2022 wish list for anyone who loves open water swimming

With the year 2021 coming to an end, now is the perfect time to make your traditional New Year's resolutions or to write a list of things you want to accomplish over the next 12 months. For open water swimmers and all lovers of adventure and nature, it may be hard to keep the list from getting too long... there are so many things to do. If you need a little help getting started, here are some ideas you could put into practice in 2022.

SWIM AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK

Of course, the daily routine sometimes gets in the way, but consider setting a goal this year to go swimming in the sea at least once a week. An endeavor like this is worthy of a place at the top of your list. The best way to stick to it would be joining a swimming club or group in your area. Not only will it encourage you to get out to the ocean on a regular basis, but you'll also feel like part of a community, a group of people who share your passion and love for open water swimming. Trust us, there is no stronger incentive.

FIND NEW PLACES TO SWIM

A group like this can also help you fulfill a second resolution: to explore coasts, rivers, and lakes and find new and fascinating places to swim in open waters. There are probably quite a few places you've heard of, but haven't gotten around to visiting until now. Being part of a community of swimmers and having a group to jump into the ocean with you will allow you to try new things while feeling safer and more confident. We recommend making a short list of places you would like to see. Then, once a month, go on an adventure with some of your swimming buddies.

TRY SWIMRUN

If you're looking for adventure, look no further than swimrun, an incredible discipline that combines open water swimming and trail running. This is precisely what the Orca triathlete Andrew Starykowicz did this year , when he decided to get out of his comfort zone and participate in the intense Swimrun NC race. As Andrew himself told us, "Swim Run is grassroots racing (...), it is more about community" than winning. “It is a difficult discipline and, (...) largely self-sufficient. If this is something that interests you even remotely, try it. If you don't see the purpose in it, I'm sorry you are missing out.” There's nothing better than jumping into adventure and following the American triathlete's advice. You'll be sure to find an ideal swimrun race or circuit to get yourself started in this exciting discipline and you might never want to look back.

PARTICIPATE IN SWIM CHALLENGES

Setting a personal challenge for yourself is often a classic part of resolutions. There's no better way to do this than by participating in an organized open water swim challenge to prove yourself. There is a wide variety of races to choose from, from under 1,000 meters to long distance events. All you have to do is set a realistic goal that is appropriate for your fitness level, and thoroughly train for it. If you don't have very much experience, we recommend starting with short distances and then gradually increasing your distance, little by little. Having a coach to oversee your physical and technical training will help you know whether you are on track to meet your goals or not.

Of course, an open water swimmer's 2022 wish list could be much longer. From improving your times to testing and debuting brand-new material, the possibilities are endless. We encourage you to create your own list and to continue enjoying nature and sports all year long.

Happy 2022!