Swimming in Waves: Techniques for Harnessing Wave Power and Coping Strategies

Introduction

Almost everyone swimming in the ocean for the first time instinctively fights the waves—pushing hard through an oncoming wave, then stroking forcefully to correct course after being knocked sideways. This strategy not only drains enormous amounts of energy but is often futile. Swimmers who truly understand the sea treat waves as allies, harnessing their energy to move forward.

The waters off eastern Taiwan (Taitung, Hualien), northern Taiwan (Fulong, Emerald Bay), and southern Taiwan (Xiao Liuqiu, Kenting) each have distinct wave characteristics. Understanding the types and behavior of waves is the most unique and fascinating aspect of open-water swimming technique.

Understanding Common Types of Ocean Waves

Techniques for Harnessing Swell

Swell is the most precious natural assistance for long-distance ocean swimming. From the Pacific swell off Taiwan’s east coast to the monsoon swell in the Taiwan Strait during summer, usable energy exists everywhere.

Down-Swell Swimming

When the swell pushes you from behind:

1. Feel the wave rhythm: Before entering the water, stand on shore and observe, counting the wave period (usually 8–14 seconds)
2. Catch the wave crest: Accelerate your stroke so the crest sits right at chest-to-abdomen level
3. Reduce stroking: When pushed by the wave, ease off on stroke power and let the wave do the work
4. Control direction: Swimming with the swell makes it easy to drift off course, so sight more frequently

Up-Swell Swimming

Swimming into the swell is the most energy-draining scenario:

• Dive deep: As you approach the leading edge of the wave, tuck your abdomen and dive down, letting your body pass beneath the wave
• Accelerate through: After reaching the wave’s base, accelerate your stroke and use the brief calm behind the wave to move forward quickly
• Conserve energy: Don’t try to power through the wave crest—it’s futile

Techniques for Crossing the Surf Zone

To swim from the beach out to open water, you must first cross the surf zone—the most dreaded part for many beginners.

Going Out

• Time your dash: Observe the wave rhythm and sprint out during the gap after a set of waves ends
• Dolphin Dive: When the water is waist-deep, extend both arms forward and dive through the wave base like a dolphin, pushing off the bottom with your feet
• Start swimming once deep enough: Once the water is deeper than your waist, getting down and swimming is more efficient than walking upright

Returning to Shore

• Ride a wave back in: Wait at the outer edge of the surf zone for a good wave, then surf-style accelerate toward shore with it
• Dive when waves hit: If you miss the wave, swim straight for shore and dive under the base when a breaker hits
• Timing your stand: Only stand up when the water is waist-deep; standing too early makes you easy prey for the waves

Breathing Adjustments in Wind Chop

When the northeast monsoon prevails in Taiwan during summer, even lakes can develop short, choppy waves. The key to handling wind chop is: shorten the time window of your breathing motion.

• Normal breathing: Turn head 90 degrees, inhale slowly
• Wind-chop breathing: Turn head 60 degrees, use the “bow wave low-pressure pocket” created by body rotation to inhale quickly, keeping your mouth close to the water surface

This technique is called “Bow Wave Breathing” and is an essential skill for open-water swimmers.

Practical Advice

• Observe for at least 5 minutes before entering: Study the wave period, size, and width of the surf zone
• Enter and exit on sandy bottoms: Rocky bottoms are dangerous for entry and exit; many scenic spots on Taiwan’s east coast have rocks, so proceed with caution
• Don’t fight the waves—flow with them: Relax your body and mind, accept the sensation of being carried by the waves; it’s far less tiring than resisting
• Don’t stray too far from shore until you know the area: Taiwan’s eastern waters have undercurrents and rip currents that require special attention
• Swim with someone experienced: For your first ocean swim, make sure someone familiar with the water leads the way

Conclusion

Ocean waves are the most unique challenge in open-water swimming—and the most captivating element. Learning to dance with the waves is not just technical progress; it’s a shift in mindset—from resisting nature to accepting and harnessing its energy. Surrounded by sea on all sides, Taiwan offers a rich and diverse ocean-swimming environment, where every bay is a classroom for practicing collaboration with nature.

Related Reading

• Wave Swimming Technique in Open Water: Wave Rhythm Utilization and Energy Expenditure Management
• Wave Swimming Skills: Dancing with the Waves Instead of Fighting Them
• Adapting to Waves and Currents in Ocean Swimming: Technical Essentials for Swimming Along Taiwan’s Coast
• Swimming Technique in Ocean Waves: Crossing the Surf Zone and Using the Backwash