Best open water swimming books to read in 2022
When you think of books as inspirational friends, it makes perfect sense that swimmers read books to become better swimmers.
In this blog, we have listed the best books on open water swimming to read in 2022. They’re chock full of inspiration, detailing the lives and accounts of incredible swimmers. We have hand-picked these books, and they are our recommendations for this year.
Why We Swim – Bonnie Tsui
What do you answer when somebody asks: “Why do you swim?” More than a personal essay on the reasons why she swims, the author of this book digs deeper. Going out of her way to interview all kinds of swimmers, always asking them the same question: Why do you swim?
In this slim volume, Bonnie Tsui talks with long-distance swimmers, ice swimmers, and even Japanese swimmers that swim fully decked out in samurai attire. Tying it all together, Tsui reflects on her own swim experiences and the effect swimming and water has had on her life.
A fantastic read for those who want a broader understanding of why the water always seems to call us. If you’re only planning on reading one book on open water swimming in 2022, make it this one.
Swim Smooth: The Complete Coaching System for Swimmers and Triathletes – Paul Newsome & Adam Young
You can’t learn swimming from a book. However, that doesn’t mean that we should just dismiss the idea altogether. Because this book is full of golden nuggets of information. The little details that might escape you while training with your coach.
The book recommends drills that are easy to follow and puts things into context so that you effectively improve your technique. A book for swimmers who have done their rounds in the pool and swam the open water.
Find A Way – Diana Nyad
What drives someone to try something again and again? Even though they might have failed in the past, even though their chances of success are lower every time? That, in a nutshell, is what Diana Nyad’s autobiography is about.
It’s told around her challenge of completing the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida, detailing her attempts and diving into her inner world where she wrestles with feelings of defeat and the belief that she can make it.
But it’s also the story of success, of preserving, of keeping going and never giving up. Diana’s fifth attempt, a the age of 64 was a success: she made it from Cuba to Florida swimming.
Swimming to Antarctica – Lynne Cox
Lynne Cox was the first person to swim between the United States and Russia. And that was just the start of her open water swim adventure. For example, she also swam more than 1 mile in the waters of Antarctica, which is what this book is about.
"Swimming to Antarctica" is for those swimmers who want to learn more about the mindset of long-distance swimmers that take on the coldest waters on or planet. Lynne Cox has a strong belief in herself and she does things without compromise. A fascinating read on a fascinating open water swimmer.
Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian - My Story of Rescue, Hope, and Triumph - Yusra Mardini
Imagine that one day you have to escape from your country. You get on a boat, travel to a strange country and start a new life. You don’t know where you are and what you’re doing. But imagine, at the same time, that you have a dream, become an Olympic swimmer.
That’s the true story of Yusra Mardini. This book is an incredible story of strength, determination, and resiliency but it is also deeply inspiring. It talks about swimming but doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges and barriers faced along the way to the Olympics. A highly recommend read.
The best books on open water swimming
The books we have talked about in this blog are our personal favourites and we consider them the best book on open water swimming. Have we missed one of your favourites? Do let us know in the comments or through the contact form. We will be glad to give it a read and add it to the list.