Categories: General

Fear of Open Water Ocean Swimming

Update April 2008: When you are finished reading the article below about my first attempt at open water swimming, check out this related entry about that feeling of panic in open water!

I drove my daughters to the beach for a day trip this week. We had a great day and I now have a terrible sunburn. :redface:

I brought my swim cap and googles, and tried open water swimming. My first two attempts went like this: I swam out beyond the breakers and started swimming parallel to shore. I was afraid because it felt too far away from safety. And, looking down into the murkey waters, I kept thinking about sharks. So, I gave up.

Then I decided I really had to get in a swim workout to burn off those brownies I ate. So, I walked about 100 yards downshore (downwind), and went into the water. This time I went between the two breakers and started swimming upwind. It was choppy and I was swimming against a current, so it was hard work. But, I wasn’t so far out that I was afraid of sharks. I practiced sighting by looking ahead at a tall building on the distant point, near the inlet. I occasionally got hit by a crashing wave, but it was actually a lot of fun! It took me 35 minutes to fight that current and end up back at our spot on the beach. At that point, I was dying of thirst, so went back to my towel and drank some water.

I felt like I did pretty well at my first attempt for an open swim. I’m not sure how to get rid of that fear of sharks! Even though I know it’s rare, shark attacks DO HAPPEN, so I am afraid.

carolyahoo

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View Comments

Jen says:

July 2, 2008 at 8:49 am

I have fear of swimming in open water. I am in the swimming team, i have no problems in the pool. But the feeling of not knowing whats down there, when its all dark and deep is really really scary. I sometimes think something is going to grab me and pull me down to the bottom of water. One time i was with my friends in the ocean and suddenly i couldn't touch the ground with my feet so i got so freaked out and swam back out to the shore. I dunno how to overcome this fearr.. i love playing in the water though, as long as its not all mysterious and dark water.
Jen says:

July 2, 2008 at 8:48 am

I have of swimming in open water. I am in the swimming team, i have no problems in the pool. But the feeling of not knowing whats down there, when its all dark and deep is really really scary. I sometimes think something is going to grab me and pull me down to the bottom of water. One time i was with my friends in the ocean and suddenly i couldn't touch the ground with my feet so i got so freaked out and swam back out to the shore. I dunno how to overcome this fearr.. i love playing in the water though, as long as its not all mysterious and dark water.
kacaton says:

June 30, 2008 at 10:40 am

Help! Iam doing my first triathlon in two weeks. i have been training for months. I am a strong cyclist and runner. My weakness has always been the swim. Through training in the pool I have become a fairly good swimmer. At first it was difficult to swim 500 yard. I can swim a mile with no problem IN THE POOL. I in Truckee, CA. Our my lakes just reached a temp of 62 degrees. I decided to begin open water swim training!!! I totally freaked out. My lack of visability and the green murky water is causing panic like i have never experienced. My event is in 2 weeks. I need some advice and i need it FAST. I am commited to getting over this. PLEASE HELP!!
karen
Bre says:

October 31, 2007 at 10:43 am

I have a fear of being in water much like yours. Either in lakes, cories, or even deep pools. I dont know why but I just think somthing is going to get me. I could be a shark or some werid fish I think up. But as long as I'm with a group of people I'm ok but I still am very scared. I think it's funny though. I try not to think of anything when I'm swimmg. It's hard not to think of all the things that could happen.

Well thats pretty much it. I'm happy for you that you swam that far by yourslef! Congrats!! =) I would so like to do that!
-Bre