Open Water Swims

Water by the Docks By: Broken Haiku
http://www.flickr.com/photos/broken/5632733/

     I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice in open water. The difference of swimming in a pool and in a lake is astronomical. You need to practice "slicing" through the waves rather than having to swim over every wave that comes towards you (which will be a lot).
     Many of the best triathletes say that the secret to open water swimming is practice. They swim in open water year round and know what they need to do to "slice" through a wave in a short amount of time. If you do not live an a climate that allows you to swim in open water year round, I suggest that as soon as you can, go out and work your butt off to try and keep up with the people that do.