{"id":330,"date":"2021-06-24T11:36:14","date_gmt":"2021-06-24T10:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/blog\/?p=330"},"modified":"2023-01-06T13:32:12","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T13:32:12","slug":"beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-in-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginners Guide to Open Water Swimming in Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Open water swimming, or wild\nswimming as it\u2019s sometimes called, has always been popular in Ireland. Though\nnever more so than since the country went into its first lockdown in March\n2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Covid restrictions forced\npeople to look for alternatives to socialising and team sports,&nbsp; thousands turned to open water swimming. With\nhealth benefits like improved circulation, increased metabolism and\nimprovements to immune systems, it\u2019s no wonder open water swimming is so\npopular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering taking the\nplunge in Ireland\u2019s open waters, use our guide below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">How to start open water swimming for beginners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">1. Find The Right Place To Swim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Beginners guide to open water swimming Ireland\" class=\"wp-image-337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-ireland.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-ireland-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-ireland-270x180.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With more than 4000km of\ncoastline and 70 thousand kilometres of inland waterways, Ireland was made for\nswimmers. Popular spots include Keem Bay on Achill Island, the diving tower in\nGalway\u2019s Salthill and Lough Hyne in Cork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find a safe open water\nswimming spot near you, use one of these methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Take a drive along the coast in the morning or evening to spot open water swimmers. Popular sites will attract more people, so look for clusters.<\/li><li>Read this book: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dubraybooks.ie\/wild-swimming-in-ireland-50-places_9781848892804\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Wild Swimming in Ireland \u2013 Discover 50 Places to Swim in Rivers, Lakes and the Sea (opens in a new tab)\">Wild Swimming in Ireland \u2013 Discover 50 Places to Swim in Rivers, Lakes and the Sea<\/a> (Collins Press).<\/li><li>Look on social media for open water swimming groups.<\/li><li>Join the newsletters of open water swimming clubs.<\/li><li>Start asking around &#8211; someone you know will know someone that swims locally.<\/li><li>Look out for open water swimming events.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">2. It\u2019s Best To Train For It<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"403\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/OpenWater-Swimming-Training.jpg\" alt=\"Openwater swimming training\" class=\"wp-image-339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/OpenWater-Swimming-Training.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/OpenWater-Swimming-Training-300x189.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Open water swimming is very\ndifferent from swimming in a pool. To start with, there is a temperature\ndifference. The cold wild water will make your muscles contract which takes\nsome getting used to. Then there is the water itself. Oceans, seas, rivers and lakes\ndo not behave like the water in a swimming pool. They are very much alive and\nmoving. You must be strong enough to swim against currents when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Training for open water swimming\nshould entail a mix of cardio and strength work. Building up endurance in the\nwater is a good idea too. This will help you acclimatise to the temperature and\nlearn how your body reacts. Swimmers tend to tire quicker in open water, so\nregular training in and out of the water will help you enjoy your swim for\nlonger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">3. Get a Coach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-Coach.jpg\" alt=\"swimming coach\" class=\"wp-image-342\" width=\"320\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-Coach.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-Coach-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the most frequent swimmers\ncan benefit from a swim coach. In open water, swimming technique matters more\nthan it does for a casual swim in your local pool.&nbsp; Front stroke is the advised stroke for sea\nswimming as it is the most powerful and efficient. Breaststroke can be used in\nstiller waters, but again technique and strength matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Swim coaches can be booked at\nlocal swim centres or open water swimming centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">4. Get to Know the Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Sea-Swimming-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"sea swimming ireland\" class=\"wp-image-344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Sea-Swimming-Ireland.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Sea-Swimming-Ireland-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Sea-Swimming-Ireland-270x180.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Every piece of open water is\ndifferent and full of character.&nbsp; Water\nbehaves differently in different environments too. Deeper water can have\nstronger currents and offers no place to rest when you tire. In the sea and\nocean, wave patterns signal different things. Some indicate an ebbing tide\nothers show signs of dangerous riptides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never become complacent about\nthe water you swim in. No matter how well you think, you know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">5. Be Ready for Seasonal Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-in-Winter.jpg\" alt=\"Swimming in Winter\" class=\"wp-image-361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-in-Winter.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Swimming-in-Winter-300x151.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically you can enjoy open\nwater swimming all year round. This depends on your endurance to the cold. As\nwinter sets in, Ireland\u2019s water temperatures can dip to below zero. Swimming in\nwinter water is very different and something you should build endurance for\nevery season. For colder waters, a thicker wetsuit may also be needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look out for seasonal side\neffects too. After heavy rain, chemicals and contaminants can be washed into\nthe open water. If there has been a downpour, it is best to skip your swim that\nday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">6. Take Someone With You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/take-someone-with-you-swimming.jpg\" alt=\"take someone with you swimming\" class=\"wp-image-360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/take-someone-with-you-swimming.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/take-someone-with-you-swimming-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/take-someone-with-you-swimming-270x180.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Safety is always the best course\nof action. When you swim in open water, try always to make sure someone is with\nyou. This could be that you swim with a group at a set time each day or with a\ndifferent friend each time. Even taking along a neighbour who fancies a change\nof scene is safer than risking getting into difficulties with no one to call\nfor help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">7. Stay Aware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/stay-aware-swimming.jpg\" alt=\"stay aware swimming\" class=\"wp-image-359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/stay-aware-swimming.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/stay-aware-swimming-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/stay-aware-swimming-270x180.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Open water swimming is serene.\nIn most of Ireland\u2019s wild water swim spots, you are guaranteed a peaceful\nexperience like no other. Water lapping around you, bird song, the breeze in\nthe trees. Being out in the water is like a form of natural meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As much as we encourage you to\nenjoy the calming benefits of open water swimming, we urge caution. Staying\naware of your surroundings is a must when swimming in open water. Hazards such\nas floating debris, underwater weeds, jellyfish and changing currents are\nalways a risk. As is floating off course and further away from shore than is\nsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open water swimmers use a method\ncalled sighting for staying present and also staying parallel to the shore.\nSighting helps you swim in a straight line and keep an eye out for hazards. It\nis a vital skill for any open water swimmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">8. Practice Water Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Water-safety.jpg\" alt=\"Water safety\" class=\"wp-image-363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Water-safety.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Water-safety-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Water-safety-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Water-safety-370x245.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If\nat all possible, always swim where a lifeguard is present. <\/li><li>Never\nswim after consuming alcohol.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t\nswim alone.<\/li><li>Never\nswim in a storm or rough water.<\/li><li>Always\nwear appropriate swimming gear.<\/li><li>Use\na high visibility float.<\/li><li>Be\nwary of and know the signs of hyperthermia.<\/li><li>Only\nenter the water where you know it is safe.<\/li><li>If\na swimmer is in trouble, call 999\/112.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t\nswim when you are tired.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">9. The Ultimate Kit for Open Water Swimming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Open water swimming is more fun\nwhen you have the right swimming gear and equipment. Read on for a guide to\nyour essential open water swimming kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_11\"><strong>A Towel Poncho<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> Spare your blushes with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/dryrobes-and-towel-robes\">poncho-style dryrobe<\/a>. Essentially, this is a large towel with a hood, and they are perfect for popping over your head to take off your wetsuit privately.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe.jpg\" alt=\"dryrobe\" class=\"wp-image-358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/dryrobe-370x370.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_11\"> A Wetsuit  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in the summertime, open water swinging in Ireland can get a bit nippy. A wetsuit traps in the heat to allow you to enjoy your swim for longer. There is a range of wetsuit available for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/wetsuits\/swimming-wetsuit\/male\/adult\">men<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/wetsuits\/swimming-wetsuit\/female\/adult\">women<\/a> in sizes to suit everyone. A full-body wetsuit that covers the arms and the legs is the most popular for swimmers in Ireland. However, some people prefer to have their arms free in a sleeveless wetsuit or lower legs free in a shortie.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/wetsuit.jpg\" alt=\"wetsuit\" class=\"wp-image-357\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/wetsuit.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/wetsuit-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/wetsuit-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/wetsuit-370x245.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_23\">Goggles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> Stop salty water and sediment getting into your eyes with a sturdy pair of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/swimming\/gogglea--masks\/swimming-goggles\"> swimming goggles<\/a>. Regular googles are OK for open water swimming, but you might prefer a pair that covers more of your face for a firmer fit. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-googles.jpg\" alt=\"swimming googles\" class=\"wp-image-356\" width=\"320\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-googles.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-googles-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_31\">A Swimming Hat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> Keeping your head warm is an absolute must for open water swimming. A bright coloured swim hat will make you easier to spot in the water. Choose a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/swimming\/swimming-accessories\">swim hat<\/a> that is waterproof and rinse in clean water after every swim. After swimming, dry your hat but leave it on with a warmer hat over it until you are dressed.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap.jpg\" alt=\"swimming cap\" class=\"wp-image-355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-cap-370x370.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_30\"> A Swim Bag <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> The best choice of bag for swimming is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/swimming\/bags--luggage\/kit-bags\">waterproof bag<\/a>. Not only will you have wet towels to put in it, but the riverbanks and shorelines are sure to be damp. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag.jpg\" alt=\"swimming bag\" class=\"wp-image-354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-bag-370x370.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-2-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mce_42\">A Watch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p> For timing your speed and for making sure you don\u2019t stay in too long, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theedge-sports.com\/swimming\/accessories\/electronics\/watches\/swimming-watch\">a GPS water-resistant watch<\/a>. Used for training or racing, a GPS watch will give you accurate stats and record your data for analysis. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-watch.jpg\" alt=\"swimming watch\" class=\"wp-image-353\" width=\"320\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-watch.jpg 640w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-watch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-watch-270x180.jpg 270w, https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/swimming-watch-370x245.jpg 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"> <strong>Why Choose The Edge For Your open Water Swimming Needs?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At The Edge, our team at our Cork store is made up of competitive swimmers and triathletes. All on hand to offer you their experienced advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We won\u2019t be beaten on price or\nservice and offer free delivery on orders over \u20ac50 to anywhere in the Republic\nof Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Edge is Ireland\u2019s leading Bike, Running Swim and Triathlon Shop in Ireland. We offer a great choice of thousands of products with new stock arriving regularly. To contact our sales team and for advice, call us on +353 (0)21 432 0522 or email <a href=\"mailto:internet@theedge-sports.com\">internet@theedge-sports.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Open water swimming, or wild swimming as it\u2019s sometimes called, has always been popular in Ireland. Though never more so than since the country went into its first lockdown in March 2020. When Covid restrictions forced people to look for alternatives to socialising and team sports,&nbsp; thousands turned to open water swimming. With health benefits<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":337,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,17],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-330","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-swimming","8":"category-triathlon"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/64\/2021\/06\/Beginners-guide-to-open-water-swimming-ireland.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"simonworley","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/author\/simonworley\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=330"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1138,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/330\/revisions\/1138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=330"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=330"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tesc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=330"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}