After a restful—though slightly uneasy—night, my team and I rose at 4:00 AM, ready to take on our second day of training. Despite not sleeping well due to an upset stomach (thanks to some adventurous seafood), I was genuinely excited about our long open water swim ahead. The ocean, the sunrise, the cool morning breeze—it all added up to what promised to be an unforgettable experience.
A Late-Night Chat on Training and Courage
The night before, my roommate Ly and I had stayed up talking about training and life. Both of us admitted we found open water swimming quite intimidating. The unpredictability of waves, the occasional jellyfish sting, and the sheer vastness of the ocean all added to our fear.
But instead of shying away, we made a pact: we would face our fears head-on. We were fortunate to be surrounded by experienced coaches who not only trained us but also inspired us with their dedication and patience. Ly, being a seasoned diver, shared some of her underwater adventures, encouraging me to try diving one day. Her stories were inspiring and reminded me how important it is to keep exploring new experiences and pushing boundaries.
4:30 AM: Gathering at the Shore
By 4:30 AM, our group was assembled at the meeting point, energized by anticipation. Our coaches, Coach Ni and Coach Hung, had thoughtfully prepared some healthy snacks to fuel us before the swim. We were soon joined by a local swim group—friends of our coaches—who welcomed us with open arms and warm smiles.
As the first hints of sunlight painted the sky, we mapped out our 2km swim route. The beach was peaceful, bathed in a soft, early morning glow. I could barely make out the sun rising slowly on the horizon—it felt magical.
To ensure our safety, the local team had organized four friends on stand-up paddleboards to watch over us during the swim. Their presence added an extra layer of reassurance, especially for those of us who were still learning to navigate open water with confidence.
Taking the Plunge
As I dipped my toes into the water, a chill ran through me—it was colder than I expected. The sun had only just started to rise, and the water was still holding onto the night’s coolness. I walked slowly into the sea, enjoying the clarity of the water, able to see my toes beneath the surface. With every step, my excitement grew.
Coach Ni and Coach Hung were right behind me, offering words of encouragement. Seeing others start their swim inspired me to follow. I submerged myself into the water, taking the plunge. At first, the cold was a shock, but after a few strokes, my body adjusted and began to feel at home in the sea.
Finding Rhythm in Open Water
Once I started swimming, I focused on my breathing and technique. After about 10 strokes, I practiced sighting—looking ahead to stay on course by spotting teammates or landmarks. The water was calm, so I didn’t need to alternate my sighting too much. I began to find a rhythm.
Suddenly, I felt small stings on my skin—jellyfish. They were all around, but I’d been warned about this and knew they weren’t dangerous. I chose not to let it distract me. It was a part of nature, and I felt lucky just to be part of it.
Occasionally, I alternated between freestyle and breaststroke (frog style). I noticed that when I switched strokes, I tended to kick inefficiently, creating little movement. Thankfully, Coach Ni and Coach Hung were always nearby. They gently corrected my technique whenever they saw it slipping—helping me focus on quality over speed.
Having someone watching over you, ready to pause your progress just to help you fix your form, is such a gift. It reminded me that growth takes time, and the right technique is more important than just pushing forward blindly.
One Hour Later: A New Sense of Confidence
After about an hour of swimming, I finally reached the shore. I felt proud and accomplished—not just for finishing the swim, but for confronting something that once scared me. Open water didn’t feel intimidating anymore. In fact, I was beginning to love it.
That morning swim gave me more than just physical strength—it gave me clarity and confidence. I felt ready to take on the upcoming week with fresh energy and a renewed mindset. There’s something powerful about being in nature, moving with the waves, trusting your body, and embracing the unknown.
Brunch, Bonding, and Shared Growth
Later that morning, our team went out for brunch together. Over the meal, we exchanged stories about our experiences so far at the training camp. Some teammates were already strong swimmers, joining the camp simply to enjoy the ocean and company. Others, like myself, were there to improve our swimming techniques and confront our fears—especially with upcoming open water races on our calendars.
What mattered most wasn’t our starting point, but our shared journey. We laughed, shared tips, and encouraged each other. Being in that group, surrounded by supportive and like-minded people, made the experience even more meaningful.
A Scenic Train Ride to Reflect
While most of my team returned to Ho Chi Minh City by bus, I chose a different path. I took the train back, craving a slower, more scenic journey. I wanted to enjoy the ride, take in the countryside, and have some time to reflect—and maybe even get a little work done.
The train ride didn’t disappoint. As the train snaked through Vietnam’s landscapes, I saw lush paddy fields, towering wind turbines, and picturesque farmland stretching out to the horizon. It reminded me of my train rides in the UK, where I’d often stare out the window, mesmerized by fields of flowers and rolling hills.
It was the perfect setting to process everything—the challenges, the triumphs, the learning. That swim wasn’t just a physical test; it was a mental and emotional one too. And I came out stronger, more curious, and more open than ever.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Open Water and What Lies Ahead
This training camp turned out to be more than I expected. It wasn’t just about preparing for races or perfecting technique—it was about growth. About letting go of fear, learning to trust myself, and embracing discomfort as a stepping stone toward something greater.
For anyone thinking about trying open water swimming—or facing any kind of fear—I say: do it. Surround yourself with the right people, take it one step at a time, and be patient with your progress. There’s something truly freeing about moving through water, supported by the waves and the community around you.
I left the camp feeling not only ready for the week ahead but ready for the rest of the year. Whatever challenges or opportunities come my way, I know I’ve already conquered one of my biggest fears. And now, I’m eager to dive into the next one—literally or figuratively.
