Open Water Swimming - Experiential And Episodic

We had the great pleasure of meeting Shane Gould and her husband Milt Nelms at the 2008 Fiji Swims. It was great to hear the couple talk about swimming through the years - and learn of their interest in open water swimming and their new open water event in Tasmania (called the Devil of a Swim).

We have always enjoyed our discussions with Milt, one of the world’s leading experts and innovators in swimming technique. Milt has worked with many of the world’s best swimmers and served as a consultant to organizations and governments around the world on teaching swimming to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

For someone who has been around pool decks his adult life, Milt writes poetically about open water swimming.

"The concept of ocean swimming is very appealing to me. We spend all day in some sort of a figurative (or real) box moving back and forth according to someone else's rules or instructions. Not so in the ocean. You go out, you come back. That is enough, and to me, it is a lot."

Milt was eloquent when describing the differences between open water and pool swimming:

"Pool swimming is very quantitatively driven. If you go to a meet, such as sectionals or any large age group meet, they are really not about racing as much as they are about times. At sectionals where there are 180 girls entered in the 100 free, how many are racing mana-a-mano? Not more than a handful. There are many entire heats of 8 virtually identical times."

"In pool competitions, a non-gratifying physical experience with a fast time is seen as a success, or a pleasurable physical experience can be deflated by a bad time. In a pool competition, a close race that is won and yields a slow time often is a disappointment. Similarly, a race that is lost but yields a fast time is celebrated."

"Take the seconds and the centimeters out of either of those situations and you would have a different reality."

"Oceans swims are experiential and episodic. There is no distraction of miniscule measurement, only generalities of thirds or halves that are inexact because of other variables such as wind, tides, or currents. It is the quality of the experience at different levels, or pure strategic racing that defines the event."

We find Milt's description of open water swimming right to the point - experiential and episodic.

Those words - whether one is swimming in a 1K race or doing a marathon solo swim - certainly ring true no matter what ocean, lake, river or bay you find yourself swimming in.

Photos of the Nike Swim Miami by George Kamper.

Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association

Win Free Stay In Fiji

Fiji Swims, one of the most beautiful swims in the world, is offering one lucky swimmer in the USA the chance to win five nights (twin room) free accommodations in beautiful Fiji (so you can bring a spouse, coach or friend) to compete in its 1K, 2.7K or 18K swims on August 13th and 15th.

Fiji Swims features one of the most stunning marathon swims in the world: the 18K Fiji Swim – Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa to Beachcomber Island Relay or Solo Swim held on August 13th. The Fiji Swims also includes two solo swims to choose from: the 2.7K Fiji Swim – Beachcomber Island or the 1K Fiji Swim – Treasure Island to Beachcomber Island.

Swimmers enjoy safely swimming over a fringing coral reef teeming with tropical fish.

Another highlight of the Fiji Swims is the opportunity to meet and swim alongside Olympic greats including Australia's legendary Shane Gould (3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze in 1972) and Graeme Brewer (1980 bronze medalist). Previous Olympian participants in the Fiji Swims include Natalie Coughlin, Dana Vollmer, Alison Wagner and Debbie Meyer (USA), Danyon Loader (New Zealand) and Murray Rose, John Konrads and Neil Rogers (Australia).

Fiji Swims has Fiji Rules that are fitting for this laid-back nation: the 18K Fiji Swim - Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa to Beachcomber Island Relay race rules allow as many swimmers as safely can fit on the support boat and the length of time of each swimmer can be different, while those in the 1K Fiji Swim – Treasure Island to Beachcomber Island are allowed to wear fins.

For a chance to win, send an email to david@bathtubproductions.com expressing your interest and including your telephone number and listing of the ocean swims you have done in the past few years by July 21st. The lucky winner will be chosen at random and notified by email on July 22nd.

The 18K race can be done solo, duo or as a team of five, with race organizers able to partner the lucky winner with a team with swimmers of similar ability. The lucky swimmer will have to pay their share of the half-day charter boat that will be arranged by the race organizers.

The prize includes the following:

· 3 nights free twin share accommodation and complimentary breakfast at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa for August 11th, 12th and 15th.

· 2 nights free twin share accommodation and complimentary breakfast at Treasure Island Resort for the nights of August 13th and 14th.

· free race registrations for the swims on August 13th and 15th.

It is possible to stay in Fiji longer if you wish to purchase additional nights accommodation.

By emailing to enter the competition, you agree that if you win the prize listed above, you will compete in the races on August 13th and 15th and will purchase your own airflight to Fiji by July 24th in order to secure the prize. If not, the prize it will be forfeited and offered to another person who entered the draw. All other costs including flights, transfers, taxes, insurance and additional meals are at the expense of the prize winner.

Race organizers suggest flying to Fiji on Air Pacific with airfares a particularly good value at the moment.

Winning Gold Begins on Treasure Island

It might be a stretch, but NCAA Swimmer of the Year Dana Vollmer may kick-started her victorious NCAA championship season in Fiji.

As Dana won the 100 freestyle and anchored the winning relay to lead Cal-Berkeley to its first team title at the NCAA Women's Championships in her home state of Texas, we recall that Dana got her batteries rejuiced at the Fiji Swims before this year's collegiate season began.

Dana cruised in the stunningly gorgeous Fiji Swims, relaxing with 7 Olympians from 3 different countries, including Shane Gould, Allison Wagner and Murray Rose. Dana swam the 18K relay (made up of 5 Californians) and the 2.7K Beachcomber Island Race, both which finished on Treasure Island (shown here).

Every victorious swim begins with the first stroke.

Copyright © 2009 by Open Water Source

Olympic Champions in the Open Water

From the days of Duke Kahanamoku (3 gold, 2 silver in 1912, 1920 and 1924) and Gertrude Ederle (1 gold, 2 bronze in 1924), Olympic medalists Shane Gould (3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze in 1972), Jim Montgomery (3 gold, 1 bronze in 1976), Aaron Peirsol (5 gold and 2 silver in 2000, 2004 and 2008), Brendan Hansen (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze in 2004 and 2008), Sandy Neilson-Bell (3 gold in 1972), John Kinsella (1 gold, 1 silver in 1968 and 1972), Natalie Coughlin (3 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze in 2004 and 2008), John Konrads (1 gold, 2 bronze in 1960), Debbie Meyers (3 gold in 1968), Murray Rose (4 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze in 1956 and 1960), Danyon Loader (2 gold, 1 silver in 1992 and 1996), Joanne Jackson (1 bronze in 2008), Oussama Mellouli (1 gold in 2008), Jazon Lezak (3 gold, 2 bronze in 2004 and 2008), David Davies (1 silver, 1 bronze in 2004 and 2008), Klete Keller (2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze in 2000, 2004 and 2008), Chris Thompson, Brooke Bennett (3 gold in 1996 and 2000), and Chad Carvin (1 silver in 2000) have joined in the open water movement.

In the US, Sandy Neilson-Bell has developed a series of open water swims in Texas that continue to prosper for swimmers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. On the other side of the world, Shane Gould (shown on left) is also building an impressive open water event for all comers called A Devil of a Swim.

Shane's A Devil of a Swim offers 1K, 2K and 5K races in the beautifully clear 18°C waters of Bicheno Waubs Bay on the east coast of Tasmania. The event serves as a fund-raiser for the Tasmanian Devil facial tumor disease. The 5K race is around Diamond Island (see photo above).

For more photos of A Devil of a Swim, visit here.

Copyright © 2009 by Open Water Source

Olympic Hero in the Open Water

Sandy Neilson-Bell, together with her husband Dr. Keith Bell, has co-developed a series of innovative open water swimming events in the Austin, Texas area under the American Swimming Association brand. The races vary from Money Box Cap 2K and the 12-mile Lake Travis Relay to the five-day Highland Lakes Challenge and the ASA Open Water Collegiate National Championships. The 1972 Olympic triple gold medal sprinter made a comeback in the 1980’s by getting re-invigorated with open water swimming.

We asked Sandy, a nominee for the 2008 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year, to take us back along memory lane on a variety of topics, from her Olympic triumphs in Munich to her desire to create an open water swimming oasis among the rolling hill country of Texas.


10KSwimmer: Can you tell us a little bit about the 1972 Olympics?
Sandy: Wow — it was 36 years ago?! At 16 years old, so much just seemed to fly by me. 1972 was a very tumultuous year for the world with Vietnam, the Mid-East conflicts, and protests in our country. I was a naïve 16-year-old who was focused on swimming, school and friends. I lived in a cocoon, as many of us did, protected from the many aforementioned goings-on of the world.

My memories of the Munich Olympics are of the many exciting and controversial athletic performances as well as, of course, the terrifying hostility which resulted in 11 Israelis being murdered. I had been hosted in Israel the year prior to the Games and was extremely affected by this event.

Prior to the terrorism, I was very focused on my swimming. That’s what we were there for, after all. At that time, there were minimal distractions from the media.

10Kswimmer: What was your best time going into Munich?
Sandy: 59+

10Kswimmer: Did you think you could beat Shane Gould?
Sandy: I guess I did. There was huge hype about Shane — this “wonder girl” from Australia, who held numerous world records at that time. Looking back on it, I believe it affected the coaches and managers (and maybe other swimmers) more than it affected me. I usually didn’t pay attention to that kind of thing. My coach and parents were good at helping me maintain confidence under high-pressure situations. I also didn’t look at it as a race between Shane and me. The goal, as usual, was to touch the wall first ahead of everyone. And, up until the Olympics, I was focused on the excellent American competition I had in my own backyard.

10Kswimmer: In terms of stroke mechanics, did you swim differently then than you do now?
Sandy: My stroke is somewhat similar to then with a 6-beat kick, but when I was sprinting, I had an 8-beat kick with fairly long strokes. What was once thought to be a good dive (get out there, land flat on the water) and streamlined (arms in front of you like superman) is no longer. I have improved on those techniques.

In open water swims I still use a constant kick, but with less effort. My stroke changes with the changing conditions of the open water. I love the challenge of fitting my stroke tempo with the conditions of the open water.

10Kswimmer: Can you tell us about the 400 freestyle and 400 medley relays? Who were your teammates and your competition?
Sandy: We set the 400 medley relay in world record time by at least 25 meters with teammates Melissa Belote (gold medalist in the 100 and 200 backstrokes), Cathy Carr (gold medalist in the 100 breaststroke), Deena Deardruff (finalist in the 100 butterfly) and me anchoring freestyle. The 400 free relay was a nail-biter with me as lead-off, teammates Jenni Kemp and Janie Barkman (then the “old lady” at the age of 23) and Shirley Babashoff anchoring. Shirley started off behind, but finished strong to touch-out the East Germans, in world record time, but by only a fingernail.

10Kswimmer: From an athlete’s perspective, what are some differences between the Olympics then (1972) and the Olympics now (2008)?
Sandy: There wasn’t such extreme media hype as there is now. You must remember that in 1972 we didn’t have computers or the Internet — huge advertising forces now. Some athletes got built up by the media, but it wasn’t in-your-face as much.

There was no such thing as “endorsements” by swimmers. Even track athletes were only just breaking into that scene. We ran strictly (and that was very strict) according to amateur rules. You couldn’t think of using your skill for profit or even get financial help for expenses.

Of course, things like goggles, caps and swim suits are much different now. We were the last set of Olympians to wear the double-lined nylon suits. I did not wear goggles or a cap for my races.

10Kswimmer: Do you know Shane Gould is also very much into open water swimming now? Do you think her new event in Tasmania and your American Swimming Association events in Texas will ever become sister swims?
Sandy: I do know that Shane and her husband Milt are doing a great job promoting open water swimming in Australia. I think it is wonderful and would love to connect our swims somehow. And, definitely yes, it would be fun to swim with Shane!

Imagine that…two pool swimming heroes from the 1972 Munich Olympics – Sandy and Shane Gould continuing their marvelous careers in the open water!

For more information on the 2008 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year nominees, go here.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association

Wild Ocean Swimming in Tasmania

The five-race 2XU Wild Oceans Ocean Swim Series in Tasmania, Australia is organized by Surf Life Saving Tasmania and Tasmania Swimming to provide opportunities for swimmers of all abilities to compete in open water swimming.

The competitive series is also supported with ten community swims around Tasmania for swimmers to be introduced to the sport. There are 5 races held in the south and 5 races held in the north.

The 2XU Wild Oceans Ocean Swim Series races include the Taste Festival Pier River Swim in Hobart on December 28, the Penguin Island Open Water Swim in Hawley Beach, the Australia Day Swim in Kingston Beach on January 26, 2009, the Carlton Park Ocean Swim at Carlton Beach on February 22, 2009 and the River to Bluff Swim in Devonport on March 28, 2009.

Olympic hero Shane Gould is promoting the final swim for the season ‘The Devil of a Swim’ which is independent of the 2XU Wild Oceans Ocean Swim Series. The Devil of a Swim 1K, 2K and 5K races will be held in Bicheno Waubs Bay on the east coast of Tasmania on April 5th and is a fund-raiser for the Tasmanian Devil facial tumor disease.

Devil of a Swim

Olympic hero Shane Gould will organize an open water swim event in Tasmania in April 2009 called the Devil of a Swim. More details will be announced soon about the 1K, 2K and 5K swims and the cash prizes to be awarded.

Gould is very excited about the event where she says, "You can swim in one of the world’s last natural wild places.

Tasmania is promoted as the Natural State and the "Island of Inspiration" due to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. It is south of the eastern side of Australia.

In the open water swimming world, Gould has most recently been active in the Fiji Swims where she promotes the Shane Gould Project that helps improve water safety and awareness in Fiji where she grew up. The Shane Gould Swimming Foundation provides very effective instructions in traditional natural/wild swimming locations, making suggestions for a culture of safety around rivers and oceans.

Photo was taken by underwater photographer Shane Gould at the Fiji Swims.

1st Asian Beach Games

36 men and 20 women, representing 45 countries, will take part in the 5K and 10K open water swims on Sanur Beach along the southeastern coast of Bali in Indonesia on October 25th and 26th.

Some of the individuals most responsible for the inclusion of the marathon swim in the Olympics will oversee the 5K and 10K races in Bali.

Dennis Miller will serve as the FINA Delegate along with Chris and Sue Guesdon, Shelley Taylor-Smith, Bill and Karen Ford and Melissa Cunningham who will help the local officials put on a good show for the first-year event.

In addition to the 5K and 10K marathon swims, the Asian Beach Games will include beach soccer, beach sepak takraw, beach handball, bodybuilding, windsurfing, triathlon, dragon boat, sailing, paragliding, surfing, windsurfing, woodball and beach volleyball.

Photo of an open water swimmer in a tropical paradise race by Shane Gould.

Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association

Really Tough Olympian Workouts

During the post-race festivities at the stunningly gorgeous 18K Fiji Swims inter-island Relay, four generations of Olympic medalists were discussing their toughest workouts.

Shane Gould, Murray Rose, Dana Vollmer, and Allison Wagner shared great workout stories with hundreds of open water swimmers from Fiji, all over the South Pacific islands, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.

In our opinion, Wagner's 8000-meter individual medley workouts had to be one of the toughest main sets, both mentally and physically. "It was tough," said Wagner about the 8000 IMs in a long-course 50-meter pool. "But, we just did it and worked pretty hard."

Detailed information on the event, including race results and stunning photos shot by Gould, will be posted at Swimming World Magazine.

A pre-race article was posted in the local newspaper, the Fiji Times.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association

Olympians Gather in Fiji for Open Water

Hundreds of swimmers from around the Pacific Rim, including 7 Olympians from 3 different countries, are gathering in Fiji for 18K Fiji Swim Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa to Beachcomber Island Relay today.

The Olympians have collectively won 8 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals and include Dana Vollmer and Allison Wagner. Wagner, the 1996 Olympic silver medalist and former world record holder in the 200 IM who just came back from a 7-year retirement, said in anticipation, "I just came off of the U.S. Olympic Trials where I did the 50 and 100 frees. This [18K relay] is a bit longer, but it should be fun."

The 18K relay will be followed up by the 2.7K Fiji Swim Beachcomber Island race and the 1K Treasure Island to Beachcomber Island Swim (race course picture shown above).

Besides Wagner and Vollmer, who was part of the world record and gold medal winning 4 x 200 meter relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Murray Rose and Shane Gould are also participating.

Australian Rose won 4 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Shane Gould won 3 Olympic gold medals in world record time at the 1972 Munich Olympics, together with one silver and one bronze. Gould works with the Fiji Swims organizers and Milton Nelms on a special project to help improve water safety and awareness in Fiji.

Photo shows the beautiful crystal clear channel between Treasure Island and Beachcomber Island in Fiji.

Copyright © 2008 by World Open Water Swimming Association