Triathlons test endurance, strength, and mental toughness. Despite triathletes being incredible cyclists and runners, the swim portion has historically been the toughest for participants due to the complexity of skills required and the scary nature of open water swimming. As a result, the swim portion of triathlons is the riskiest - 80% of deaths that occur during triathlons occur during the swim segment (Source). I'm a race director and swim instructor. I've run multiple

For some open water and early-season swimmers, a wetsuit is an essential piece of equipment that provides buoyancy, warmth, and protection. However, for those with sensory issues or neurodivergent conditions, the experience of wearing a wetsuit can be overstimulating and overwhelming. The constricting fabric, the sensation of being enveloped, and the changes in temperature can all contribute to discomfort. Here are some strategies to help ease the transition into wearing a we

Back in 2008, Suzie Dods was in Greece with a group of non-swimmers who were learning how to become swimmers. They were staying at a great hotel with three beaches within a ten-minute walk. Each beach was gentle and accessible for beginners, but also offered a a little environmental variety for confident swimmers as well. It was somewhere between the first few dips and the laughter from the group from being in a swimmer's paradise that Suzie realized: This needs to be a swi

Swimming can be a temporary relief from anguish and anxiety. It's a short respite from the 1000 tabs open at your job, in your brain, or in your soul. Some people find swimming to be a great way to regulate their emotions by becoming tired enough feel grounded again, or becoming too tired to feel anything. Others leave their watering hole motivated and inspired. For me, it's a mix of calm and fatigue. My thoughts gain clarity during distance workouts, and my mind goes bl

Open-water swimming takes more out of you than you might realize. Add early mornings, travel, and juggling work or other responsibilities, it's no wonder fatigue can creep up and start compounding. Most swimmers take time off right after their big race, which is usually an "end-of-season" spectacular big hairy goal. For some swimmers, it's because body feels totaled; their muscles are in the best and worst shape from all the training and then battling through the swim. For

A few friends have pushed me to publish the story of my first open water swim, despite it potentially getting me in a little trouble. ...