The document discusses lessons learned from open water swimming. It begins by summarizing the author's first triathlon experiences. It then describes how the author's son had a more relaxed approach to open water swimming by using other swimmers as markers rather than obstacles. This attitude of seeing others as allies rather than threats can help conserve energy and stay on course. The key lesson is that in challenges, viewing those around you as a team that can help reach goals, rather than as obstacles, leads to better outcomes and a fresher mindset.

1. I did my first Triathlon in August 2012. It was an Olympic Distance otherwise known as a 5150. This means 1.5 km of
swim, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running. The discipline most triathletes fear is the swim. This is even more so with
those new to the sport. Open water swimming with a mass start can be very stressful. Should it be?
In April 2014 I completed my first full Ironman. 3,8km swim, 180 km cycle and 42,2 km run. I thought I knew it all.
In August 2014 my youngest son did his first triathlon. It was at the same venue of my first one. Not only did he beat me,
he also seemed very relaxed coming out of the swim. On questioning him I found it was all about attitude. Attitude that
also contains a valuable life lesson.
The presentation that follows I presented to my team. It shows how the lesson he taught me not only applies to open
water swimming, but to the way you approach many challenges in life.
I trust some of those reading this also learns something.

2. Open Water Swimming
Lessons Learned

3. Open Water Swimming
Typical Route
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4. Open Water Swimming
The Start
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No Lanes
No straight line
Just you and A LOT of other people

5. Open Water Swimming
A lot…
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6. Open Water Swimming
of other…
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7. People.
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8. Open Water Swimming
The Race
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All trying to go around the same buoys
Most trying to take the shortest Route
All having the goal to finish

9. Open Water Swimming
• The Strategy
• Focus on the markers
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10. Area IT and Business Solutions 10
So far away ..

11. Open Water Swimming
strategy cont.
• Avoid other swimmers – they are obstacles
• The result
• You swim further to avoid swimmers
• You invariably get lost
• You have to look up regularly to align
• A collision stresses you as you encountered an obstacle
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12. Open Water Swimming
Result: Tired
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13. Open Water Swimming
A fresh perspective
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14. Open Water Swimming
A Newbie’s advice
• The Strategy
• Focus on the swim
• Use other swimmers – they are your markers – they can
help you
• The result
• You swim shorter and reach you goal faster
• You do not get lost
• You draft/slipstream so you use less energy
• You only look underwater and sight caps, feet and bubbles
• A collision comforts you, it means you are on course.
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15. Open Water Swimming
The Lesson
• You are part of a team.
• You use less energy by staying part of the team
• Even if you have individual goals the people around
you can help you reach them
• Do not see the people around you as obstacles or
threats. See them as your allies and guides
• Confrontations (bumps) is just a clarification of the
route.
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16. 16
Open Water Swimming
The result
Fresh out of the water
Ready for the next challenge