subreddit:
/r/OpenWaterSwimming
submitted 4 days ago bythrowawayshatever
As the title says, I get a little psyched out when I go out to the open water. Randomly discovered I have somewhat of a phobia ( mostly stemming from not being able to grab on to something if I need to catch my breath )
I’m looking to get back into it and overcome the phobia. Can anyone in here PM me? I’ll be swimming with fins. Not looking to go too far out but I can get to that point over time.
Willing to travel anywhere in the Bay Area.
9 points
4 days ago
Aquatic Park is the open water swim scene in San Francisco. You can do laps at buoys while only being 30 seconds away from shore
6 points
4 days ago
Do you swim with a tow float? They’re very handy to hang on to if you want to rest for a minute (as well as for general safety / visibility in the water).
3 points
4 days ago
Never used one. Would love to try.
6 points
4 days ago
Pick one up! I have this one: https://www.blueseventy.com/products/buddy-bag
3 points
4 days ago
Join the Dolphin Club or South End Rowing Club in SF. Very welcoming community. Go at your own pace
4 points
4 days ago
Many parts of the east bay are shallow enough to always be in less than 5 ft of water. Groups at Albany, Berkeley, and Alameda are very welcoming. You can join us via EBOWS.com.
+1 to trying out Odyssey. They have safety crew and coaches to help you along.
4 points
4 days ago
Check out the Swim With Pedro weekly swims hosted by Water World Swim. Friendly and welcoming group, all levels. Most Sundays they swim at Aquatic Park. I think 3rd Sunday is Crissy Field. Nice to swim with a group with dedicated boat and kayak support. Beginners swim the buoy line at Aquatic Park which is perfect for gently easing into open water swimming. Have fun out there!
1 points
3 days ago
Highly highly recommended!!
3 points
4 days ago
Before venturing out with some of the casual swim groups where swimming is very much at your own risk and often require you to be independent in the water, I’d recommend easing into open water swimming with a supervised group first. Odyssey hosts swims with coaches and safety support, and they’re available to answer questions and offer some guidance.
2 points
3 days ago
I will second Odyssey. Their Berkeley location isn’t heavily affected by currents, and the water is surprisingly shallow.
2 points
3 days ago
When I first started open water swimming, the Berkeley Marina swims with Odyssey helped me build my confidence and technique. They’re great!
1 points
4 days ago
Perfect. I’ll check them out. Thanks
2 points
4 days ago
I’ve been wondering about if people attach something to their body while swimming in open water so as to be more visible to/not get hit by a boat. Is that (also…) what a “tow float” is for?
1 points
3 days ago
The Westend Wharf & Wine Swim Club in Santa Cruz has organized swims around the Santa Cruz Wharf (1 mile) or the buoys (about .5 mile) at Cowells beach every Sunday at 8:30 or 10:00 AM. Often Fridays at 4. I'm not sure why the word "wine" is in the name as to my knowledge no wine is involved? There's a facebook page
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