience?
That I’m really afraid of sharks in the ocean. But also that I can do this. I really can
4. What piece of advice would you share with a new open water swimmer?
Don’t worry about the waves too much; if you can feel the waves out you can make them your friend.
LUJAN DECIMA
I love Open Water because it’s a chance to bond as a group. We face the ocean together, but we all have to make it alone, through the waves and on to the buoy. Before we run in we share a few nervous laughs and take on the challenge! At the other end we high five and talk about our experience and share tips and advice. It’s both a group practice and an individual one to learn to swim in the ocean.
There is definitely a level of anxiety. I’m not sure if it’s the waves, or the riptide, or the depth of the ocean. It’s helpful to have so many lifeguards out there though. You don’t feel alone if you’re ever in trouble.
I’m definitely better than I was last year on my first swim of the season.
If you feel like you’re panicking try to focus on the techniques learned during practice: long strokes, high arms, open water sighting.
KAREN YOUNKINS
1. What was the most fun aspect of the Open Water Swim for you?
It was a beautiful day and I love the beach!
2. What made you the most anxious about swimming in the ocean?
Waves. Big waves. Did i mention the big waves?
3. What did you learn about yourself from the experience?
If you’ve ever taken a pure barre class you’ll recognize this one — you are so much stronger than you think!
4. What piece of advice would you share with a new open water swimmer?
Try to stay calm and go with the flow (or in this case, the current)
See? Easy as pie!
SPP will be at Zuma Beach in Malibu every Saturday from now until the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, September 15th and 16th. No need to RSVP – just come join us!