August 14, 2025

The ultimate open water challenge - Sea swimming

Racing in the sea is the ultimate TEST of your Open Water skills and abilities.

Tides, swell, wind chop and the conditions in the sea can often work with you, but similarly may end up working against you. Anyone who has been caught trying to swim against the tide understands how the movement of water can significantly impact your pace and speed through the water. The salt can also be attritional and abrasive, so that has to be kept in mind when looking at your gear. With all this in mind, here are our top tips for your next Sea Swim event.

1. Water Movement

Talk to the race organisers to understand how the water may be moving during the event as a result of tides or local conditions, and understand how it may impact your progress. If the conditions are with you, your pace will go up. Go against them, and you will slow down. So, focus on your effort, not your speed. Many swimmers feel that if they are moving more slowly, they have to push harder. The speed you are moving is being dictated by the water, so go with the flow: navigate the tough sections and enjoy the ride when they run with you.

2. Sight Well, Sight Often

With so much water moving, it can be hard to stay on the right line and swim straight. Make sure your sighting is spot on and you can navigate around the course, adjusting your swimming line as you move to suit and counter the impact of the conditions. This will help you hold as efficient a line as possible and make sure you don’t waste energy swimming in the wrong direction.

3. Chaffing

While wetsuits are designed to allow us to stay in the water, the abrasive nature of the salt can lead to wetsuits rubbing, particularly around your neck. Get some cream on there and make sure you avoid the rub!!

4. Shared Environment

We aren’t the only creatures about! We often come across fish, seaweed, jellyfish and even seals when we are in the water, but similarly, go through long stretches without ever seeing anything at all. Keep in mind that we are the ones visiting the water and try not to get too put off if you do see something moving!!

These varying conditions play a pivotal role in what makes Open Water Swimming exciting and challenging. Try to make some time to experience the conditions before race day if you can; otherwise, keep these tips in mind to help you along!