There is more to swimming than just doing lap after lap, turning when you reach the wall at the end of the pool. You can swim in places with no walls - open water. Lakes, oceans, and rivers offer a great change of scenery - go to your local beach for today's workout instead of more laps in the pool. Depending on the reasons you swim, you may find it more psychologically rewarding; it can certainly be just as productive for building your fitness.

Competitive open water swimming events are held at many distances, from across the local pond to 24 miles or more. There are races and events at Manhattan Island (28 miles), Tampa Bay (24 miles), and the English Channel (30 to 40 miles). Open Water World Championships, sanctioned by FINA, are held at distances of 5km and 25km; there are other distances contested, too. USA Swimming has an Open Water Division. And of course, the world of triathlons feature open water swims at the first leg of the race. Distances can vary from the sprint triathlon's short (500 meter) splash to the Ironman distance's long (2.4 mile) soak.

A few of the things to remember if you are going to swim in open water:

• There are no lines on the bottom - look for landmarks to aid navigation, but find the balance between looking too often and not looking enough.

• Put on your sunscreen - and don't forget your lips.

• Drink plenty of fluids before you begin.

• Make sure you follow the buddy system - if you are at a guarded beach, tell the lifeguards what you are doing.

• You can do any type of workout - long straight swims, intervals where you vary the intensity level, even short sprints then tread or float in place.

• It will be easier to count strokes compared to doing efforts for time or distance; 50 strokes at a high effort, 50 strokes easy, etc.

• Base your workout on time spent swimming, not how far you think you have gone.

• Stay on the safe side of distance from shore - DON'T GO OUT TOO FAR.

• If you are in a race, watch out for the flailing arms and legs of those around you - getting hit or scratched hurts, and can knock off your goggles.

• Learn to use the waves to help you ride up and slide down.

• Time your stroke so you can breath without getting splashed in the face.

• If they are allowed, wetsuits designed for swimming work - you will be amazed at the extra warmth and the additional speed with no additional effort.

So if you choose to swim in the open water just to add variety to your workout, to practice for a triathlon, or to get ready for an open water race, have fun and enjoy the freedom of swimming without the walls.

Swim On!

More on Open Water Swimming:

About.com's links to Open Water Swimming Training and events

Cross-Atlantic Challenge - someone has done it

Long Distance Swimmers and their History

Marathon and Long Distance Swimming Groups and Events

Ocean Swims Event Schedule

Open Water Swimming - Training and Racing Tips

Queen of the Channel

USA Swimming Open Water Division

USMS Open Water Clinics

Who's Afraid of Open Water? Some advice from Total Immersion