From the Pool to Open Water… and onto Open Water Competitions
A team of young swimmers from the Feel The Water swim school is training intensively in preparation for the AQUA SPEED Open Water Series competition. We talk with Filip Wypych – swimmer, coach, and owner of the school.
Open Water for the Holidays?
Are open water competitions a good idea for weekend and holiday trips?
Open water competitions can be a fantastic idea for weekend trips because they take place in natural settings, often in stunningly picturesque locations. The venues typically feature scenic beaches, playgrounds for children, and nearby restaurants or cafes offering great food.
When the weather cooperates, it’s a recipe for a perfect family weekend getaway. The ASOWS events are a great option, as they allow participation by children, teenagers, and adults, making them an excellent opportunity for a sporty family weekend.
Open Water vs. Pool
Why is it important to train in a pool before heading to open water?
As an experienced swimmer, I have a lot of respect for open water. Water is an element that can be unpredictable. To swim in open water, you first need to be confident in your swimming skills. In a pool, almost all conditions are "defined and constant" – walls, depth, distance to the edge, temperature, and the absence of currents.
In open water, it’s entirely different. You usually can’t see the bottom and often can’t see much beyond two meters in front of you. Add to that currents, waves, navigation challenges, and the blinding sun. To handle such conditions, you need to be prepared not only physically but also mentally.
Open Water and Safety
How can pool training help ensure safe swimming during the holidays?
Pool training is not the same as swimming in open water, but it can certainly help prepare you for the effort and conditions. Training under the guidance of a professional coach, ideally one with open water experience, is highly recommended. This ensures you not only learn proper movement patterns to refine your swimming technique but also develop the skills to respond appropriately in dangerous situations that may occur in open water.
If you want to feel comfortable and safe in open water, you should first feel at ease in the pool, even without being able to touch the bottom. It’s also essential that your swimming skills allow you to swim longer distances continuously – 400, 800, or even 1200 meters – with confidence.
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Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Editor-in-Chief of AQUA SPEED Magazine
This material was created in collaboration with Filip Wypych.
Photos by: Antek Mazerant
Location: Zatoka Sportu, Łódź
