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Getting bored? Here’s how to spice up your ocean swimming this summer

Feeling stuck in your ocean swimming routine? Discover ways to reignite your passion for the sea, from surf swimming to underwater adventures.

Ocean swimming is an incredible way to connect with nature, build fitness, and enjoy the water’s therapeutic qualities. But like any routine, it can become repetitive. If you’re finding your swims a bit dull, don’t worry there are countless ways to spice things up and reignite your passion for the ocean.

Here are some creative ideas to make your ocean swimming sessions exciting, challenging, and even more rewarding.

1. Surf swimming: embrace the waves

If you usually stick to calm waters, challenge yourself by swimming in surf conditions. Surf swimming hones your ability to read the waves, improves your strength, and adds an exhilarating edge to your sessions. Here’s what you can focus on in a session:

  • Duck diving: Learn to dive under breaking waves efficiently.
  • Timing the sets: Spot lulls in the waves to make your swim out easier.
  • Catching waves: Practice timing your stroke to ride waves back to shore it’s thrilling and improves your surf safety skills.

Top Tip: Pick a spot with lifeguards and start small. Surf swimming is physically demanding, so start smaller and work your way up to bigger conditions.

2. Bodysurfing: The simplest way to have fun

Why not combine your swim with a dose of playful fun? Bodysurfing requires no equipment and is a perfect way to enjoy the ocean’s energy. It also builds water confidence and adds variety to your ocean swim.

  • How to start: Swim to the wave’s peak and kick hard as the wave approaches. Stretch out your body like a surfboard, and let the wave’s power carry you.
  • Advanced tips: Use your arms to steer and try riding the barrel for an extra thrill.

3. Explore underwater worlds

Ocean swims aren’t just about the surface. Beneath the waves lies a vibrant ecosystem waiting to be explored and adds a whole new dimension to your swim. Turn your swim into an underwater adventure and explore underwater reefs, kelp forests, or rocky outcrops by:

  • Snorkelling or freediving: Equip yourself with a mask or snorkel and explore reefs, seagrass beds, or rocky outcrops. You can also do this with just your goggles if you feel confident enough.
  • Marine life bingo: Create a list of creatures to find such as turtles, starfish and colourful fish. You can tick them off as you spot them and see who gets the most first.
  • Underwater photography: Bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning underwater scenery and create a keepsake memory to display around the house.

4. Practice “Ins and Outs” for a full-body workout

Combine swimming and running by practising “ins and outs.” These short, intense circuits help to build strength and endurance which can help improve your overall fitness and swimming ability.

‘Ins and Outs’ are commonly used by surf lifesaving athletes to help them get fitter and faster.

  • Start on the sand and sprint into the ocean.
  • Swim a short loop around a buoy or other marker.
  • Return to shore and sprint back up the beach.
  • Repeat for multiple sets.

5. Discover new locations

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery to reinvigorate your love of ocean swimming again. Explore different beaches, bays, or headlands to break the monotony and sharpen your navigation skills.

  • Sheltered bays: Perfect for calm, scenic swims.
  • Open water spots: Test yourself against the currents and swells.
  • Remote beaches: Escape the crowds and discover hidden gems.

6. Swim at Different Times of Day

The ocean transforms throughout the day, offering a fresh experience each time and if you swim at the same time every day you could be missing out on the magic the ocean has to offer at other times of the day because changing the time of your swim can create a completely different atmosphere.

  • Sunrise swims: Enjoy the tranquillity of a new day and watch the world wake up.
  • Midday swims: Enjoy the ocean at its brightest and warmest, perfect for spotting marine life in clear water.
  • Twilight swims: Swim under the golden hues of the setting sun.
  • Night swims: With proper safety precautions, swimming under the stars is magical. Use glow sticks, and waterproof lights, and always bring a buddy. It’s also best to do this on a clear night when the moon is full.

7. Join a swim group or ocean swim event

Swimming solo can be meditative, but joining others injects a social element into your swims and makes it that little bit more exciting. It can also help to motivate and push yourself to new limits.

  • Local swim groups: Many beaches have local swim groups that have regular swim times. You can find a group near you via our ‘swim group’ directory.
  • Ocean swim event: Sign up for an event to add structure and purpose to your training.
  • Adventure swims: Organise or join group swims that link multiple landmarks or cover scenic routes to spice it up from your usual beach.

8. Set Personal Challenges

Keep your swims engaging and motivating by creating mini-goals. Tracking your progress gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps to keep things exciting.

  • Swim landmarks: Challenge yourself to reach a specific rock, buoy, or headland.
  • Increase distance: Gradually build up to longer swims.
  • Speed goals: Time yourself over specific routes and aim to improve each swim.

9. Cross-train in the water

Mix up your swim with other activities that are fun but complement your swimming and help to enhance your overall fitness.

  • Paddleboarding or kayaking: Build upper-body strength and explore different areas of the ocean.
  • Underwater weightlifting: Freedivers often practice carrying weighted objects underwater for strength and fun.
  • Water aerobics: Add dynamic movements like leg kicks or resistance exercises to your swims.

10. Capture and Share Your Adventures

Documenting your ocean swims can give you a new perspective on the experience and allow you to relive the excitement and celebrate your achievements for years to come.

  • Photography: Use a GoPro or waterproof camera to capture underwater life and unique angles.
  • Social media challenges: Share your swim stories with friends or online communities such as swim groups to inspire others.
  • Journaling/scrapbooking: Keep a swim log to reflect on your progress and relive memorable moments.
  • Written by Suzie Ryan on 14 January 2025
  • (Updated on 14 January 2025)

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