Free 8-week open-water swimming training plan

An open-water swim training plan can ease your nerves surrounding one of the most daunting parts of a triathlon while saving your energy for the bike and run.

As triathletes, there’s a strong chance we’ve come to the sport from various other sporting backgrounds – or maybe no sports background at all!

Either way, there’s usually only a very small minority that have experienced swimming at the highest level when younger.

So when it comes to training for a triathlon the majority need to relearn how to swim efficiently.

To make things more challenging, most triathlons are in open water, not in a pool.

You lose its confidence-inducing lane ropes, clear water and the chance to stop every 25m. In short, swimming outdoors is a very different beast.

For more multisport training plans, pick from our free triathlon training plans for beginners.

How to use the free 8-week open-water swim training plan

Over the next eight weeks, this training plan will help you build confidence, work on open-water technique and get you race ready.

The plan is based on training for a standard-distance triathlon with a 1.5km swim.

If you want to do a sprint tri, then reduce the volume by approximately 30%; if you’re tackling a 70.3 tri then increase the volume by 30%.

Integral to this plan is the opportunity to swim in open water on a regular basis. So do some research and find a lake, river or sea near to you.

Being comfortable in open water and being able to quickly relax into your stroke will have a huge impact on the success of your experience.

Open-water swim training tips

Don’t go solo

If possible, join an organised group-style swim where you can get used to swimming in close proximity to others.

It can prepare you for the physicality of open-water swimming. You need to get used to the occasional, yet inevitable, bumps or knocks. 

Coached group sessions will teach you skills such as how to draft off other swimmers and how to sight effectively.

You’ll also find swimmers of all abilities and experience levels.

Swimming in a group at a managed location is also crucial for safety.

Find the right suit 

A well-fitted wetsuit is crucial to enjoying your swim. Find a suit that provides flexibility, buoyancy and warmth in equal measure. 

Our guide to best triathlon wetsuits contains options for all budgets.

Know your course 

Take time to look at your course, see the turning points and look out for objects to ‘sight’.

No excuses for swimming extra distance! 

If you can’t recce your swim course before the race, try to replicate its design in training.

What to expect from the training plan

The open-water swim training plan, which you can download below, focuses on preparing for a triathlon with a strong bias towards swimming. This makes sure you get your races off to a great start.

So the plan includes 2-4 swim sessions per week with a mixture of both open water and pool. It covers some of the key open-water skills which can be replicated and practised in a pool. You’ll also build endurance and speed ready for racing.

Also within the plan is time spent using a Pull Buoy (PB) or Paddles (PD). Both of these can help to strengthen the shoulders, which is helpful to recreate the fatigue you might encounter.

So get your wetsuit out, find some water and jump in!

To follow your swim training plan, why not target a run leg PB with our free eight-week run speed training plan.