OPEN WATER

AQUA SPEED open water – swimming is an adventure!

Open water means swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, ponds, the sea or the ocean. Wherever a swimmer connects with nature and swims under the open sky (also in winter – winter swimming), we call it open water swimming.

Open water swimming can be recreational and adventure-oriented, but it can also be a competitive sport combined with active leisure time.

Jammers, swimsuits, goggles and swim caps are essential for open water swimmers. In some OW races, and especially in triathlon competition, specialist neoprene wetsuits are allowed.

In Poland, the summer swimming season starts in June and lasts until the end of September.

AQUA SPEED promotes open water swimming in Poland

The AQUA SPEED brand specializes in swim training gear and accessories that support open water competition. Our goggles, suits, caps, and safety buoys (tow floats) are a natural choice for fans of this great adventure and form of sport competition.

Basic rules of open water swimming

Open water swimming is engaging, but it also requires good preparation. Swimming skills are the foundation; it is equally important to take care of safety and comfort. 

Start by swimming in proven locations, with a safety buoy, together with other swimmers or with shore support. During races, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines of organizers, officials and lifeguards who look after participants.

It’s also worth thinking about good nutrition. On longer swims, bring something nourishing to snack on; and when swimming in water of uncertain quality, a probiotic can be useful.

Pool training for open water

To truly enjoy summer open water swimming, it’s best to plan the season and prepare throughout autumn and winter by training in the pool. Setting goals for the next season motivates focused work on technique and fitness. To diversify training and develop technique, endurance and speed, it’s worth using dedicated gear and accessories.

During the preparation phase, you can also include pool meets, which help verify fitness, technique and mental readiness.

Drafting (swimming behind someone), lifting your head for navigation, “the washing machine” (swimming in a big group) and turning around buoys — these open water technique aspects can also be trained in the pool during sessions and events such as POWER race by AQUA SPEED – open water under a roof.

Outdoor training

Getting used to waters where you can’t see the bottom — or where there are waves — is a key part of practice in natural conditions. It’s worth joining trainings organized by experienced coaches and swimmers, or gaining experience at events such as AQUA SPEED Open Water Series  where you can swim your first 475 meters in safe conditions, supervised by lifeguards.

Thermal adaptation — building resistance to cold water that may occur during OW swimming — can be developed, for example, by winter swimming or taking part in ice swimming events.

AQUA SPEED Open Water Series

A permanent fixture in the calendar of open water swimming lovers in Poland. In particular, the iconic race in Ślesin — opening the OW season — has gained a loyal following. The races have been organized since 2019, and each season the number of participants keeps growing. It’s fair to say it’s the most popular series in Poland.

ASOWS is a great chance to test your form, but also to have fun, enjoy healthy competition, and connect with nature.

We meet in:

• the iconic Ślesin (June 13, 2026),
• Syców (July 11, 2026)
• Stężyca (August 22, 2026)

Anyone who can swim at least 475 meters (new distance) can take part, as well as 950, 1900, and 3800 meters. Swimming in a triathlon wetsuit is allowed. Kids can race: 100 m (ages 6–7), 200 m (ages 8–11), 475 m (ages 12–13).

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Race operator: Labosport Polska

In 2025, we were with you here:

In 2024, we were with you here:

POWER race by AQUA SPEED

A unique project that premiered this spring. Created for swimmers who want to feel the energy of open water before the season begins. Open-water rules in controlled pool conditions make it a perfect chance to meet fellow enthusiasts and practice technique before racing outdoors.

We met in:

• Warsaw (March 10, WUM Sports and Recreation Center Pool) / already done

In the first edition of POWER race, nearly 60 people raced around buoys over 475 meters. In a great atmosphere and with smiles on their faces, swimmers from Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, Ełk and Olsztyn competed together. We also swam with Olympians Alicja Tchórz, Radosław Kawęcki and Filip Wypych, known from pool racing.

There had never been a swimming spectacle like this. Emotions ran high! POWER race by AQUA SPEED — this is how swimming changes.

Race operator gsandr 

Swim Series Poland by AQUA SPEED

A proposal for open water swimming enthusiasts and triathletes. The day before the legendary IRONMAN races in Poznań and Warsaw, open water swimming races took place.

We met in:

• Warsaw (June 8, Zegrzyńskie Lake)
• Poznań (August 31, Kierskie Lake)

Distances available were 1500 m and 750 m. It was a great opportunity for swimmers who are not doing the full triathlon to become part of IRONMAN Poland events.

Race operator Sport Evolution 

Choose accessories for training and open water swimming!