Panic at OWS?

A good way to prevent panic attacks is to get familiar with the body of water where you will be swimming next, plan a challenging but not impossible swim race, practice in race conditions, swim with experienced friends, swim at our OWS program and swim with a personal buoy. At the swimming pool, practice in close contact with others and attend an OWS clinic.

Visualize your swim, acclimate yourself to the water temperature and practice OWS at the ocean, rivers and lakes.

Race Day: After assessing the water temperature and the weather conditions, do a good dry-land set of exercises, bringing your heart rate to the zone that you’ve been practicing with your coach. Take your time entering the water, and do some swimming for 5-10 minutes, including some dolphin dives etc. (Every race is different) Start on the less crowded side of your wave. If wet-suit legal, make sure you practice with your wet-suit a few times.

If you feel that you are going to panic: Slow down, and try to control your breathing, this will bring your heart rate down as well. Switch to an easier stroke (backstroke, breaststroke, side stroke) Try to think positive thoughts and remember what you learned from your coach. *Remember this could happen to anybody, but is good to know what to do to make it better.