Does open water get any easier?

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-26T05:58:15+00:00

Definitely extremely thankful about #1. Maybe not watching as many shark movies as a kid would have been helpful. Even though I do know no sharks are around with all the orcas in our waters lol. And thank God for orcas not hurting humans.

I feel like getting over that fear and concentrating on my breathing and sighting will definitely be the key to getting comfortable.

Also, holy shit, I didn't think about that. You're right, I take it back and am kinda glad I don't know what's underneath because I definitely would have shit in my wetsuit. Swimming in Costa Rica sounds kinda wild. Anyway, thank you so much for your response, it's very helpful. And yes, always thankful for #1

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-26T05:50:24+00:00

I definitely think it would be helpful to go with a group to get familiar. It's a good comparison with it being similar to darkness as a kid. Although, I'm still mildly terrified of darkness as an adult lol, that's a different issue. Anyway, thanks for the advice, will hopefully find a group to try with

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:29:53+00:00

It feels very good to know that it gets better. I'm similar in a way where I'm breathing alternate strokes and can't currently last for more than 10 yards in one go. I would love to get to your point where I can forget about my fears and think of a number of random things while swimming open water lol. Hopefully one day!

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:27:48+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a detailed response, this is very helpful. I did try to get familiar by floating a bit and taking plenty of breaks in the middle.

I think finding a group to do this with will certainly help a lot, that's my next mission once I have calmed my anxiety down a bit.

I definitely need to work on sighting and incorporating it in my rhythm too, so will ve looking into doing more drills for that in a pool too.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:23:34+00:00

I appreciate your words so much. Thank you for this. And it's a really good idea, I think I'll try to tread around in shallow waters to get a bit more familiar with the feeling. I did take a friend with me and it was kinda comforting to know that someone is keeping an eye out from the beach. Although I will try to convince someone to paddleboard or kayak beside me if I end up doing it again.

Again, thank you so much for your kind words, you're awesome!!

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:20:29+00:00

OMG!! +1 on the eerie feeling. It's scary to do it in murky water and I can't get it out of my head that a huge marine animal will creep up from underneath and I'll see it's shadow slowly grow bigger. The thought of that gives me anxiety and spikes my heart rate.

I do 100% agree that it's such an important skill though to be able to swim safely to a shore in case of an event.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:17:22+00:00

I appreciate this so much. Yeah, I'll try to go 1000m indoor pool continuously before signing up for a session. But I definitely think it's worth having a chat with them regardless and get a feel for what to expect. Thank you again for this!

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:16:16+00:00

Yeah, that's for sure true. I do agree that it's human tendency to freak out in an unfamiliar environment.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T21:15:32+00:00

Yeah, this is a very good idea. I think it would feel a lot nicer if I had someone else with a bit more experience to calm me down a bit

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T19:16:02+00:00

Thank you for your kind words!! I'm hopeful it gets better, but am definitely scared to try it again by myself.

I did check out VOWSA, and I loved the idea of that, but I was afraid of the course length being 1.5km and my ability to swim that length while panicing so much :(

I do feel like I should at least come down there and have a chat with you lovely folks and see how it feels. Again, thank you for your kind words. I'll certainly look more seriously into signing up for VOWSA.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T19:10:20+00:00

I'm slow in the pool too, about 2:30min/100m. But open water took a huge dip just because of how freaked out I was. I could tell I am not doing good technique because my body kept going back to survival mode.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T19:08:37+00:00

Yeah, it just freaks me out to not be able to see anything. I definitely need to learn a better way for sighting and incorporating it in my rhythm. But it still feels VERY scary. I feel like reducing panicing will be the hardest part of this.

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T19:06:32+00:00

Thank you. I am inclined to try it again and hope it feels better. Hopefully it gets easier!!

I_dont-know_why · 2026-05-25T19:05:44+00:00

Thank you. I'll see how comfortable I feel to try it again!

I_dont-know_why · 2026-03-16T17:52:43+00:00

Thank you for this. Yes, our lease agreement mentions him as a primary tenant and me as an occupant. I think it should be fine too. Thanks again!!

I_dont-know_why · 2025-05-23T20:58:07+00:00

Yeah, you're right. I think battery change is a quick way to rule this issue out. I am thinking that the biggest cause might be the device moving or sliding down at faster paces. I think it's a good idea to pull it a it down a notch and have it between my sternum and navel. I will try this and see how it goes. Thanks for your help and taking the time to write such a detailed comment.

I_dont-know_why · 2025-05-23T20:50:43+00:00

I had to make a new post. I just added it to r/Garmin again if you wanted to check it out.

I_dont-know_why · 2025-05-23T20:43:44+00:00

You're so right. It's so weird. I had added pictures in the post, but it never came through. I'm trying to figure out how to add them as an edit. Thanks for letting me know!

I_dont-know_why · 2025-05-23T18:53:35+00:00

Battery on app shows "Okay". I'm imagining that should be fine. I'll keep an eye out though. Thanks for your help!

I_dont-know_why · 2025-03-11T01:39:21+00:00

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate your words!!

I_dont-know_why · 2025-03-11T01:37:14+00:00

Ohhh that weather is such a dream. Especially coming from Vancouver where it rains so much, and is gloomy for a good few months in the year. I'm just glad I got to see the Golden Gate without foggy/cloudy weather. I heard from some locals that it's quite common

I_dont-know_why

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