SG Sink Or Swim 

Master the Art of Swimming in Someone’s Slipstream — Save Energy, Swim Smarter, and Race Faster In open water racing, speed isn’t just about raw power — it’s about strategy, efficiency, and positioning . And one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal? Drafting . By swimming closely behind or beside another competitor, you can reduce drag by up to 20% , conserve critical energy, and position yourself for a winning sprint — all without increasing effort. Elite open water sw

From Dream to Reality — A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Conquering Your First Endurance Swim Long-distance open water swimming — whether it’s a 5K charity swim, a 10-mile channel crossing, or a solo journey across a local lake — is more than a physical feat. It’s a test of preparation, resilience, navigation, and mental fortitude. Unlike pool swimming, where walls and lanes provide structure, open water offers only sky, water, and your own will. But with careful planning, the

Maximizing Every Lap — How to Build Open Water Readiness in a 20- or 25-Yard Pool You don’t need a 50-meter Olympic pool to train for triathlon success. In fact, most age-group and masters triathletes train in short-course yards (25-yard) or even shorter pools  (20 yards, hotel pools, or community centers). And while these tight spaces present challenges — constant turning, limited pacing, no open-water simulation — they also offer unique advantages: more wall work, higher st

Mastering the Critical Link Between Navigation and Breathing for Confident, Efficient Open Water Swimming In open water freestyle, two skills separate the confident from the chaotic: sighting  and breathing . Alone, each is essential. But when poorly synchronized, they create drag, disrupt rhythm, and drain energy. When mastered together, they become your secret weapon — allowing you to navigate accurately, maintain stroke efficiency, and conserve energy over any distance. Ye

Why the “Queen of Strokes” Belongs in Your Triathlon Swim Program — Even If You’re Not Racing It   When most triathletes think of swim training, they think: freestyle. freestyle. freestyle. But what if the stroke you’ve been avoiding — the most physically demanding, technically complex, and misunderstood of all — could actually make you a faster, stronger, and more resilient  triathlete? Enter butterfly . Yes — butterfly . The stroke that makes even elite swimmers sweat. The

Staying Calm, Centered, and in Control Amidst the Chaos of Open Water Racing   The swim leg of a triathlon is often the most intimidating part — not because of the distance, the cold, or the current… but because of the crowd . In a mass start, hundreds of athletes surge forward in a swirling, splashing, flailing mass of limbs, bubbles, and panic. It’s easy to get kicked, bumped, pulled, or disoriented — and even easier to lose your rhythm, your breath, and your focus. But her

Mastering the Dark: How to Train for Safety, Confidence, and Speed in Nighttime Open Water   Night swimming in open water — whether for triathlon training, marathon swims, or midnight challenges — is a thrilling, meditative, and uniquely demanding experience. The silence, the stars, the glow of the moon on the water… it’s magical. But it’s also perilous if you’re unprepared. In the dark, navigation becomes harder, sighting is nearly impossible, panic can creep in, and even fa

Your Complete Guide to Conquering the First — and Most Feared — Leg of the Race   For many triathletes, the swim leg is the ultimate wildcard. It’s the opening act of the race, yet it’s often the most anxiety-inducing: cold water, crowded starts, choppy conditions, and the fear of “bonking” before the bike even begins. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a competitive swimmer to excel in the triathlon swim . You just need smart, specific, and strategic training. In thi

Mastering the Wild Water — Stroke Adjustments for Safety, Efficiency, and Control in Open Ocean   Swimming in the ocean is a breathtaking experience — but it’s also a dynamic, unpredictable challenge. Unlike the controlled environment of a pool, open water presents waves, wind, tides, and currents that can sweep even strong swimmers off course or exhaust them in minutes. To navigate these forces safely and efficiently, you can’t rely on textbook stroke technique alone. You mu

Reclaiming Calm, Confidence, and Joy in the Wild Water   Open water swimming offers a unique blend of freedom, beauty, and challenge — gliding through lakes, rivers, or oceans with nothing but your stroke and the horizon. Yet for many, the very elements that make it magical — depth, currents, wildlife, and the unknown — also trigger deep-seated fear and anxiety. You’re not alone. Even experienced pool swimmers can feel panic at the thought of murky water, choppy waves, or swi

Maximizing Every Lap — Simulating Open Water Conditions in a Confined Lane   Open water swimming demands skills that pools don’t naturally provide: sighting, navigation, drafting, wave management, and mental resilience in uncontrolled environments. But what if you only have access to a short course pool, a single lane, or a crowded municipal facility? Can you still prepare effectively for lakes, rivers, or oceans? Absolutely.  With creativity, focus, and the right drills, eve

Race-Specific Training for Speed, Efficiency, and Confidence in the Water The swim leg of a sprint triathlon — typically 750 meters in...

Stay Safe, Warm, and Alert — A Lifesaving Guide for Swimmers, Triathletes, and Adventurers   Open water swimming offers unparalleled...

Smart Strategy, Efficient Technique, and Mental Mastery for a Strong, Confident Start to Your Race   For many triathletes, the swim leg...

Mastering Two Worlds: How to Adapt Your Stroke, Strategy, and Mindset for Success in Both Environments   Swimming in a pool and swimming...

Open water swimming isn’t just for competitive athletes or thrill seekers — it’s also a fantastic activity for older adults who want to...

Breaststroke is one of the most accessible and widely used strokes, especially among recreational swimmers and those beginning their open...

For triathletes, the Ironman swim leg  is the first big challenge of race day: a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) open water swim  that tests not only...

Long-distance open water swimming is one of the most rewarding challenges a swimmer can take on. Unlike pool swimming, open water brings...

Long open water swims are as much about strategy as they are about physical endurance. Unlike pool swimming, open water introduces...