open water swimming

By Annie Bean

When you think of a triathlon that has an equally epic and challenging swim, the first one that springs to mind will be Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. A California race that has a 1.5-mile swim back from Alcatraz island in the San Francisco Bay, back to shore.

22 million kg of plastics enters our oceans every day.

It’s a pretty scary figure when you think of the amount of plastic that is. Now, many people may not realise how important the ocean is not only for our livelihood but also for the planet. The ocean creates life for millions of sea creatures as well as providing oxygen for every breath we take.

World Oceans Day, marked o

1.Make sure you're a confident swimmer

Before getting started in ocean swimming make sure you are comfortable in the water and pool. If you have not swum in a while we recommend starting at your local pool and building up your endurance before entering the water. A good rule of thumb is to be able to swim at least two to three times the distance non stop in a pool that you want to swim in open water. Once you are confident in your swimming abilities it is time to find a place to swim!

2. Know where to swim

There are many beaches all around the country which

Getting started with cold water swimming - By Annie Brooks (www.talesofanniebean.com )

If you love your pool swims and enjoy those open water swims, then this winter you might be ready to take on cold water swimming! Unlike hopping into to your local heated swimming pool to run through your drills, or dipping into that beautiful lake during the summer time, cold water swimming not only challenges physically, it tests you mentally also. Knowing you’re about to step into water that barely reaches double figures, can be a challenge, but this is exactly why it’s fantastic because that sense of

Check out the newest top 10 reasons to take up OPEN WATER SWIMMING - Courtesy of Adam Walker

Where to swim

There are many lakes up and down the country which have organised sessions and have suitable safety in place. I would recommend you swim in one these locations and as there will be other like-minded swimmers there who you can buddy up with and swim in pairs or a small group. In addition you can also make new friends as open water is a very social sport. Not only is it another good safety measure, it makes training easier supporting each other.

Acclimatisation

Due to the climate, open water in lakes, rivers and the ocean

Adam 'Ocean' Walker was the first Briton to complete the 7 toughest channel swims in the World, also known as the Oceans 7! This incredible endurance challenge is considered the ocean equivalent to the "Seven Summits" and Adam was the second person ever to complete all seven swims on his first attempt!

This autobiography captures Adam's journey from being a toaster salesman to becoming the 5th person in the World to complete the Oceans 7 challenge. The Oceans 7 is not for the faint-hearted - Adam took on the English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, Molokai Strait, Catalina Channel, Tsugaru Strait, Cook Strait and