There’s something magnetic about open water, the endless horizon, the rhythm of the waves, the feeling of being small yet free. When I step into the ocean, the world narrows down to the simple connection between breath, body, and water. It’s both humbling and empowering. The challenge is part of the appeal, no lanes, no walls, just you and the elements. Each swim feels like an adventure, a test of trust and surrender.
Before I dive in, I always take a moment to breathe deeply and centre myself. Open water can be unpredictable, and being ready comes from staying relaxed and having plans for all situations. I visualise the swim and remind myself that I’ve done this before, that I know how to stay present and relaxed. Sometimes I repeat a mantra like “stay relaxed” or “long strokes”. These small rituals quiet my nerves and help me focus on the joy of the experience rather than the unknown.
The ocean is the best teacher I know. It teaches patience, you can’t rush the waves. It teaches focus, every stroke demands attention and every direction requires focus to stay on course. And most of all, it teaches self-trust. When the water feels vast and your mind starts to wander into doubt, you learn to rely on your mind, your training, and your instinct. Every swim reminds me that control is an illusion; what matters is how you adapt, stay calm, and move forward.
If you’re new to open water, start small and stay safe. Swim with others, get comfortable with sighting, and practice in calm conditions first. Expect that your heart might race when you first look down into the deep - that’s normal. Focus on your breathing, not the distance. The more time you spend in the water, the more you’ll feel its rhythm instead of resisting it. Remember, we all start somewhere and focus on the adventure.
Every time I swim in the ocean, I feel part of something bigger, connected to nature, to the pulse of the planet, and to a version of myself that feels grounded and free. There’s a stillness that comes after the swim, a quiet gratitude that lingers long after I’ve stepped back onto land. Open water reminds me that freedom isn’t found in control, but in trust - in the water, in the moment, and in myself.
Love always, Moesha Johnson xx