This follows up Part 1 and Part 2 of common triathlon swimming techniques and remedies, and Evan’s tips on the best use of a public pool for training and a simple effective front crawl stroke tip.

I’ve written various How To’s about different aspects of open water swimming in detail. This post is intended to be a general round-up of maybe useful advice for triathletes (based on substantial open water swimming experience).

• Open water practice is different and separate to pool practice, and equally essential. You need both.
• Breathing and sighting are two SEPARATE activities. Breathe to the side. Sight from LOW over the water (think of it as crocodile eyes).
• Getting through large breaking waves is simple and quick (once you’ve practised it). Dive under them. Don’t try to go over or through.

• Different wind strengths and directions (to your swimming direction) change the water conditions in different…