Swimming Guides - OpenWaterHQ

Do Wetsuits Prevent Swimmer’s Itch?

Wetsuits are commonly worn for warmth and the protection it can provide against sharp corals, UV rays, and jellyfish stings ...

Can You Get Sunburned Through a Swimsuit?

Swimsuits are not only fashionable, but they also serve a purpose – to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ...

When is it Warm Enough to Swim in a Lake?

Determining when it's warm enough to swim in a lake can be a bit of a challenge, especially since the ...

What is a Comfortable Ocean Water Temperature to Swim In

What Are Comfortable Ocean Water Temperatures to Swim In?

Taking a dip in the ocean for a refreshing swim is the stuff people daydream about, but it’s only as ...

How Cold Is Too Cold to Swim Outside?

As the weather warms up, you might be itching to jump into a pool or take a dip in the ...

Is 75 Degrees Outside Too Cold to Go Swimming?

Have you ever gone swimming on a warm day, only to be shocked at how much colder the water feels? ...

Can You Swim in 65-Degree Water?

Diving into cool waters can be refreshing, but when does chilly turn to risky? If you're wondering whether it's safe ...

Can You Swim in 60-Degree Water? Know the Risks

Imagine stepping into a cold shower on a chilly day - that's pretty close to the sensation of swimming 60-degree ...

How Long Can You Swim in 50-Degree Water?

Swimming in cold water is no walk in the park - it could push your body to the brink of ...

Is 70-Degrees Outside Too Cold to Swim?

Deciding whether it's too cold to swim can be a common concern, especially when outdoor temperatures start to dip. While ...

Open water swimming is pretty self-explanatory; it is simply swimming in any outdoor bodies of water including the open ocean, lakes, and even rivers. You can do it casually or competitively, such as in triathlons.

At the highest level, you can compete in prestigious competitions such as the FINA World Aquatics Championships, the FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup, and even at the Olympic Games. It is a discipline acknowledged across the world, as there are official events worldwide.

Wearing a wetsuit is highly recommended due to the risks involved with open water swimming. In competition, wetsuits are either permitted or restricted based on the distance of the swim and the water temperature.

In this section, we have compiled a list of all our guides related to open water swimming.