A San Francisco 3-Hour Training Swim
Fun with a High Speed Ferry
Swimming against the flood
Not ready for Rotto? Bring on the ‘Cotto’
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.
What are the differences between open water swimming and pool swimming?
Swimming World Magazine
Are there differences? YES! And while nearly all open water swimmers are also pool swimmers, the reverse is not true. From technique, training, coaching, and sighting (no black line!) to mindset, there are a number of differences.
The following article is one of the better pieces covering the distinction between the two,
The spirit of the marathon swimming community
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.
How To Transition From Pool To Open Water
Swimswam
By SwimSwam Partner Content on SwimSwam The world of open water swimming has gained more popularity as of late with many elite pool swimmers trying to make the transition. Even some of the best distance swimmers in the world have failed at making this transition for a variety of reasons. Read the full story on SwimSwam: How To Transition From Pool To Open Water
Open water swimming – can it improve mental health?
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 the Apple Watch tracks swimming
Popular Science
Last week I splashed into an underground university pool with an Apple Watch Series 3. As the company’s wearable has matured, Apple has marketed it more and more as a fitness device, one that’s, thanks to a partnership with Nike, particularly well-suited as a running companion.