5 Open-Water Swimming Tips to Level Up in 2026 (+ An Epic Challenge Coming in June)
Open-water swimming keeps growing in Portugal — and it’s easy to see why. The mix of technique, endurance, strategy, and the raw beauty of nature turns every session into an adventure.
For many athletes, 2026 will be the year to go further, whether by entering their first open-water events or tackling longer distances. And with epic challenges like the Grande Descida de Castelo de Bode, happening in June, now is the perfect time to refine your skills.
Here are five essential tips to help you gain confidence and swim better in open water.
1. Master sighting — it’s half the battle
In open water there’s no black line to follow, and staying on course is crucial.
👉 Practical tip: Every 8–12 strokes, lift your head just enough to confirm direction.
Small, efficient sighting saves time and energy.
2. Improve the efficiency of your stroke
Water resistance is unforgiving. Minor technical flaws quickly turn into wasted energy.
Focus on:
- a clean hand entry
- full extension
- controlled body rotation
- a steady rhythm
The less water you push sideways, the faster and smoother you’ll swim.
3. Train in different conditions
Nature has moods — and learning to swim in all of them is part of the process.
When safe, practise in:
- slightly choppy water
- varied temperatures
- long, uninterrupted routes
The more conditions you experience, the calmer and more confident you’ll be on race day.
4. Work on pacing and endurance
The biggest difference between pool swimming and open water is your ability to hold a sustainable pace for long periods.
Try including:
- long continuous sets
- progressive pace sessions
- race-simulation swims with navigation
Good pacing is what transforms “surviving the distance” into “swimming strong”.
5. Choose the right challenge to grow
If you’re looking for a big 2026 goal, the Grande Descida de Castelo de Bode is one of the most remarkable open-water events in Portugal.
🔥 Total distance: 50 km of swimming. No, you didn’t read that wrong — 50 km.
The event is split into stages, and you can choose to swim as many stages as you want, without needing to complete them all.
It’s a unique experience for swimmers who want to push limits in a safe, well-organised and breathtaking environment.
Open-water swimming offers physical, mental and technical growth. With a few training adjustments — and a clear goal in sight — 2026 can be your strongest season yet.
If you’re ready to start planning, explore all open-water events available on RaceFinder.
👉 Find your next challenge: www.racefinder.pt
