How to prepare for your first open water swim if you come from pool swimming
Transitioning from the pool to open water is one of those great leaps that many swimmers consider as soon as good weather arrives. In the pool, everything is controlled: you know the length of the lane, you can see the bottom, there's a wall every 25 or 50 meters, and the water is usually calm. In the sea, a lake, or a reservoir, everything changes.
Orientation, waves, temperature, visibility, currents, and the sensation of open space make open water swimming a much freer, but also more demanding, experience. Therefore, if you're thinking of preparing for your first open water swim, the most important thing is not just to train more, but to train better, choose the right equipment, and learn to move safely in a natural environment.
In this guide, we'll explain how to prepare for your first open water swim if you come from pool swimming, what you should consider before signing up, how to practice orientation, what equipment to bring, and, most importantly, what type of swimming buoy can help you depending on the type of swimmer you are.
Why is an open water swim not the same as pool swimming?
Although the basic activity is the same — swimming — an open water swim has little in common with a conventional pool session. In the pool, you know exactly where each lap begins and ends. In open water, however, you have to lift your head to orient yourself, breathe with external references, adapt to the water's movement, and manage your energy better.
Another important change is the mental sensation. Many swimmers who feel comfortable doing long sets in the pool are surprised when they enter the sea for the first time and can't see the bottom. This doesn't mean they aren't prepared, but rather that they need to adapt to a different environment.
Therefore, your first open water swim shouldn't be approached as a performance test, but as a learning experience. The goal isn't to swim fast, but to swim comfortably, safely, and with confidence.
Choose your first distance carefully
If you're coming from pool swimming, your first open water swim doesn't have to be long. In fact, it's highly recommended to start with a manageable distance. A swim between 750 meters and 1,500 meters can be a very good starting point to familiarize yourself with the environment without the distance becoming a problem.
Before signing up, carefully review the route, the type of start, the finish point, whether there's assistance during the event, whether the circuit is linear or circular, and whether there are usually waves or currents. Swimming in a calm bay is not the same as in an area more exposed to the wind.
The open water season in Spain increasingly features popular events and organized circuits. The Spanish Open Water Cup 2026, for example, has 19 stages between April and September, which demonstrates the growth of this discipline and the growing interest in swimming outside the pool.
Practice orientation before the day of the swim
One of the most common mistakes in a first open water swim is swimming many extra meters due to poor orientation. In the pool, we follow the line on the bottom. In the sea, that line doesn't exist.
That's why it's important to practice orientation before the day of the event. You can do this in the pool by lifting your head every few strokes, but it's ideal to practice it in open water as well. Look for large, easy-to-spot references: a course buoy, a building, a rock, a flag, or a support boat.
A good technique is to slightly lift your head just before breathing, look forward for an instant, and then return it to a natural position. You don't need to look every two strokes. In fact, doing it too often can break your rhythm. The ideal is to find a balance: orient yourself enough not to veer off course, but without losing fluidity.
Learn to swim with company
Although open water swims are usually organized and have safety measures in place, preliminary training should not be done alone, especially if you are just starting out. In open water, it is always better to swim with someone, let others know where you are going to swim, and choose familiar, supervised, or commonly used areas for swimmers.
The RNLI recommends using a brightly colored cap and a swimming buoy or tow float to improve visibility in the water. It also reminds us that the buoy can provide extra buoyancy if you need to stop, rest, or re-group during your swim.
At Nonbak, we strongly emphasize this idea: the buoy is not a decorative accessory. It is a basic piece of equipment for swimming in open water with more visibility, better organization, and more peace of mind. However, a swimming buoy does not replace vigilance, common sense, or safety measures. It is not a rescue device, but a support and visibility element for swimmers.
What equipment to bring for your first open water swim
For a first swim or your first training sessions in the sea, the following basic equipment is recommended:
- Comfortable goggles, preferably already tested.
- Visible swimming cap.
- Swimsuit or wetsuit, depending on the temperature.
- Swimming buoy.
- Water-resistant sunscreen.
- Vaseline or anti-chafing balm if you use a wetsuit.
- Flip-flops or easy-to-wear footwear for the exit.
- Towel or poncho for changing.
- Water for hydration afterwards.
- Something warm if you start early or the water is cold.
The buoy is especially important because it helps you be more visible, allows you to carry small dry items if it's a dry buoy, and gives you a psychological point of support. Not all swimmers need the same buoy. The choice depends on your experience, the distance, the environment, the amount of gear you want to carry, and your swimming style.
At Nonbak, we have five main models of swimming buoys, designed for different uses in open water: the Donut 10L Buoy, the orange 20L buoy, the orange 28L buoy, the lime octopus 28L buoy, and the pink turtle 28L buoy.
Frequently asked questions about your first open water swim
If you're preparing for your first open water swim and you come from pool swimming, here we answer the most common questions about distance, equipment, safety, and which buoy to choose to get started.
What distance is recommended for a first open water swim?
To start, a distance between 750 meters and 1,500 meters is usually a good option. It will depend on your level, your previous experience in the pool, and the conditions of the place where the event is held. The most important thing in a first swim is not to cover many meters, but to swim safely, control your pace, and finish with good feelings.
Is it necessary to carry a buoy in an open water swim?
It depends on the regulations of each event, but for open water training, it is highly recommended. The buoy improves your visibility in the water, can help you carry small dry items, and provides an extra sense of peace of mind. For swimmers coming from the pool, swimming with a buoy can help them feel safer during their first open water excursions.
Which Nonbak buoy is best for beginners?
For beginners, the Nonbak orange 20L buoy is a very balanced option. It has good capacity, is comfortable, and is not excessive for those starting in open water. If you are looking for something more compact for short sessions, the Donut 10L may be sufficient. If you want a buoy with more capacity and more versatility for long training sessions, you can choose a 28L one.
What is the difference between a 10L, 20L, and 28L buoy?
The main difference is in capacity and use. A 10L buoy is more compact, lighter, and practical for short sessions or swimmers who want to carry little volume. A 20L buoy offers a very comfortable balance between size and capacity, ideal for getting started. A 28L buoy allows you to carry more equipment and is perfect for longer training sessions, swims, or swimmers who want more space.
Can I store things inside the buoy?
In dry buoys, you can store small items, always well protected and by correctly closing the buoy before entering the water. It is important not to overload it and to check the seal carefully. You can carry, for example, keys, documents, a light garment, or small accessories, depending on the buoy's capacity.
What should I do if I get nervous during the swim?
Slow down, breathe calmly, and swim gently for a few meters. If you need to, you can stop for a few seconds, orient yourself, and regain your breath. The buoy can provide a point of support and help you calm down. If you don't feel well or feel that you cannot continue, notify the organization or safety personnel.
What equipment should I not use for the first time on the day of the swim?
You should not use new goggles, wetsuit, swimsuit, cap, or buoy on the day of the swim. All important equipment should be tested beforehand in the pool or open water to avoid chafing, discomfort, fit problems, or surprises during the event.
What is the best advice for someone coming from pool swimming?
Don't try to swim exactly the same as in the pool. In open water, you have to adapt to the environment. Look forward occasionally, control your pace, accept that the water moves, and don't obsess about swimming straight or fast from day one. The important thing is to gain confidence, learn to orient yourself, and enjoy the experience.
First open water swim: recommended buoy
As we have mentioned, make your own selection