What this open water skill is
Chop is the rough, bumpy surface that wind whips up on open water. Small waves and chop can splash into your mouth just as you breathe. You learn to breathe on the side away from the waves, and to time each breath for a calmer moment.
Just as important is judgement. If the waves make breathing hard, the right call is to head back to the exit. This skill is only for small waves and chop, with supervision. It comes after swimming around a buoy, and getting into cold water comes next.
Why it matters
Comfort in real conditions.
Open water is rarely flat. Breathing calmly through small waves keeps your swim enjoyable.
Fewer mouthfuls of water.
Choosing your breathing side keeps splashes away from your face.
Knowing when to stop.
Turning back early when conditions get worse is the smartest decision in open water.
Who it is for
Teens and adults who swim front crawl confidently, breathing to the side, and who have started supervised open-water swims. Being able to breathe to both sides helps a lot. It usually comes once calm open water feels comfortable. For teens, it suits confident swimmers preparing for open-water events.
In chop or small waves
The goal
In small waves, you breathe on the side away from the splashes and keep a calm rhythm. If conditions become too much, you turn back toward the exit without hesitating.
Why it matters
Calm breathing keeps you comfortable in real open water. Knowing when to turn back keeps you safe.
What happens in lessons
Both sides in the pool.
You practise breathing to your less natural side, so you have a choice when waves come.
Splashes on purpose.
Your instructor makes small waves and splashes while you swim, so you can practise staying calm.
What to do after a mouthful.
You practise rolling onto your back, coughing, settling, then deciding what to do.
Small waves, with supervision.
When you are ready, you try it in small waves at a supervised venue, with safety cover.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
Common questions
- Which side should I breathe to?
- Usually the side facing away from the waves, so they hit the back of your head, not your face. That is why breathing to both sides is so useful.
- What if I swallow water?
- Stop, roll onto your back or tread water, cough it out and let your breathing settle. Then decide calmly whether to carry on or head for the exit.
- How big a wave is too big?
- For learning, anything beyond small waves and light chop. If you are struggling to breathe, or unsure, it is too big for you today.
- Can I practise this in a pool?
- Partly. Your instructor can make splashes and small waves while you swim, and you can practise breathing to your less natural side. Real chop only happens outdoors, with supervision.
