Swimmers Made Waves In Open Water
The Thistle Port Dickson Open Water Swim Classic, Malaysia
Written By:
Ryker Hector Tan
Swimming Academy, Secondary 2
East Coast Park has been one of my favourite spots since young. Numerous unforgettable weekends were enjoyed there brimming with activities. I often dreamt of heading out to sea and swimming in the open water – a “pool” with no lanes, and the vast feeling of freedom as the waves lap you along in the sea.
My dream finally came true on 18 January 2025 at The Thistle Port Dickson Open Water Swim Classic, Malaysia.
11 Singapore Sports School swimmers set off on Friday morning, bubbling with excitement as a few of us were participating in the open water event for the first time, including myself. We had lunch during our pitstop and arrived at Thistle Hotel past 1pm. The weather was cloudy and just perfect for warm-up in the sea. Everyone settled down in their respective rooms and was instructed to suit up. We headed to the beach to collect our goodie bags and swim buoys, a compulsory floating device required for every open water swimmer. We did some familiarisation of the route, learnt how to sight and allowed our body to be accustomed to the sea water and waves as we did our warmup, under the watchful eyes of our coach.
As it was low tide, many of us had cuts on our legs due to the corals. It seemed as if we were aliens invading their territories. It was painful and stinging but that did not deter us from looking forward to race the next day. Hunger was all that was on our minds, so we quickly washed up and headed out for dinner before calling it a night.
The next day, we woke up to a cool starry morning, and the light drizzle throughout the night had stopped. The weather was perfect – cloudy and windy. We found a shady spot to place our bags and went to the marking booth to get our body marking done. One lesson that I had learnt was not to apply sunscreen before number marking. I also learnt the proper way and position to place my time chip on my ankle. Being a newbie, I did not know Vaseline is a saviour for open water swimmers as it prevents chafing.
The event started off with the juniors racing for 100m, 250m and 500m, while our 5 seniors raced for the elite 2km. By then, it was time for the remaining 6 swimmers to head down to the starting point of the 1km race, in which I was competing.
As we waddled into the open sea, my excitement and enthusiasm levels were unbelievable. The six of us were in high spirits and eager to get started.
As soon as the sound of the horn blast, I dived into the water and began my race. I was leading together with my juniors swimming up close. The challenge was to maintain a constant stroke pace while keeping an eye on our surroundings. Unfortunately, I swam off course as we approached the red buoy to navigate a turn at the halfway mark. Thankfully, there were safety paddlers on duty who directed us back on route. No time to lose, as I jostled through the waves to make my turn.
The turn also signified a greater distance away from the shoreline. This was the furthest I have ever swum out to sea. At that moment, I could barely feel my arms and legs too. I had exhausted all my energy at the beginning of the race to lead. I began to feel anxious and terrified, fearing that I might be stung by jellyfish. Determined, I threw out the negative thoughts and persevered to swim towards the next coloured buoy.
By then, I spotted the last green buoy to make a turn to the finishing line. There was a brief moment of misunderstanding when the safety paddler confused us with the 2km elite and tried to guide us to swim further. Fortunately, I informed him that we were participating in the 1km race, and he guided us in the correct direction. Off to the last 300m to the finishing!
The swim back to shore was even more exhilarating as the force of the waves threatened to sweep you back. I sighted and spotted Coach Puay Kheng who stood at the finishing line, keeping a watch on us.
With perseverance, I sped up my strokes and kicks, and heard Coach Puay Kheng shouting at the top of his voice: “RUN! RUN! RUN!” I felt a huge rush of adrenaline. With the final ounce of my energy, I carried my heavy legs and ran to the finishing line, bursting with pride.
Together as a team, we hauled a total of 7 medals. My seniors clinched a silver and 2 bronze medals in the elite 2km race. I secured a gold medal and three of my juniors earned a gold and 2 silver in the 1km race.
The feeling of accomplishment after completing the race was something I had never imagined I could achieve. Open Water Swimming is a different set of game from pool swimming. One would experience unpredictable weather, waves and currents that would affect your performance. Not forgetting the danger of being stung by jellyfish and having foggy goggles. There are no flip turns, no walls to mark laps, no lane ropes to guide you. While stroke technique is crucial, building up my stamina, endurance and perseverance mentality is the key to Open Water Swimming.
I am grateful to Sports School for providing me with the chance to challenge myself outside of my comfort zone. I want to thank Coach Puay Kheng, our biggest supporter, for his dedication and encouragement. Not forgetting the parents for their unwavering support throughout our journey.
Will I continue to chase my dreams for the next open water event? Swim around to find out soon.
Written By:
Ryker Hector Tan
Swimming Academy, Secondary 2
East Coast Park has been one of my favourite spots since young. Numerous unforgettable weekends were enjoyed there brimming with activities. I often dreamt of heading out to sea and swimming in the open water – a “pool” with no lanes, and the vast feeling of freedom as the waves lap you along in the sea.
My dream finally came true on 18 January 2025 at The Thistle Port Dickson Open Water Swim Classic, Malaysia.
11 Singapore Sports School swimmers set off on Friday morning, bubbling with excitement as a few of us were participating in the open water event for the first time, including myself. We had lunch during our pitstop and arrived at Thistle Hotel past 1pm. The weather was cloudy and just perfect for warm-up in the sea. Everyone settled down in their respective rooms and was instructed to suit up. We headed to the beach to collect our goodie bags and swim buoys, a compulsory floating device required for every open water swimmer. We did some familiarisation of the route, learnt how to sight and allowed our body to be accustomed to the sea water and waves as we did our warmup, under the watchful eyes of our coach.
As it was low tide, many of us had cuts on our legs due to the corals. It seemed as if we were aliens invading their territories. It was painful and stinging but that did not deter us from looking forward to race the next day. Hunger was all that was on our minds, so we quickly washed up and headed out for dinner before calling it a night.
The next day, we woke up to a cool starry morning, and the light drizzle throughout the night had stopped. The weather was perfect – cloudy and windy. We found a shady spot to place our bags and went to the marking booth to get our body marking done. One lesson that I had learnt was not to apply sunscreen before number marking. I also learnt the proper way and position to place my time chip on my ankle. Being a newbie, I did not know Vaseline is a saviour for open water swimmers as it prevents chafing.
The event started off with the juniors racing for 100m, 250m and 500m, while our 5 seniors raced for the elite 2km. By then, it was time for the remaining 6 swimmers to head down to the starting point of the 1km race, in which I was competing.
As we waddled into the open sea, my excitement and enthusiasm levels were unbelievable. The six of us were in high spirits and eager to get started.
As soon as the sound of the horn blast, I dived into the water and began my race. I was leading together with my juniors swimming up close. The challenge was to maintain a constant stroke pace while keeping an eye on our surroundings. Unfortunately, I swam off course as we approached the red buoy to navigate a turn at the halfway mark. Thankfully, there were safety paddlers on duty who directed us back on route. No time to lose, as I jostled through the waves to make my turn.
The turn also signified a greater distance away from the shoreline. This was the furthest I have ever swum out to sea. At that moment, I could barely feel my arms and legs too. I had exhausted all my energy at the beginning of the race to lead. I began to feel anxious and terrified, fearing that I might be stung by jellyfish. Determined, I threw out the negative thoughts and persevered to swim towards the next coloured buoy.
By then, I spotted the last green buoy to make a turn to the finishing line. There was a brief moment of misunderstanding when the safety paddler confused us with the 2km elite and tried to guide us to swim further. Fortunately, I informed him that we were participating in the 1km race, and he guided us in the correct direction. Off to the last 300m to the finishing!
The swim back to shore was even more exhilarating as the force of the waves threatened to sweep you back. I sighted and spotted Coach Puay Kheng who stood at the finishing line, keeping a watch on us.
With perseverance, I sped up my strokes and kicks, and heard Coach Puay Kheng shouting at the top of his voice: “RUN! RUN! RUN!” I felt a huge rush of adrenaline. With the final ounce of my energy, I carried my heavy legs and ran to the finishing line, bursting with pride.
Together as a team, we hauled a total of 7 medals. My seniors clinched a silver and 2 bronze medals in the elite 2km race. I secured a gold medal and three of my juniors earned a gold and 2 silver in the 1km race.
The feeling of accomplishment after completing the race was something I had never imagined I could achieve. Open Water Swimming is a different set of game from pool swimming. One would experience unpredictable weather, waves and currents that would affect your performance. Not forgetting the danger of being stung by jellyfish and having foggy goggles. There are no flip turns, no walls to mark laps, no lane ropes to guide you. While stroke technique is crucial, building up my stamina, endurance and perseverance mentality is the key to Open Water Swimming.
I am grateful to Sports School for providing me with the chance to challenge myself outside of my comfort zone. I want to thank Coach Puay Kheng, our biggest supporter, for his dedication and encouragement. Not forgetting the parents for their unwavering support throughout our journey.
Will I continue to chase my dreams for the next open water event? Swim around to find out soon.
RESULTS
Women’s 2000m Elite
Silver – Azlina Mastaman
Bronze – Lee Xuan Ying
Men’s 2000m Elite
Bronze – Caleb Chong Jia Yao
Girls’ 1000m Swim
Gold – Lee Zi Xuan
Silver – Ashley Lim Ru En
Boys’ 1000m Swim
Gold – Ryker Hector Tan Song Yao
Silver – Nigel Low Shin-Ian
Silver – Azlina Mastaman
Bronze – Lee Xuan Ying
Men’s 2000m Elite
Bronze – Caleb Chong Jia Yao
Girls’ 1000m Swim
Gold – Lee Zi Xuan
Silver – Ashley Lim Ru En
Boys’ 1000m Swim
Gold – Ryker Hector Tan Song Yao
Silver – Nigel Low Shin-Ian