Is Open Water Swimming Harder Than In A Pool?

This is a question I seem to be getting asked a lot recently, so I thought I would do my best to answer it. There is a lot of fascination and new interest about open water swimming, but also some fear. The recent pool closures have meant that lots of people are now contemplating starting and asking the question is open water swimming harder than in a pool?

The simple answer is there is no simple answer, and it depends on who you ask. The two disciplines have swimming through a body of water in common, but very little else. It’s like comparing an exercise bike to cycling in the great outdoors. Your body may be going through similar movements, but there are different techniques, external variables and the whole experiences are completely different.

However, if you are thinking of dipping your toe in the beautiful open water, but are concerned that it may be a lot harder than what your used too in a pool, then let me try and honestly answer the question.

This is all based on my own personal opinions and experiences, and some views shared by individuals from the open water swim community here in the UK.

Is Open Water Swimming Harder Than In A Pool?- My personal Experience

If you’d asked me after my first open water swim then I would have said yes, absolutely! I was disorientated by the fact I couldn’t see the bottom or very little in front of me, and despite being a competent pool swimmer, tired easily and only covered a fraction of the distance I could in the pool.

However, now I am a complete convert and can’t see myself going back to the pool unless it’s for training to compliment my open water swimming journey. For me open water swimming is about more than just fitness and exercise. It’s a completely different experience that not only exercises my body, but makes me feel exhilarated and mentally frees my mind. It’s a total body work out for my mind, body and soul, and not many sports give you that.

So what’s different between swimming in open water vs a swimming pool

The Temperature

Open water is of course colder than a heated swimming pool, even on a glorious Summer’s day. It takes a bit of getting used to, but you can easily acclimatise. If you plan to swim in the colder months then it’s important to acclimatise slowly to the colder temperatures. I have more information about it in my Beginner’s Guide to Cold Water Swimming.

External Influences

A pool is obviously a highly controlled environment, and when you go to the pool you know what to expect. Open water can be very variable and is influenced by external factors such as weather, tide and river flows. No two swims are the same, even in the same location. This might sound daunting to some, but is actually one of the reasons why I love open water swimming so much.

The Visibility

In a pool you can see the bottom and probably the end. In open water visibility can vary greatly, sometimes you can’t see anything. It can be a little disorientating at first but you soon get used to it.

The Water is Never Still

In a pool the surface is only disturbed by ripples of other people swimming. It’s pretty obvious that in the sea there will be waves, but you can still get small waves in lakes and rivers, depending on the wind and currents. You may have to adapt you stroke, and breathing to compensate.

Safety

Pool swimming is pretty safe. It’s a controlled environment with a lifeguard and no constantly changing variables. Open water swimming can be dangerous if not approached correctly. Safety has to be your number one priority and you need to educate yourself before starting. I talk more about this at the end of this post.

Is Open Water Swimming Harder Physically?

Potentially, yes, but again it depends on who you ask. In my opinion I think that open water swimming is more physically challenging but not necessarily harder.

You’ll probably find the first time you don’t cover anywhere near the distance you would in a pool. Constantly swimming or treading water with no push offs from the side and dealing with colder temperatures obviously uses more energy, and you may tire easily to start with. However, like many other open water swimmers, I now find it easier to get into a rhythm because I’m not having to negotiate obstacles like other swimmers or pool ends, and can now cover much longer distances which would have been quite tedious to do in a pool.

Is Open Water Swimming Harder Mentally?

I would say no, the exact opposite actually. Open water swimming has had a major positive effect on my mental health, and I know many swimmers would agree with me. Some can find pool swimming quite stressful, with the bright lights, busy lanes and can be very repetitive just going up and down.

However in the open water you’re not constrained to a lane and can swim at your own pace with no pressure, you’re at one with nature and it gives you a mental clarity that I’ve not experienced with pool swimming. There really is nothing quite like looking at the world from the water’s surface.

I’m sure for some the fear of the unknown puts them off open water swimming. The “Jaws” effect as I like to call it is a real thing, and anxiety or fear of what’s underneath you when you can’t see the bottom may put lots of people off. Any anxiety I have is quickly replaced by the shear joy of the experience and I soon forget any concerns or worries I may have had.

So What’s The Answer

So is Open water swimming harder than in a pool? In my opinion I would say no, not harder just a very different discipline.

If you are interested in giving open water swimming a ago, then I would say go for it!! It’s a decision I guarantee you will not regret. HOWEVER, do it safely. Do not think because you are a strong competent pool swimmer that you will take to it like a duck to water. Educate yourself and give it time.

The best time to start is in late Spring or Summer, but it will still feel cold compared to what your used to, so take it easy. To start with find a local swim group that will have a lot of local knowledge, or a commercially run venue as they often have lifeguards and marked out courses for your first few goes. Outdoor Swimmer magazine have a list of commercially operated open water venues. The most important thing is never swim alone, and swim within your limits, not someone else’s.

I have a Beginner’s Guide To Open Water Swimming which gives you some more information if your keen to give it a go.

If you have found this post useful, and are planning on starting your open water swimming journey then I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Equally if you are experienced swimmer and think I’ve missed out some important points please let me know.

Happy Swimming!

Kerry x