Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Oh WOW, It's POW (Pool Open Water)

POW or Pool Open Water is a means to practice open water swimming in a pool where all or some of the lane lines are removed. Swimmers swim around the perimeter of the pool or around turn buoys anchored in the pool.

Swimmers and triathletes can simulate open water swimming competitions during winter or when they cannot get down to the shoreline. POW is an enjoyable and educational introduction to traditional open water swimming when the weather is too cold or there is not access to an open body of water.

Pool Open Water helps bring the joys and challenges of open water swimming to your pool.

Traditional open water swimming, alternatively known as marathon swimming, long distance swimming or rough water swimming, is done in oceans, bays, rivers, lakes, dams, rowing basins, canals, channels, fjords and reservoirs around the world. POW combines the joys, challenges and excitement of traditional open water swimming with the convenience of a swimming pool.

Remove the lane lines in a pool, set four turn buoys near the corners and swim loops (either clockwise or counterclockwise) around the course. Swimmers can also do their warm-up, pulling, kicking, sprints, relays and main sets around the perimeter of a 25 or 50-meter pool.

Swimmers can learn and practice drafting, positioning and turning in the pool and transfer that experience to success in the open water. POW is especially helpful for triathletes and newcomers to the sport.

For examples, videos and information on how these customized buoys can be used, learn more about Pool Open Water swimming (POW), visit here.


Copyright © 2009 by World Open Water Swimming Association

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