Do you think I can swim one mile?

Question

I don't know whether I should go for the mile swim at my upcoming boyscout camp. Time limit is 30 minutes and were swimming out in the open water. Its VERY salty and EXTREMELY cold cause its at 6 in the morning ocean water. I'm in my high school swim team. Do you think its possible? I found out that one mile is 16 times one lap in an Olympic sized pool. Also I'm only 14 so do you think this is physically possible for me? For anybody who's tried a mile swim.

Answer 1

I don't know if you can do it, honestly. If possible go out to the ocean and try to swim the course.

I'm 13 and can swim a mile in the lap pool (which would be 32 laps in a standard pool) But that is different than fighting a current in a cold ocean.

:-/ Do what you want, but really try to get to the race site and practice it if you can.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You should be able to.

I'm the same age as you and on the swim team and I can do it just fine...

I did it when i was 12.

Answer 3

Yes you can do it but you need to bring a drink with you so you don't get dehydrated. I  am 15 and swam 23 laps 2 weeks ago and was fine(im not in the best of shape)Good luck  

Answer 4

I have no doubt you would be able to swim a mile if you have the determination, but 30 minutes is a little crazy for an open water swim unless you're a trained triathlete.

The pool is great for practicing technique and distance, but you should get to the ocean a few times to practice getting past the breakers, dealing with the various conditions which change day to day, spotting your course and exiting.

Once you get past the breakers just work on getting into a rhythm. You will want to spot yourself about every 10 strokes to make sure you stay on course. If you get tired roll over on your back and kick or do the backstroke for awhile.

Also, I can't imagine doing that without a wetsuit, but then I'm a baby when it comes to cold water. If you're planning to wear a wetsuit and haven't worn one before you should experience swimming in a wetsuit.

There should be lifeguards on the course to keep an eye on things. If there are no lifeguards my advice to you would be "DON'T DO IT". If there are lifeguards and you have the desire, I'd say "GO FOR IT!" It would be such a great personal accomplishment!

Answer 5

it all depends on what your times are for the 100 free, 200 free, 500 free. im guessing you never swam the 1650 free? that is the equivalent of a mile (or pretty darn close to a mile) in swimming.

let's say, for argument's sake that you can swim the 100 yard free in 1 minute. let's say you can swim the 200 free in 2:12. The 500 free in 5:35. if that is the case, then there is no reason why you can not swim the 1650 free in under 20 minutes.....in ideal conditions (indoor pool).

so if you are a competitive swimmer (even if you are not very good), i think that 30 minutes is totally do-able. i would be surprised if you couldnt do it in under 30 minutes.

Answer 6

i think its possible if you pace yourself very well and warm up and stretch very well. you would have to fight the current but i think you can do it if you try hard.