Open Water Swimming Open water swimming is often regarded as the most difficult of swimming events. Swimming conditions are dictated by geography and weather and therefore can change quickly, even during the race. Race times vary from approximately 1 hour, up to 5 hours depending on the length of the race. Open water swimmers need to be more than just good swimmers, they also need to possess mental toughness and determination. Many discomforts may have to be endured cold, rough water, wind, aquatic plant and marine life, to name a few.
Athletes also have to coordinate drink and nourishment breaks in the longer events.
It takes a special athlete to take up the challenge of open water swimming. However, the sense of achievement in finishing a race is satisfying, and of course the thrill of racing and the joy of success are strong motivating factors. Open water swimming in Queensland is still a relatively young sport. In the opinion of Dr. Peter Galvin, the Chairman of Queensland s Open Water Swimming Committee, Queensland swimmers are already comparable with those of New South Wales. These are just examples of Queensland s potential in this sport.