With spring weather heating us up, and summer just around the corner, there's no better time to get out and enjoy the beautiful beaches of NSW and start ocean swimming.
Here are some tips from our partner Can Too Foundation on how to branch into the world of swimming in the ocean if you haven't before.
1. Discover your local ocean pools.
The more you visit the beach and get wet from head to toe, the more you'll be keen to get into the ocean. Australia is blessed with over 100 spectacular ocean pools and these provide the perfect opportunity to be swimming in the sea while being out of it!
2. Build your technique in a swimming pool first to build up your fitness.
Being able to progress your body efficiently though the water is the key to enjoying ocean swimming, and if you've never swum in the ocean before, starting in a pool is a good way to go. A good swimming coach will be able to observe your swimming technique and work with you to improve your stroke efficiency and power. This is best achieved in a swimming pool environment, away from the distractions of waves, where instructions can be easily heard. In a pool you can focus on technique and fitness.
3. Choose a specific goal you want to accomplish with your swimming.
Swimming in the ocean can be a bit daunting so give yourself a goal - do you want to join a group that goes swimming regularly and need to build your fitness? Do you want to be able to swim 1km around to a different beach? Choose a goal which you can work to stick to, which will make it easier to motivate yourself when you hit the beach on a particularly beautiful day.
4. Swim with others
Gathering a group of friends together to swim with you is the best way to get used to and have fun ocean swimming. Together, as a group, you can embrace your new skill and challenge yourself to go further. Getting coffee and socialising after a swim is a great way to crystallise the accomplishments made and enjoy the greater confidence each swim brings.
5. Be sun safe
With the summer sun heating up, it's more important than ever to wear sun protection to protect yourself from skin cancer. Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide every time you are out in the sun and reapply your sunscreen every two hours you're in the water.
6. And finally: sign up to a Swim program with Can Too Foundation
Can Too Foundation has taught over 5,000 people, just like you, to ocean swim since 2005. For many people, it's life changing. All sessions are led by professional coaches and beach sessions are staffed with water safety from local surf clubs.
Can Too offers four swim programs a year, which are perfect timing for anyone wanting to get in the pool and ocean this summer:
- Sydney Learn to Ocean Swim - from November to February
- Autumn swim program - from February to April
- Balmoral 5km swim - from February to April in Sydney
If you'd like to learn to ocean swim in a safe, supportive environment with Can Too, go to their website
