Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California. Photos courtesy of Dan Kutler.

The fastest growing demographic in the open water swimming world is women over the age of 50.

These Boomer Women have certainly and increasingly found their niche in ice swimming, marathon swimming, channel swimming, ocean swimming and just plain swimming offshore in lakes, rivers, bays and seas around the world.

Why?

There are all kinds of reasons, but the following is what we have observed:

Boomer Women are fun and looking for something new and adventuresome. Many, after raising children while balancing a career in the workforce, are ready for something that challenges them mentally and physically. Open water swimming certainly fits that bill.

Boomer Women are strong and patient. After a lifetime of experiences and situations on terra firms, some of which have been beyond their control, they can be tenacious and durable. They are full of sustainable energy with a focus and passion that only becomes sharper over time.

Boomer Women are resilient and flexible. After dealing with social upheaval and myriad lifestyle changes from the 1950s and 1960s and through the 21st century, they have faced success and failure, joy and disappointment – and made due. This well-developed fortitude is exactly suitable to the dynamic world of open water swimming.

Boomer Women are trustworthy and emotionally strong. They are grounded and it takes a lot to send them off-kilter. They have a group of reliable friends that they share unshakable bonds with. This sets a foundation that enables them to attempt swims without fear of failure.

Boomer Women are selective and worldly intelligent. They may be ambitious in their athletic goals, but they also do not bite off more than they can chew. They know their limits and love pushing the envelope so they can achieve their potential. Foolishness is not part of their DNA.

Boomer Women have time and health on their side. Even at the age of 50, they can count on at least a few more decades of healthful athleticism and adventure. With food and drink taken in moderation, and a healthful approach to living, the low-impact sport of open water swimming is ideal for a length career.



Copyright © 2015 by World Open Water Swimming Association