Month: November 2021

The Sea: while it’s magnificent and beautiful, with it’s never-ending diversity of life, it’s unpredictable and frightening at the same time. This is especially true for swimmers that lack the necessary training and experience. Everyone must follow certain guidelines in order to survive changing conditions. 

Professional swimmers in San Diego have various opportunities for an open swim in the ocean, but they also need to be geared up. Are you wondering if you’re up to such a challenge? Read on for some professional advice. 

Is open water swimming easier than pool swimming?  

Simply put, no. When you’re swimming in a pool, you’re in a confined and supervised space. However, the main difference lies in the temperature. While pools are regulated in this respect, you can expect sudden temperature shifts in open seas, rivers and lakes. 

You should also include other factors that make swimming difficult, like currents, wind, changing tides, visibility, and so on. When you race a mile in the ocean, it will feel like two miles in a pool. All these factors can double up your effort, so it’s necessary to be physically fit and .

How do I prepare for my first open water swim?

Although open-air swimming poses many challenges, when done property, it’s an authentic, fulfilling experience. The key liest in a thorough preparation. In other words, you need to do your homework and make sure you’re ready to take that leap. Here are a couple of tips you should stick to: 

• Make sure you eat before hitting the water. However, be careful with the choice of food, as you don’t want to feel heavy. 
• Work on your technique at the local swimming pool. Focus on building your strength and endurance, so you can easily complete a couple of miles. Try to conquer your target distance in the pool several times before 
• Obtain the necessary equipment. You would need gear to keep you floating in the case that you’re too exhausted to tread water. Also, make sure you have an adequate swim cap and goggles. 
• Map the area where you will be swimming. Check currents, confluences, underwater caves, nearby landfills, cliffs etc. 
• Divide your swim into blocks to prevent feeling discouraged. Take your time to rest on your back and respect the changing conditions. 
• Stay calm. Being on the edge of your nerves can cause muscle spasms, which can be very unpleasant, lead to additional effort, and put you in danger. Make sure that you practice correct breathing techniques. 

Do I need a wetsuit for open water swimming?

Although it’s not an absolute necessity, a wetsuit can be a lifesaver. This is especially true for swimming in colder waters. It can spell the difference between achieving your goal and needing help from the rescue team. Although you’ll not feel the warmth initially, it helps to keep your body temperature stable while you swim. 

To keep you additionally protected and comfortable, you can also include other items to your swimming kit: 

• Cold water gloves and socks
• Neoprene hat
• Tow float
• Water-resistant GPS watch

The best place in San Diego, CA to prepare for an open swim challenge

When you live in San Diego, you have a wide range of beaches to choose from. You might be in a mood to dive into La Jolla Cove, or to enjoy a day at Marine Street Beach. However, when you need to prepare for a triathlon or to beat your personal record, you should visit The Plunge.

We are located in the Mission Bay area, and have been a household name for many decades. Our renovated historic facility houses a number of amenities that suit professionals and our guests alike. Beside our pool, you can also use our fitness center and schedule swimming lessons for your kids. Check our membership options and call us today to see what we can offer!

Professional athletes and enthusiasts are always interested in pushing boundaries in oceans and seas. Hitting the water can be exciting, but also fraught with risks. So, whether you’re at the beach or a pool, precautionary measures are key to keep you afloat. 

If your plan is to check San Diego for your next open swim, you have a selection of lovely beaches, hidden lagoons, and enclosed resorts. Read on to learn more about potential challenges that can come with your next adventure. 

Is it safe to swim in open water? 

The term is used to describe a variety of natural bodies of water: rivers, lakes, lagoons, and seas. While professionals recommend recreational swimming in nature, it’s equally important to engage in such activities with caution. There is a significant risk of drowning if this is taken lightly and if you lack the necessary training and guidance. 

There are several external factors that contribute to your safety in the water:

• Time of day
• Weather conditions
• Distance from the coast

The safest time to go swimming in the sea or ocean is during the daytime. Visibility is very low during early morning hours and dusk, and predatory animals might come closer to the coast. If you face challenging weather, it’s best to quickly get out of the water. Make sure you don’t stray more than 2 – 4 miles from the coast. 

To avoid unpleasant surprises, take stringent precautions before swimming in the ocean. When you consider all the benefits and challenges of such activity, you can be confident that you have made an informed decision. 

What are the dangers of open water swimming?

What is the first thought that comes to mind when you think of swimming in the sea? Possibly something from a movie, like being chased or attacked by sharks, deep sea monsters or giant waves. However, real dangers are not so outlandish, but can be equally deadly. 

While sea wildlife can be formidable and de, the dangers and challenges that you are most likely to experience include: 

1. Hypothermia, i.e. risk of cold water, which can hinder your swimming ability.
2. Lack of appropriate equipment, such as wetsuits, bright swimming caps, swimming buoys, goggles etc. 
3. Water depth, as it can vary drastically. This is especially important if you’re jumping in water.
4. Underwater objects and invisible obstacles, like branches, rocks, and debris
5. Other people in water, as you can risk hitting someone if you’re jumping
6. Strong underwater currents, especially in rivers, but also in seas, near confluences
7. Poor water quality: presence of toxic algae, bacteria or industrial pollution

Also, keep in mind that rescues in oceans and seas can be increasingly difficult, if at all possible. To prevent such issues, check the area where you will swim, work on your endurance in water in a safe environment, get the necessary gear, and consult a professional before jumping in. 

What’s the best place in San Diego where I can prepare for an open swim?

When you set a bar very high, you need the facility that can meet all your demands. With nearly a century of experience, The Plunge has been the leading facility for swimming, gymnastics, water aerobics, and other physical activities. Located just a couple of blocks from SeaWorld in San Diego, our newly renovated historic facility houses one of the biggest swimming pools in California and offers many other attractions. 

Here you’ll be able to work on your strength and prepare for a variety of competitions, or just enjoy some healthy water exercises. You can also book a time for your private or corporate event, enjoy our saunas, or rely on our daycare and swimming lessons to cater to your kids needs. 

Visit us today to check many amenities we have to offer!