Hopper McDonough is the founder and president of SwimVacation and a frequent contributor to Active.com. Heather Perry is a professional photographer and SwimVacation guide.
I've been fortunate to have received pearls of wisdom on stroke, open water techniques, and safety from a wide array of people, from former Olympic coaches to total strangers at some little race across a murky pond. I've even come up with a few of my own. I've spent some time over the past few days thinking about the best and most useful of these little pearls. Here they are:
1. Don't Go
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 1 of 13If you're having reservations about the weather, currents, boat traffic, or your own physical condition, stay on shore. It can be the bravest decision a swimmer makes.
2. Keep Your Head Down
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 2 of 13It's almost a cliche now, but I still have to remind myself to do this. It's actually more about finding a comfortable, neutral head position, but for most of us, this means a few degrees down.
3. Be Curious About Your Stroke
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 3 of 13Improving your swimming is so much about experimentation, so you have to be curious. What if I pause here? What if I slowed my kick down?
4. Use Video
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 4 of 13There's nothing like seeing yourself making some mistake to actually believe it and do something about it.
5. Use Core Rotation as Your Power Source
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 5 of 13Once you tie your rotation into your pull, everything changes for the better.
6. Use a Swim Safety Float
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 6 of 13It's important to be seen out in the open water. These safety devices might also provide you with the security to explore new places to swim. Bring a buddy, too.
7. Ride the Rails
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 7 of 13This is a mental trick where you pretend you are swimming on railroad tracks. Each arm has a rail. This keeps you entering at 11:00 and 1:00, and can help prevent the old school "S" pull.
8. Press Your Chest Down
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 8 of 13This, along with having your head down, is all about finding balance, head to toe.
9. Try Dropping the Wetsuit
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 9 of 13This would fall under a larger heading of "Mix it Up." Acclimatizing to cold water can be a very rewarding journey.
10. Use Your Alligator Eyes
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 10 of 13It's important to do your sighting and navigating with as little effort as possible. By only exposing your eyes between strokes, you can take a glance and save energy for the long haul.
11. Be a Flexible Breather
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 11 of 13Bi-lateral breathing is great, but sometimes it's best to breathe on just one side due to chop, sun, or to eye a competitor. Improve your weak side, and become a better swimmer.
12. Do Some Backstroke
Photo Credit: Heather Perry for SwimVacation 12 of 13All this crawl stroke can shape your body into a capital C. Doing backstroke builds muscle on your opposite sides, and can keep you straight.
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