Open water swimming can be a daunting beast, especially to the new swimmer. Here's a few tips to get started, but don't be afraid to ask your fellow athletes for advice. You'll be surprised how helpful they can be!

- The physically larger the lead swimmer, the more beneficial the draft is for those behind.
- The closer you are to the lead swimmer, the better you draft.
- The ideal draft zone is to the side of the lead swimmer, at the calf.
- Asses your strength as a swimmer. For some swimmers, trying to draft may be more trouble than it's worth.
- Acclimatize to cold swims by swimming in cold water 20-30 min., three to four times a week in the 14 to 21 days prior to the event. (do not dip below 50 degrees without a wetsuit, and back off if hypothermic signs appear)
- Before cold swims, go chest deep and bob up and down blowing bubbles to alleviate the shock.
- If you're wearing a wetsuit in the race, wear it in open-water training.
- Get a properly fit wetsuit by a professional. Wetsuits should be snug, but not so restricting that it's difficult to breathe. Regardless of what the professional advises, combine with common sense.
- Practice sighting. Do sets with sighting when training in the pool.
- Sight by lifting the head slightly to look forward as you're turning your head to breathe.
- Sight too much and get fatigued; sight too seldom and swim crooked. Experiment with a stroke count/sight in training, stick with it.
- Never try new goggles or new wetsuit on race day.
- In cold water, use two swim caps or neoprene cap, earplugs or booties to stay warm.
- If you have problems keeping goggles on, try putting them on under your cap.
- Learn to breathe bilaterally.
- New open water swimmers, keep your mind focused on the task at hand. A wandering mind is oftentimes irrational.
- Warm up before the race. Especially if the water is cold.
- If entry to the water is not allowed pre-race, warm up on land by doing a quarter-mile light jog, stopping frequently to stretch arms and legs. Continue for 20-30 min. until you feel warm but not sweaty. Swim cords or tubing can also be effective.
- Always bring a back-up pair of goggles to the race. Chlorine breaks down plastic and can snap without warning.
- Long hair? Wear ponytails under your cap if possible, to make things easier if your cap is lost mid-swim.
- Use a wetsuit-friendly lubricant to prevent chaffing on neck and underarms.
- Use a wetsuit-friendly lubricant on ankles and wrists to speed wetsuit removal in transition.
- Slide the timing chip on your ankle under your wetsuit, to prevent it getting stuck in transition during removal.
- When swimming in rough water, swim directly under waves, not over.
- Use an anti-fog on goggles. I've tried many kinds, I use spit. Never touch the lenses with your fingers (especially new goggles), the oils break down the built-in anti-fog.
- Newbies and slow swimmers stay to the back and outside of the pack. It will save time and bruises in the end.
- Count your strokes in pool training to give you a blueprint in open water swims.
- Pace yourself. Find yours in training and stick with the plan.
- Relax your stroke. It preserves energy and leads to faster times.
- Never shave anything the morning of a race. Lake water/salt water, sweat, rubbing... you get the idea.
- Increase your kick count as you end your swim to awaken legs and warm up for the bike.
- Backstroke is harder (and more fatiguing) on the shoulders than freestyle. Avoid the temptation if possible.
- If you have shoulder issues, use a sleeveless wetsuit whenever possible.
- Never swim in open water alone.
- Leave your ego at home. Know when you're in trouble (severe cramps, sickness, lack of training/skills etc.) and ask for help if needed. Your friends can't make fun of you at your funeral.
- Start with a steady, relaxed pace and speed up as the swim continues.