{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#429 : The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming","description":"In this episode, I sit down with Grant to share what I\u2019ve learned over nearly two decades of coaching and racing in both pool and open water environments, including qualifying for Open Water Nationals as an adult. We explore the gap between pool-perfect technique and what actually works in real race conditions like chop, fatigue, and contact. I break down why swimmers often struggle when they try to carry over overly rigid pool habits into open water, and how that leads to overthinking and breakdown under pressure. We also get into how I now approach stroke rate, breathing, sighting, and recovery in a more adaptable way, depending on conditions. A key theme is simplicity, learning to stay relaxed, trust feel, and avoid constantly chasing technical changes. We also cover what truly transfers from pool to open water, and why consistency and mindset matter more than constant technique overhauls.Timestamps 03:51 \u2013 Why pool technique doesn\u2019t always translate to open water 07:40 \u2013 Stroke rate, sighting, breathing patterns, and adapting to rough conditions 12:19 \u2013 Common mistakes swimmers make with technique and body awareness 16:55 \u2013 How Brenton simplifies coaching and decides what not to change 21:49 \u2013 Why some swimmers improve long term while others stay stuck 28:29 \u2013 Overthinking technique and finding the \u201cfeel\u201d for swimming 32:40 \u2013 Qualifying for Open Water Nationals and improving later in life 37:20 \u2013 Strength, mobility, VO\u2082 sets, and training after 40 41:50 \u2013 Drafting tactics, \u201ceffortless swimming,\u201d favorite swim sets, and final advice ","author_name":"The Effortless Swimming Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/effortlessswimming.com","html":"