What this open water skill is
In a pool, the line on the bottom keeps you straight. In open water there is nothing to follow, and almost everyone drifts off course without noticing. So every so often, you lift your eyes just above the water, spot your landmark and carry on swimming.
Most of it can be learned in a pool, looking at a target at the far end. It comes after learning to get into open water safely. Next comes swimming around a buoy, a large floating marker.
Why it matters
You go where you mean to.
Regular looks keep you on course and stop you swimming extra distance.
You stay close to safety.
Staying on course keeps you near your buddy, your supervisor and your planned route.
Less tiring.
A quick, smooth look takes far less energy than stopping to find your way.
Who it is for
Teens and adults who swim front crawl comfortably, breathing to the side, and who are preparing for open water or a triathlon. Front crawl is the stroke where the arms take turns reaching forward. Most of this skill can be learned in any pool long before it is used outdoors. For a teen, it is a good fit once they swim front crawl with confidence.
Using a landmark
The goal
Every so often, you lift your eyes just above the water, spot your landmark and carry on without stopping. You swim a fairly straight line toward it.
Why it matters
Checking your direction often keeps you on course and near your supervisor. It also keeps your swim smooth instead of stop and start.
What happens in lessons
A target in your pool.
Your instructor places a target at the end of the pool, or stands there, for you to look at.
Just the eyes.
You practise lifting only your eyes above the water, quickly, then putting your face back in.
Part of your stroke.
You practise fitting the look into your normal swimming, so you keep moving.
Supervised open water.
When you are ready, you try it close to shore at a supervised venue, with a buddy and a supervisor watching.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
What's normal along the way
Common questions
- How often should I look up?
- It depends on the conditions and on how straight you swim. Your instructor helps you find your own rhythm.
- Can I learn this in my pool?
- Yes. Most of it is learned in a pool, looking at a target at the far end. Using it in open water comes later, with supervision.
- Why do my legs sink when I look up?
- Usually because the whole head is lifting. Lifting only your eyes, briefly, keeps you level, and your instructor helps you get the feel of it.
- What makes a good landmark?
- Something tall and easy to see from water level: a building, a big tree, a hill or a large, bright buoy. Things at water level disappear behind small waves.
