How Far Out Do I Swim?
Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California. If the waves are big and growing, what are ten simple things that you can and should do?
1. Take your time to check out the situation and understand how strong and large the waves are.
2. Look at the direction of the tidal flow and currents along the coast.
3. Adjust your course as necessary.
4. Talk down the shoreline a way and see if there are changes.
5. Wait for your swim partner.
6. Talk to the surfers and lifeguards.
7. Count the number of seconds between waves so you know how much time that you have between sets.
8. Go to the pool if you are nervous or think the conditions are too difficult.
9. Figure out your course and think of alternatives.
10. Wear fins if you must.
Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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