"I picked triathlon as I wanted an individual goal"
The ironminds
November 26, 2021
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Rachel Klamer, professional Orca triathlete and three-time Dutch Olympian, tells us about her connection with the sea and with open water, and shares her best tips on being prepared
Rachel Klamer, professional Orca triathlete and three-time Dutch Olympian, tells us about her connection with the sea and with open water, and shares her best tips on being prepared and enjoying swimming to the fullest.
RACHEL KLAMER- Professional triathlete
Isn’t it interesting how many of us triathletes have this love-hate relationship with open water swimming? As a kid, I even used to be scared of swimming in general, but luckily I got over this pretty quickly. It became my natural environment.
Swimming in open water is more than just a sport. It can give us this great feeling of freedom and adventure. No chlorine, no walls, no people to have to swim around. You aim for a point far away, no need to count laps. It’s a very relaxed way to swim. Once you're finished, you feel energized. Why? It's simple. Exercise releases endorphins. These hormones make you feel good and give you a sense of happiness. Let’s not get into the health benefits too much, because I could write a book about these.
Yes, it is often more rewarding than swimming in a swimming pool, but it definitely comes with some challenges. That's why it is so important to be prepared both physically and mentally, to have the proper materials, and to plan in advance. Here are some of my tips to be as prepared as possible for open water swimming:
EQUIPMENT
Whether you are looking for more buoyancy or you are swimming in a lower water temperature, a good wetsuit is key. I personally find it very important that a wetsuit is flexible around my shoulders. This gives me a more natural feeling without straining my shoulder muscles. Choosing the right wetsuit and size, is essential in order to perform at your best.
For those who want to continue swimming even in low temperatures, it is also a good idea to use neoprene accessories, like a cap, gloves or boots, to avoid losing too much body heat exercising.
I never swim by myself. If I don’t have someone to swim with, I ask someone to come with me to keep an eye on me from the shore. In those cases, it is important to have a safety buoy, which gives you visibility and extra buoyancy in case you need to stop and rest or to eat or drink.
LOCATION
Once you have your equipment ready, choosing a location should be the next priority. Of course, you'll probably want to visit the most beautiful places, which are known for their breathtaking views, surrounded by nature, and which evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. However, aesthetics aren't the only factor to consider in your choice.
Are you familiar with the area? Is it easily accessible? Do other swimmers use it? Is there a lifeguard on duty? Will you be able to get your bearings? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself before choosing a location and diving into the water. You should never jump into the water without studying the route beforehand and planning your adventure. You should think about the distance, points of entry and exit, the weather, and the sea condition (currents, waves, etc.). Knowing about each of these factors in advance will allow you to have fun and stay safe as you enjoy your open water swimming session.
OVERCOMING FEAR
I recently discovered that there are many athletes who are (a bit) scared of swimming in open water. Reasons for this fear vary, such as the depth of the water or possible underwater objects or animal life.
In order to get over these fears and to truly enjoy your experience in the ocean, you will have to push yourself out of your comfort zone slowly, and try to gradually increase the area you swim in. Bringing another swimmer, you can trust with experience in the open water will help a lot. This will allow you to focus more on the other person than on anything "scary" in your surroundings. Concentrating on your technique or counting your swim strokes can also be very helpful strategies for keeping these fears off your mind.
In the end, all these tips are meant to help you reach your goal: to feel safe and confident swimming in open water, and to feel that unique connection with nature that only comes from riding the waves.
ABOUT RACHEL KLAMER
Rachel Klamer is a professional triathlete and Orca ambassador. Some of her greatest accomplishments include placing fourth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning the 2018 Abu Dhabi WTS, placing fourth at both the Hamburg WTS and the 2019 Grand Finale in Lausanne, as well as multiple podium places in the Superleague Triathlon Series.
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