I’ll let you in on a secret. At my first open water swimming event, I accidentally swam an extra lap. Looking back over a decade later, I can see I was totally underprepared – & the loosey-goosey organisation of the event definitely didn’t help.

Open water swimming is an exhilarating challenge, but picking the right race can make all the difference to how much you enjoy it. With so many events out there, it’s worth thinking about things like location, race length, water temperature & conditions before you sign up.

Whether you're brand new or ready to level up, this guide will help you choose a race that suits you. We’ve also included 10 of our favourite beginner-friendly open water events to get you started.Let’s dive in.

1. Location: Consider the ConditionsWhere your race is held will shape your whole experience. Sea swims can come with tides & waves, whereas smaller, less-exposed lakes tend to be calm & more beginner-friendly. Bonus points if the race is close enough to avoid a stressful early morning dash. Always check the location’s reputation for water quality & clarity. Ask the organisers if it’s not clear from their website.
2. Race Length: Start Short & Build UpYou don’t need to go straight into a challenging, long-distance swim. Start with a 500m or 750m event to get used to the feel of open water. It might feel easier than the pool (just wait ‘til you feel that wetsuit buoyancy!) – but there’s also the cold, the lack of walls to push off, & more navigating to do. Build your distances gradually.
3. Water Temperature: Get the Gear Cold water is no joke. Most events will list the expected temperature. If it’s chilly, you’re much better off wearing a wetsuit. You might even want to explore a thermal wetsuit, gloves & booties. Depending on how long you’ll be in the water, 12°C or colder is a good benchmark to consider warming accessories. It’s worth being over-prepared so the cold doesn’t catch you off guard.

4. Water State: Calm or Choppy? Lakes & rivers are usually smoother. The smaller & less exposed the lake is, the less chop you’ll get. The sea? Not so much. Waves, chop & swell can mess with your breathing & rhythm. Pick a calmer race to start, & save the surf for another year.
5. Saltwater vs. FreshwaterSaltwater means you’ll feel more buoyant (great!), but also less great when you accidentally gulp some mid-breath. Freshwater swims are easier on the throat. Go with what feels most comfortable to you.
6. Currents & River FlowSome rivers have strong currents – which can help or hinder depending on the direction. For example, in Level Water’s river swims, the tide carries you downstream so it feels easier than the distance suggests. But not all rivers are so forgiving. Find out what speed the river flows at before you sign up.
7. In Summary: Start EasyFor your first few open water swimming events, aim for warmer, shorter, calmer swims. You’re ideally looking for predictable conditions, a track record of being organised well & a friendly, non-competitive vibe. Once you've built confidence, you can start eyeing up the longer, wilder & more competitive races.

Train in Open Water: The pool is a great place to build fitness, but nothing beats practising in the real thing. Grab a buddy, a tow float & get used to sighting. It’s a fun adventure to swim in the outdoors, too.

Wear the Right Gear: A good wetsuit is a game-changer. It keeps you warm & helps you float better.

Learn to Sight: No lane ropes means you’ll need to lift your head occasionally to check your direction. Practise this in training so it feels natural. You can learn how to sight in our open water race courses.

Start Slow: There’s always a rush at the beginning of a race. Hang back or stick to the edge if you want a calmer start.

Stay Positive: There’s nothing quite like swimming outdoors. Enjoy it by soaking it up, smiling & going easy on yourself.

Train Smart for Your Race: Your training & race day will be so much more enjoyable – & successful – if you follow a plan that fits your ability, your goal & your lifestyle. Check out our open water race courses for personalised training plans tailored to your event.

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Here are some of our top picks if you’re just starting out:

1. Great North Swim – ½ mile  Date: 7–9 June 2025  Location: Lake Windermere, Cumbria  This iconic event is incredibly well organised, with a buzzing atmosphere & plenty of swimmers taking on their first race. You’ll swim in England’s largest lake with full safety support.

2. Henley Swim Festival – ½ mile  Date: 6 July 2025  Location: Henley-on-Thames  Set on a calm stretch of the Thames, this event is ideal for first-timers. The vibe is fun & relaxed, with a festival atmosphere that makes it feel like a celebration.

3. Swim Serpentine – ½ mile  Date: 20 September 2025  Location: Hyde Park, London  A brilliant intro to open water racing in a central London location. It’s part of the London Classics series & has great crowd support & an iconic setting.

4. EPIC Lakes Swim: Coniston – 750m  Date: Saturday 7 June 2025  Location: Lake District  Enjoy your first dip in the wild in one of the Lake District’s most beautiful spots. This beginner-friendly distance is flat & calm, with lots of fellow newbies.

5. EPIC Lakes Swim: Ullswater – 750m  Date: Saturday 28 June 2025  Location: Lake District  Expect stunning views, supportive marshals & well-marked courses. Ullswater is often glassy calm, making it ideal for less experienced swimmers.

6. EPIC Lakes Swim: Windermere – 750m  Date: Sunday 10 August 2025  Location: Lake District  Another cracker from EPIC Events. You’ll swim a short, clear loop near the shore in England’s best-known lake, with brilliant safety cover & easy access.

7. ‍8. Loch Lomond Swims – 250m, 750m  Date: Saturday 30 August 2025  Location: Loch Lomond, Scotland  Short, scenic courses with crystal-clear freshwater in one of the UK’s most iconic locations. Great for dipping your toe into the open water scene.  Date: Saturday 17 May 2025  Location: Salford Quays  If you want a low-stress urban swim, this is for you. Calm waters, changing facilities & a friendly crowd make it a top beginner event.

9. The Big Welsh Swim – 500m  Date: Saturday 5 July 2025  Location: Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia  You’ll swim in a glacier lake surrounded by mountains – it’s a truly epic setting. The new 500m distance is perfect for those new to open water.

10. Swim Festival, Carbis Bay – 1km  Date: September 2025  Location: St Ives, Cornwall  This is a sea swim, but in a sheltered bay with gentle waves. Clear waters & a supportive atmosphere make it a fantastic first taste of sea swimming.

Feeling ready to take the plunge & sign up to an event? Check out Catch’s Find a Race tool, where we’ve tagged races as novice, intermediate or advanced, with training plans for each.