Sighting - Pick a higher point directly above the buoy/person in the water to sight to. Look up regularly to make sure you are staying on course. Kick harder when sighting to stop your feet from sinking. Only lift your head as high as necessary while still being able to spot your destination. Triangulate by looking for two aligned, easily visible objects on land.
Breathing - It is a good idea to practice turning your head to either side to breathe after you have looked up to sight. Make sure you are breathing into the shore when there is a large chop or waves to avoid getting a mouthful of water.
Drafting and close swimming - practice the high five drill for gaining confidence in touching other swimmers around you and to practice lifting you head and breathing to either side. Keep close but do not disrupt the persons stroke who you are drafting off. Feet are better to draft off than hip as the leading swimmer will be able to go faster - meaning the drafting person will also go faster. Drafting off someones hip makes it harder for them to swim.
Stroke rate - The ocean is different to swimming in the pool as the water is constantly moving with surface chop and currents so a higher arm rate works better than trying to glide like you would in a pool. A higher arm turn over will also keep you warmer in cold water. Make sure you find a rate you are comfortable with and practice.
Happy swimming everyone!
