Sea swimming for beginners: how to swim in the sea

First of all, there are a few differences between lake and sea swims that you will need to take into account.

The first is the salt in the water. This means that you may well be a little more buoyant when swimming (which is often a good thing!), but might also cause a problem if you swallow too much water, and can, with some people, lead to issues with nausea.

While little can be done about feeling nauseous after swallowing water you can try to reduce the amount you swallow by practising the timing of your breathing and being able to switch your breathing side so that you’re able to breathe away from any swell or waves.

• How can I stop swallowing lots of water when I swim?
• Bilateral breathing: how to learn to breathe on both sides when swimming front crawl
• Best cold water swimming socks

How to cope with waves when swimming in the sea

This brings us to the second major difference with sea swimming – the waves. With many sea swims there will be waves or some swell. This often results in a gentle up-and-down rolling motion while swimming.

If you’re swimming across the waves this gentle undulation often won’t provide too much of a problem, but there may be some restriction in viewing the turn buoys.

As a result you will need to practise timing your sighting so that you do so when at the top of the wave to make sure you get the best view possible.

• How to sight and breathe in open water
• Why can’t I swim straight freestyle?
• How to swim in choppy water

How to cope with currents when swimming in the sea

The third major difference is the presence of a current. While lakes often don’t have a current you may well have come across currents if you’ve done any river swims.

• From sea swims to rivers and lakes: Conquer any open-water challenge

These may go in your favour and carry you faster towards your destination, but they may also move across your swimming line, meaning you have to sight regularly and make constant adjustments to make sure you stay swimming in a straight line.

• Currents: how to spot them and stay safe when open water swimming
• How to swim in a current

Practice and familiarisation to these conditions are key to overcoming all of these differences.

• 10 UK triathlons with (very) challenging open-water swims
• Open water skills swim session
• How to improve your open-water swimming in triathlons
• 9 open-water swim problems and how to put them right
• 6 open-water swimming skills to practise in the pool
• Open-water swim technique: 11 common mistakes triathletes make

Andy Bullock Triathlon coach

About

Andy Bullock is one of the country's leading triathlon coaches, working with all levels and abilities from beginners to elite; juniors to adults. His qualifications include: MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology, MSc Exercise Physiology, Level 4 Nutrition Coaching, Level 4 Strength and Conditioning, Level 3 Triathlon Coaching, REBT Primary Practicum, and ASA Level 2 Swim Teacher. His coaching experience includes: British Paratriathlon National Talent Squad Lead Coach; Triathlon England South West Regional Head Coach; Lead Coach on national junior training camps and Paratriathlon race trips; BAD Tri Head Coach; Personal triathlon coach to professional and age-group triathletes as well as small groups.