Before I describe the entire experience, let me share how it all started. I was around 4 years old when my dad took me swimming for the first time. As a small kid, I enjoyed it and used to look forward to my evening swim class. One day, my usual swim pool which was a baby pool was shut for maintenance and my dad decided to take me to a 50m 7 ft deep pool (the one you see in the photo below). My dad, in full confidence of the swimming coach, pushed me in the deep end of the pool. I had absolutely no clue of the depth, I still remember, going in the water and struggling to come back up. That one incident, changed my swimming experience, from being comfortable in water to getting scared of the deep side of the pool.
Swimming Into a New Chapter
Cut to last year, 2024—I started swimming at a local pool and, six months after giving birth, I signed up for my first 1KM race at Cannonball, organized by TriCoaching India. It felt like an ambitious goal—going from postpartum recovery to training for a race and eventually swimming in an Olympic-sized pool. The pool was 7 feet deep at the far end, and the same old fear crept in—What if I drown? Somehow, I managed to complete the distance in 42 minutes. The cheer that followed when I completed the race made me believe: I can do this!
In April 2025, I started taking swimming lessons after almost 25 years. Within the first week of training under coach Rachna, I saw there was a huge improvement in my confidence and technique. From swimming on the side lane—just in case I needed to grab the wall in the deep end—to getting comfortable in the middle lanes and treading in deep water, it was a huge confidence booster. And all of this happened within just a few weeks. After four weeks of training, my coach said, “Sneha, you’re race-ready and can pick any race within the next 4-5 months!” So, I signed up for my first open water swim in Goa, scheduled for 17-18th May.
Goa, here we come!
Just before travelling to Goa, I was down with a stomach infection and I was sure that I was going to miss it. Just one day before my flight, I decided to go just to experience the water and I promised myself not to exert. The two-day swim camp was all about giving exposure and helping new/intermediate swimmers to get a hang of swimming in open water. We had a good structured plan for two days.
Day 0 was about getting into the water and tackling waves
Day 1 was about learning the basics- tackling waves, sighting, treading, and swimming parallel to the beach. We also had workshop on fueling, nutrition and mental training. Personally, loved the mental training session by Rachna. I felt this definitely helped me overcome my fear of swimming in the deep.
Day 2 was about swim practice in the deep followed by a 5 km run.
Getting comfortable in water, one wave at a time
Day 0
We entered into water around 6 PM, the sky was beautiful, and it was almost sunset. Seeing the sun set into the sea while learning how to tackle waves was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had in a while. The day ended with getting comfortable with water, watching the beautiful sky, an early dinner, and a good warm khichdi!
Day 1-Session 1
The day started early for us at around 6, as we set off for Bambolim beach for our first open water swim. The water looked calm and serene, but my nerves were anything but. The thought of going into the water and losing sight of the shore was giving me the jitters. A hundred things raced through my mind: What if I can’t swim back? What if water gets into my goggles and I need to stop? Oh no, will I be able to tread water? What if I need to catch my breath—then what? I won’t be able to reach the shore! With all of this, I realised my mind was spiraling into self-doubt.
Keeping my thoughts aside, I started listening to the coaches and went through the strength and warm-up session. I buckled the buoy around my waist and headed straight into the water. We began swimming parallel to the shore, and within a few minutes, I felt comfortable in the water. I swam short loops of 25–50 meters close to the shore, slowly building my confidence. I focused on sighting and following instructions.
The distances gradually increased, and soon we had to swim out into the sea, around a kayak, tread water, and return. From 25 meters away, it looked scary. The thought that I wouldn’t even be able to manage 25 meters kept playing at the back of my mind. But I listened to Coach Rachna, swam around the kayak, treaded water for a bit—super, super scared—and made it back to the starting point. We repeated this three times, which helped me feel a little more confident, though those thoughts still lingered.
I came out, had two dates for quick energy, and went back in—this time to the slightly deeper side, aiming to swim about 100–150 meters. I couldn’t complete the full round and came to a point where I could stand. It definitely got easier with every swim, but I still felt there was a long way to go.
Day 1-Workshop
Between the two swim sessions, we had a workshop on fueling for better race performance and a session on mental training. Honestly, these felt like gold—offering practical tips on building mental strength, using positive self-talk during swims, and staying focused even when the body starts to tire.
I took note of a few things and made a list of positive affirmations to say to myself during the evening swim session. Here’s the list:
- “I am a natural swimmer—I’ve got this!”
- “Just focus on the next buoy. One step at a time.”
- “If my dog can tread water, so can I!” 😄
- “My coaches are right there if I need them—and I know I can handle the rest.”
and, I took a short nap thinking about all these and more!
Day 1-Session 2
The session started with reporting at 4:30 PM on the Miramar beach, the same spot where Ironman 70.3 Goa happens every year.
This evening felt different, I felt comfortable going into the water. We learnt entering and exiting the water, which was fun. After that, we went straight in tackling waves, into the sea approx 100-150m in and have to swim parallel to the shore approx 200m. A buoy had been placed as a marker to turn from and complete loops around. I spotted coach near the first buoy which was the starting point and started swimming 200m towards the next buoy, told coach, please swim next to me so that I feel confident. I checked her swimming with me but then i went ahead swimming comfortably towards the second marker/buoy. To my surprise, I realized I was swimming alone. The buoy had somehow disappeared—I still don’t know where it went! With the waves thrashing on my face, I was finding it hard to spot anyone. But I kept swimming in the same direction hoping I will see someone. Then I noticed a kayaker about 20 meters away. I wasn’t sure if he was part of our crew, so I waved to him. He responded that he was one of our support team. From sudden panic, I felt a wave of relief. He pointed me in the correct direction, and I swam back. Closer to the shore, I saw the entire gang waiting there. As I got closer to the shore, I heard claps and applause. Honestly, it felt like I achieved something which I never imagined- I had just completed my first 500m swim in the sea!
The evening was just about chilling and enjoying beautiful sunset!
Day 2-Last swim session
We reached Miramar beach at 6:30. Stretched and warmed up for our last swim session of the two day camp. We went straight into the water with our buoy buckled up. The sea had swelled and it was rainy, going into the water felt scary. Negative thoughts lined up one by one in my head. I wasn’t able to spot the buoy and felt alone in the water. Crossing the surf zone was way too scary for me, but i kept going. The thought of not being able to stand in water, crossed my mind a thousand times. However, I kept swimming into the sea towards the buoy. Once, I reached the buoy, I had to again do the 200m loop. When I reached the 200m mark, I saw Rachna there, she asked, do you want to stop? I said maybe. She said, Sneha you are doing great. You are a natural swimmer. This, exactly this gave me a good boost to complete the loop. I swam for 581m (as per my Garmin), and rested at the shore. I had no energy left to do more loops because of the sickness earlier that week but I felt accomplished with what I achieved.
A few folks went for a 5km run, which was a good exposure/practice for IM 70.3 Goa.
I came back to the hotel, packed my stuff, and one thought kept going through my mind: ‘I want to swim more, just once more before I go back!‘
I am an Open Water Swimmer!
Coach Rachna gave me a badge, and here it is! I am an open water swimmer now, wow! I still can’t believe that. It all feels like a huge personal victory—proof that fears can be overcome and goals achieved with pure mental toughness.
Huge gratitude to Coach Rachna and Jatin for conducting a fantastic OWS camp and kudos to the entire gang for being a part of it. I look forward to attending the next one! 🙂
Before you stop reading, here’s something cool about open water swimming:
- Saltwater increases buoyancy- it is easier to stay afloat in sea/ocean water as compared to a swimming pool!
- Wetsuit aren’t just for warmth- In many races, wetsuits help with buoyancy and speed—but they’re only allowed if the water is cold enough.
- Swimmers use ‘sighting’- Unlike a swimming pool, there are no lanes, so swimmers lift their head to sight and stay on the course
- Goa water has jellyfish, like many other Mediterranean/tropical ones. Spotting jellyfish is part of the fun!
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