How not to panic in open water swim?
In this article, you will learn how to not panic in an open water swim.
Participating in a triathlon can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to the swim portion. For many people, open water swimming can trigger anxiety, stress, and even panic. This can have a significant impact on their performance and overall experience of the event. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid panicking during an open water swim.
Open water swimming can present several challenges compared to swimming in a pool. The temperature of the water and the presence of many other swimmers at the starting line can make it difficult for an athlete to maintain composure.
"Despite my regular training in the pool and ocean, my triathlons are consistently marred by my poor swimming performance. I'm far from being an excellent swimmer, but I work hard enough to consider myself capable of swimming efficiently. However, the moment I step onto the starting line with other competitors, I become overwhelmed by stress and panic, leading me to suffocate in the water and hindering my ability to swim effectively. I've even come close to calling for the emergency canoe to rescue me. During my training sessions between June and October in the ocean, I'm able to swim without any issues, but that's because I'm alone.
On the 500m swim at last Sunday's race, I knew it was going to be a disaster. I tried to isolate myself as much as possible, but my nerves got the best of me from the start. I completed the swim in a devastating 18 minutes, putting me far behind the rest of the competitors. It's particularly frustrating for me because I excel on the bike and running portions of the triathlon."
During a triathlon start in the swim section, several factors may impact your lucidity. And that can have for consequences a state of panic:
During a triathlon swim section, various factors can impact your clarity, leading to a state of panic, such as the cold temperature of the water and the large number of people starting simultaneously.
When transitioning from pool to open water training, there are two crucial considerations: the water conditions and environmental factors. Both of which can affect swimming.
How not to panic in open water swim?
To avoid panicking in open water, it's important to understand how cooler water can make one feel more nervous and less comfortable. Additionally, the inability to see the bottom or estimate the depth can increase stress levels for those not used to swimming in open waters.
To maintain clarity and orientation, one must master lifting the head just enough for the eyes to come out of the water. Raising the head too high can significantly affect swimming efficiency by causing the hips to sink. You can practice this technique in the pool. It's also important to choose a swimsuit that's suitable for swimming, being thicker at the chest and hips and thinner at the shoulders, to avoid feeling compressed and to allow for easier movement.
To avoid panicking, it's important to gradually get used to these new conditions, such as swimming with a partner or having someone accompany you in the water, either by kayak or paddleboard. Starting with shorter distances and swimming along the shore can help build confidence and gradually increase the distance over time. Remember, the ability to swim 1500 meters in a pool doesn't necessarily mean the same performance can be achieved in open water.
Visit: https://www.MaximumComposure.com
For more, read https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/keeping-your-cool/staying-lucid-under-pressure