Outside the Box: A Total Immersion Program for Success in Open Water

Finding perfection in the stroke is the focus of this fine swimming instructional video from coach Terry Laughlin, a total immersion program aimed at helping swimmers escape from the “box” (i.e., pool) into the limitless horizons of open water, using the Japanese concept of “kaizan”—or small, continuous improvements. Featuring stunning visuals, Outside the Box combines a poetic approach with solid nuts-and-bolts instruction, detailing practical methods for open water swimmers of all stripes, ranging from hardy amateurs to triathlon competitors. The governing idea here is to cover the most distance in water that offers little resistance (a placid lake being an ideal setting) with the least amount of fatigue, thanks to precise muscle movements made in long, unbroken rhythms. Although many of the training techniques shown involve swimming with others as training partners (also for reasons of safety), the key to success here is individual self-control and concentration. Beautifully shot in locales including the Great Lakes, Guam, and the Bahamas, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (C. Block)