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The non-physical benefits of open water swimming

The non-physical benefits of open water and marathon swimming varies from person to person, and likely changes over the years. For some, it is simply a way to exercise, nothing more. For others, it’s mental therapy, a chance to socialize with friends, and travel.

Over the years, some elements of marathon swimming have changed for me. Other elements were always there but I had to grow as a person to realize them. I learn something new every swim, even a short training or pleasure swim. It’s the opportunity to continuously work on ‘things’ through the lessons each swim presents and weave them back into my daily life.

Marathon swimming is the opportunity to find and practice solitude, solace, meditation, self-reflection, self-acceptance, confidence, patience, gratitude, friendship, fortitude, and trust.

Yes, there is always a stroke component – am I rotating, how is my hand entry… Other times it’s mental – when I get frustrated and want to quit, how do I turn my head off and not let it interfere?

It’s always something, and sometimes I don’t realize what the lesson was or the cumulative benefits until well after the swim.

What is it for you?

Courtney Paulk going for a Double Catalina Channel Crossing

Open Water Swimming News

I first met Courtney and her husband Matt in Kinsale, Ireland during the 2015 Distance Week hosted by Ned Denison. Courtney had already achieved her Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming (English Channel, Catalina Channel, circumnavigation of Manhattan Island) and was eying even bigger swims. Earlier this summer she completed a double circumnavigation of Manhattan Island – 57 miles – in 20 hours 15 minutes and 55 seconds.

Tonight Courtney will walk into the waters off the mainland of California and swim out to Catalina (20 miles) before giving the island a good flip-turn and swimming back. 40 miles? Yes.

Track Courtney live! Cheer her on!

From Track.rs (our favorite) – gives wind, wave report, plus other great data points

track.rs

Advanced Adventure Tracking

Not ready for Rotto? Bring on the ‘Cotto’

Swimming

A RECENT knee replacement will prevent local mum Sharon Shepherd from tackling a sixth Rottnest Channel crossing in February, but the self-confessed swimaholic has her eyes firmly set on the new 3km Cotto Swim. Announced today as the result of a partnership between the Rottnest Channel Swim Association and Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, the new event will be available over 1km and 3km.

The spirit of the marathon swimming community

Swimming

In 2013, on the Marathon Swimmers Forum, a discussion was started by Evan and Donal on the spirit of marathon swimming. The discussion began with how solo marathon swims are (or should be) conducted, and the traditional rules that are respected by those in the sport for the “spirit” of the sport. But they also asked, “what is marathon swimming to you?”

In a world of ego’s, the comments that followed from marathon swimmers were extremely introspective and also unselfish in the support of others. There was no talk of “beating someone’s time” or “coming in first”. There was no jealousy or vanity. There is, and always has been, disdain for those who skirt the rules (cheat) as it is disrespectful to others in the sport, no matter your level or ability.

I found my comment from that discussion —

The spirit of marathon swimming is the community that encourages you and that you are held accountable to – out of honor and respect for those in the sport who have come before you and those who will come after. It isn’t a clock, it’s a distance, no matter the time. It’s shedding the woes of the past, one stroke at a time while battling demons of the mind and environment while continuously seeking strength for what’s ahead.

It’s the thrill of watching a dot update across a screen for someone you have never met and cheering, dancing and begging that little dot to just keep going and hoping somehow that energy makes it to them. It’s the amazing generosity of support and encouragement – be it piloting, kayaking, counting, advice, feeding, housing, airport pickup, or sharing a workout – because you love the sport and want everyone to succeed.

It’s the glee in talking tides and temperature, soup for breakfast and showing jellyfish scars on your belly with unabashed excitement.

And, it is the people of marathon swimming that make it spectacular.

Open water swimming – can it improve mental health?

Swimming

Researchers in Brighton, UK are planning a cold water swimming course for individuals with mental health issues. The course seeks to show putting the body through such stress helps to reduce inflammation, which is closely related to mental health.

If funding is approved, the course could begin in summer 2018.

Source: BBC South East

How To Transition From Pool To Open Water

Swimming

Swimswam

Drafting happens in both pool swimming and open water swimming. In both situations the swimmer is drafting to save energy for a last push. For open water this is much more important as getting a good draft can mean the last 500 meters can be as fast as possible. Those people who sprint to get ahead in the open water swimming should be the victim of this drafting. The swimmers with heavy kicks can make it easy to draft as it allows the drafter to surf their wake if they stay on the other swimmer’s hip.