Book Description
Author Penny Lee Dean, a swimming legend and world-record holder in 13 events, shares her unique knowledge of racing and solo swims in Open Water Swimming. From innovative stroke techniques to navigation strategies, Dean's insights are invaluable to long-distance swimmers, marathon swimmers, triathletes, and their coaches.

Open Water Swimming features

• 13 stretches for increased flexibility and smooth stroke technique,

• 16 practice drills for improved form, and

• 43 different workouts for greater endurance.

Whether you're a beginner-level open water swimmer or you're about to brave the English Channel—which Dean swam in world-record time—Open Water Swimming provides the conditioning plans, event profiles, and mental training techniques you need to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

GREAT INFORMATION
This book really helped me and my open water swim friends with our races. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in open water swimming.

Open Water Swimming
I am a distance ocean swimmer and found the book to be very helpful.Penny Dean is a legend in Channel Swimming and writes from experience.I used many of her training recommendations in preparing for the Catalina Channel and am using it again in my preparation for the English Channel.This book is very well regarded by multiple friends who are Channel Swimmers.I think highly enough of the book to be buying a second copy because my original copy was loaned to someone who has not yet returned it.

Triathlete Review
Although I thought the book to be well written and interesting, it offers minimal techniques and workouts for the triathlete.Not being a long distance swimmer, I can not judge the book from that point of view.

An excellent book
This is an excellent book. I am considering training for the Englishchannel swim and found this book excellent as asource of vitalinformation with regards open water swimming.Not only is the book from aworld expert but there is great passion in the writing as well as superbtechnical aspects of swimming in open water.I especially liked the factthat it dealt with very long swims unlike many of the commerciallyavailable open water books out there that are catering for triatholonswimming distances as obviously that is where the money is with regards topublishing and selling.It is what most long distace swimmers train for. There are very few books on long distance open water swimming longer than atriatholon swim so this book for me is a must.As for the reviewer thatfelt she wrote the book like a drill coach, if you want to swim somethinglike the english channel any approach unlike the one in this book willequal failure.

Just right for a SERIOUS swimmer
Penny Lee Dean writes like a coach, which she is. You can almost see her writing chapter titles and outlines with a magic marker on a board, with a group of swimmers taking notes. The book is as clear as water, and about asinteresting. If you really want to swim long open-water swims, like theEnglish Channel or across some big lake, this is clearly the book for you.She has excellent training tips, instructions for dealing with obstaclesand injuries, and motivational ideas. But if you aren't quite so seriousabout long, excruciating, time-consuming swims, if swimming is only animportant and not pivotal part of your life, you will find the book slowgoing, which, by the way, is how I swim. ... Read more

Book Description
A clear, practical guide to swimming freestyle better than you ever thought possible. Not only to swim well enough to breeze through a triathlon swim leg with ease and confidence; but to reach a Nirvana where the swim is your favorite part. If you're not aiming to do a triathlon, but would simply like to swim with ease, efficiency and confidence, TSME will turn you into a beautiful freestyler with the freedom to swim in any body of water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A better swim
I feel like after reading this book I have looked at my swim training in a whole new light.Gone are the days of grinding out lap after lap after lap in hope that I will magically improve my swim leg. Total Immersion has tuned me into developing and practicing good swim habits.

This book works best when purchasing the DVD.It helps to view the training exercises.The video is a little dated but not that bad too watch.

Triathlon Swimming Made Easy
I think I could have went without this book. The whole book could have been condensed to just a few pages. No great images to help you learn the total immersion way. I definitely feel that the original Total Immersion book is infinitely better BUT the video is the most informative. I find myself watching that video over and over. A picture is worth a thousand words... Dont misunderstand me, Total Immersion Rocks! I have only been swimming for a year ( I am 45) and I can bang out a mile or more no problem in about 30 minutes.

Motivating and useful
Total Immersion focuses on a swimming technique that will make you swim easier without struggle. It is an easy read and provides handles to swim better and get more comfortable in the water. The book alone is not enough to learn this technique. You will also need the DVD and perhaps the drill cards for the practices. The book is written in a "can do it" style and is motivating to read with useful information.

Excellent book!
I found Terry Laughlin's book very helpful.I've read it through a few times and am attempting to apply what I'm learning.I've got a ways to go yet, but I see improvements every time I go to the water.I recommend this book.

Even Better Than The First Book
As a triathlete & having read (& been a student of) Terry's first book, this book was great extension. The explanations of why each drill is done & step by step instruction virtually guarantees fast improvement anyone prepared to put in practice.
Well worth the purchases price. ... Read more

Book Description
The Total Immersion Way for Anyone to Master triathlon or Open-Water Swimming ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Yes, The Best Book On Swimming For Triathletes I have Read
Like many people, I was skeptical about this book. How could I truly learn to swim better from reading a book. But after reading this and practising the techniques I am a believer. I am a triathlete, albeit a 50 year old slow triathlete. But I began as a swimmer, so I am very comfortable there. I am not fast, but love the water. But this book has made me a better swimmer. It's in the economy of stroke. This book will teach you a way of swimming that's more like yoga or TM than those swimmers you see flailing their arms and being out of breath. This won't happen overnight, but as the author says, if you practise at this long enough you will get better.

The definitive book on triathlon swimming
This is the best book you can buy on swimming. Period. In fact, most triathlon training books refer the reader to Terry Laughlins Total Immersion (TI) program, which is explained most clearly in this book. (Don't buy the out-dated book entitled "Total Immersion." I've read it; it's good; but it doesn't fully reflect the author's most recent ideas on swimming drills.)

When you buy the book, you should also order the video "Fishlike Freestyle," which shows all the drills beautifully executed by top-notch swimmers. (In fact, the "models" in the video make the drills look TOO easy.)

If you read the book, follow the program, and execute the drills according to the video, you'll become an excellent swimmer. It might take you several months or even a year or two, but eventually you'll do it. Personally, I'm still working at it--slowly--but a friend of mine went from being a terrible swimmer to being a beautiful, smooth, fast fishlike triathlete in the water by following the Total Immersion program. Several other of my triathlete friends have used the Total Immersion program with excellent success. You can spot these swimmers for the grace and fluidity as they glide effortlessly through the water.

If you're serious about swimming or triathlon, this book is a must buy. ... Read more

Book Description
This history covers swimming from the perspective of an active participant in the organization of the Manhattan marathon swim.The emphasis initially was on New York swims but was broaden to include the whole development of open-water swimming events worldwide.Early English and Austria swims prior to Capt. Webb and prior to Lord Bryon are included.The author includes an analysis of the development of the modern swimming stroke: the American Crawl, along with comments regarding swimming strokes forgotten during the Renaissance.Illustrations and photos abound.The reason Alfred Hajos won the first swimming races in the 1896 Olympics and strategies employed by other swimmers.The development of baths, their alternatives, and the role they played in the development of the swimming arts.The public need for swimming education and the response of non-governmental agencies to this need.The story of the first person to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge as well as the story of the first person to jump from the Brooklyn Bridge and live is included.The irrefutable evidence that Annie Taylor was not the first person to go over Niagara Falls and live is presented.Cage swims and cage construction is discussed.The inside scope on the Florida Straits swims from someone who was there in Cuba and on the swims.How Suzy Maroney cheated in her swims is but one of the stories about charlatans, pretenders, and swims gone badly.Every swim is covered with dates, times, and reference sources (over 700 references).The author suggests ways to address "assisted" swims.The first great American swimmer, Captain Boyton, entire career is covered from his days as a lifeguard in New Jersey to a demonstration of a lifesaving devise before Queen Victoria, receptions throughout the European capitols, his Irish activity and torpedo work for foreign governments, and his retirement to Coney Island. Why his invention is still needed today is presented. Secrets of the Manhattan swim are revealed by the author from ten years of trials that yielded up the current Manhattan Island record and how this knowledge could be applied to the English Channel.The author reveals the date when the next Manhattan marathon record attempt will occur.The computer program and a formula to calculate a swimmer's expected finishing time are revealed as well as how this knowledge was applied.The complete history of the Manhattan marathon swim is discussed in detail.Swim injuries are discussed and facts about swimming that are alarming.Above all, the book is packed with swims and swimmers galore, swims you couldn't imagine, swim you've heard about but didn't believe, and swims that have been forgotten and why.The swims that won a Congressional Metal of Honor are covered and a swim that should have.The first Chesapeake Bay swim, the first Boston Light swim, the first Manhattan marathon swim, the first Alcatraz swim, the first Long Island Sound swim, the first Potomac swim, the first swim by an American in the Thames, the first swim across the Baltic Sea, the first swim from Montauk to Watch Hill across Block Island Sound, the first swim to Block Island, the first swim across the Messina Straits, the first swim across the Mersey, the first swim across Gibraltar Straits, the first swim ever recorded in a newspaper.Animal swims: the first recorded shark attack, the dog that set a swimming record down the Hudson River, and a record night swim by an elephant.Swims that you will want to do and who to contact to schedule your next swim include: Key West, Tampa Bay, Bonaire, St. Croix, Boston Light, Other New England Swims, Chesapeake Bay, British Swims, Professional Swims, Gibraltar Straits, Palk Straits, Hawaiian Island Swims, Catalina Channel, Fremantle-Rottnest, and the Irish Sea.And finally, swims that will just tear your heart out, you wish they had never gone in the water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

History of Open Water Marathon Swimming
As a book covering the facts of Marathon Swimming history, it is quite okay. But tye layout is terrible. The book is printed on the worst recycled paper you can think of and the photos are extremely bad. I am disappointed tho have paid to much for such a lousy quality.

Work in progress
Several editions and revisions of this book are in print, which might not mean much to the general public. However, if you are an open water swimmer and the published rosters of successful swims mean anything to you, the various editions WILL make a difference.

A friend of mine has the 2004 edition, and I just received the 2005 edition. It would seem that, in more recent printings, the history of Catalina Channel swims has been reduced to one page...almost a mere footnote.

Over 100 pages of this 400-page book focus on the partly-current-assisted Manhattan Island swim, and reflect the author's bias, which further adds to my disappointment in this otherwise well-written history.

A more equitable history of open water swims and treatment of the sport, although sadly outdated, is given in Conrad Wennenberg's "Wind, Waves & Sunburn".

Interestingly, the list of customer reviews for this book is beginning to read like a "Who's Who" of long-distance swimmers.

Review of History of Open Water Mar Swimming
Has good background of open water swimming from antiquity to the present.Book is mostly about east coast and Europe with focus on New England and NY, since this is where author lived and swam.Amazing details in the stories, requiring much time for research by the author.No wonder it's taken over 20 years for author to write the book!By Carl Kawauchi.

Fantastic book on an ultra-extreme sport loaded with details
This is a fantastic book on an ultra-extreme sport loaded with details.Captain Johnson has obviously done much research on this excellent book.I highly recommend this book as it offers rare insights into the beginnings of this ultra-extreme sport.You do not have to be a swimmer to appreciate this fascinating book.

Awesome history for an awesome sport!!!
Captain Johnson has obviously put in a ton of time researching an awesome ultra-extreme sport.His ambition may be his undoing however, because I believe the more he researches, the more he'll find that he can add to this already hefty project. I can't wait to see how this book grows over the years as he adds yearly results and unearths other "lost" swims.I am also proud that he has decided to leave out the dubious efforts of "cage swimmers" and other kooks who claim to be swimming with other aids such as fins and wetsuits.I higly recommend this book to swimmers and non-swimmers who enjoy reading about lofty human endeavors! ... Read more

Product Description
Dominique Renda and Brooks Anderson join their exquisite artistry and human sensitivity in this unique collection of poetry and photography where individual expression becomes universal truth and our sense of order is tenderly rearranged. ... Read more

Book Description
This is the official manual of the United States Lifesaving Association. This manual is a comprehensive training and reference text for open water lifesaving. It is required for all training programs conducted in accordance with USLA Lifeguard Agency Certification Program.

Learning aids are provided throughout including references, web sites, and discussion points. New material has been added in several areas, such as aquatic life hazards (shark bites and jellyfish stings), ice rescue, pathophysiology of drowning and sudden immersion syndrome, and junior lifeguard programs. Expanded and updated coverage of OSHA regulations, report forms, incident command, historical material and many other areas have been added to this extensive revision. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Book
This book is great if you need it for a lifeguarding class, way cheaper than bookstore prices.

One of a kind!!!
The United States Lifesaving Association has done it again.This book is the premier reference on open water lifesaving.Whether, an upstart department or an established older agency, this book provides specific information about lifeguarding methods that every lifeguard must know. If a lifeguard reads this book and practices what is in it, they will be able to provide excellent service to the public. Buy the United States Lifesaving Association, Open Water Lifesaving today.Make sure your next training class uses this Manual.

Eric Bauer

Lifeguard Captain, Newport Beach, CA.

The United States Lifesaving Association Manual of Open Wate
The United States Manual of Open Water Lifesaving is a required text for training all of our seasonal ocean lifeguards. As an Operations Lieutenant for the City of Newport Beach the book has been an invaluable referencewith general information, concepts and specific procedural techniques. There are photographs that depict various aspects of modern lifesaving andexample report forms. A lifeguard agency or public safety agency thatengages in open water rescue is remiss in not having this book for theirstudents and as a reference. Renowned lifeguard experts from around theUnited States contributed to this excellent book. The book could also havesignificant impact internationally if a beach had to start a lifguardagency where one does not exist today. If one wants to become a lifeguard,this is a must have text.I am glad that this book exists and am hopingfor a new edition that will be even better. Buy it today, you can't gowrong.

The manual ocean lIfeguards have been waiting for.
Open Water Lifeguards now have a manual written by veteran lifeguards who have put a lifetime of experience into easily read text. Used in combination with local training plans and protocols the USLA manualprovides the supplementary material necessary for the complete training andretraining of open water lifeguards..Chapters on professionalism, theaquatic environment, meteorological considerations, preventativelifeguarding and surveillance, emergency planning and management, lifeguardhealth and safety and many other related topics provide a depth of trainingkeyed to the open water environment unavailable from any other resource.Appendices providing useful beach management forms, an extensive glossary,surf boat rowing techniques and a thorough index complete usefulness ofthis valuable reference.

Open water lifeguarding in the 21st centuryrequires thorough preparatory training in techniques and procedures as wellas mental and physical conditioning. This manual provides an excellent toolfor establishing a training plan that will develop competent lifeguards inaccordance with contemporary standards of care emergency managementguidelines.

David M. Shotwell, Sr., Beachfront Supervisor, Ocean Grove NJ

USLA Manual Used in Hawaii
The USLA Manual of Open Water Lifesaving edited by Chris Brewster is the basic textbook used in the training programs for the following agencies in the State of Hawaii:Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division, Cityand County of Honolulu, Aquatics Division, County of Maui, Water SafetySection, County of Kauai, and the Aquatics Division, County of Hawaii. These agencies are responsible for providing ocean lifeguard services fortheir respective counties (each Hawaiian Island is considered a county,with Maui County including Molokai and Lanai and Kauai County including theisland of Niihau.) All of the mentioned agencies are certified by the USLAunder the Agency Certification Program.The USLA Manual of Open WaterLifesaving is the only manual of its kind that addresses the ocean/openwater environment and the skills and knowledge essential to become an openwater lifeguard.The manual is the result of the collaboration oflifeguards from across the country and provides historical as well as up todate information on open water lifeguarding.Descriptions ofenvironmental conditions that the beach lifeguard will encounter andmethods of dealing with these conditions are included in the text, as wellas excellent chapters on drowning, prevention, rescues and equipment, andemergency medical treatment.An appendix which includes sample forms usedby lifeguard agencies is also a valuable resource for those who administerlifeguard services. The textbook is well written, clearly organized,and serves as the fundamental resource for our agencies in the HawaiianIslands. ... Read more

Book Description
This full-color, extensively illustrated, and highly respected dive manual includes the information necessary to learn open water diving. Timely discussions include ecology and scuba techniques, equipment and safety materials, women's diving issues and concerns, expanded CPR information, air sharing, and hand signals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great open water text book; facts, not hype
this book saves the student from the hype and promo that the PADI books now have, and is actually a very good basic text for open water.Jeppesen, the original publisher, publishes all the texts that airplane pilots use and carry in those black bags, called 'jep kits'.

Not a bad book.
Lots of good general information but I found it required more depth in many areas. ... Read more

Book Description
In Liquid Assets journalist Janet Smith, author of a history of Tooting Bec Lido and herself a keen swimmer, traces the development of Britain's surprisingly rich stock of lidos, starting with their muddy beginnings in London's parks, through their fashionable heyday in the 1930s, to their battle for survival today. Lavishly illustrated with both archive and contemporary photographs, Liquid Assets highlights some of the nation's outstanding architectural examples. But if lidos were once to be found in virtually every town and city, since 1945 many have been closed, often despite the efforts of thousands of vociferous campaigners. Liquid Assets charts the best of these lost lidos, including one in Purley where the towering concrete and steel diving board now form the curious centrepiece of a garden centre. The book also provides a unique listing of all lidos still open in Britain, with detailed case studies of the most impressive. ... Read more