#17 Sort Your Swim Out - Open water when you can’t see a thing

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Tim and Emz break down the realities of open water swimming — from cold, dark canal swims to the mental game of staying calm when conditions feel chaotic. Using Emz’s recent triathlon simulation as the starting point, they explore why confidence in open water comes from skill, rehearsal, and smart race-day decisions, not just fitness.The conversation covers practical tactics like finding feet, using crocodile eyes for sighting, choosing landmarks, breathing patterns, and why stroke rate often matters more than trying to look “perfect” in the water. They also connect swim technique to the broader Cartel Coaching philosophy: train for durability, not just one event.Key TopicsEmz’s canal swim simulation in NoosaManaging fear, panic, and dark open-water conditionsFinding feet and staying with a groupSighting with “crocodile eyes”Breathing patterns for training vs racingWhy breathing every two is often best on race dayUsing landmarks to stay on courseThe difference between pool technique and open-water techniqueStroke rate vs stroke length in open waterTraining for skill, durability, and confidenceMain TakeawaysOpen water confidence comes from repeated exposure, not just theory.Sight often, but keep it efficient — lift only the eyes, not the whole head.Train bilateral breathing so you can adapt to waves, glare, and race conditions.In racing, breathing every two is usually more effective than forcing every three.A good open water swimmer is often fast, rhythmic, and adaptable rather than “perfect” in form.Skill practice matters as much as fitness, especially in triathlon.Practical Tips MentionedPractice in groups whenever possible.Use landmarks on shore to help navigate.Keep your hips high and your body long in the water.Build sighting into your breathing rhythm.Train in a variety of conditions so race day feels familiar.Focus on technique cues that hold up under pressure.Don’t confuse training drills with race-day strategy.Memorable Quote“Training we use three, racing we use two.”Audience RelevanceThis episode is especially useful for:Triathletes preparing for open water swimsAdult-onset swimmers learning to feel comfortable in the waterAthletes who panic or lose confidence in open waterCoaches looking for practical swim cues and race-day strategiesClosing ThoughtOpen water swimming is as much about managing uncertainty as it is about swimming fast. The more you rehearse the skill, the less the race day conditions control you.Come find us Cartel Coaching — Swim. Bike. Run. Together.