FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our FAQ is the answers to all your questions about the app and our open water events.

📱OPENSWIM APP

What is OpenSwim?

OpenSwim is a swimming workouts app. Suitable for all swimmers, you will find training sessions and swimming programs.

Where can I download the app?

The app is available on the App store and the Play store. You can get the app by clicking on the store of your choice.

I'm a beginner, can I use your app?

Of course, OpenSwim is for ALL swimmers, whatever your level. When you register, enter your level and you will find the appropriate content on the app.

Every day, we offer you a different workout of the day, directly displayed on your homepage. When searching for your next workout or program, you can also filter by level, to see only content suitable for you.

I have a smartwatch, can I use it with the app?

Yes, OpenSwim is compatible with Garmin, Apple, Suunto, Coros, Polar and Strava. To activate synchronization, go to My Account > Connected Objects. Choose your smartwatch, then follow the steps to start the connection.

Be careful, if you connect several objects or watches at the same time (for example, your Apple watch and your Strava account), you risk having duplication of your workouts. Think about it!

Why synchronize your app with Strava?

If you swim with a smartwatch not supported today on the app (other than Garmin, Apple, Coros, Suunto), we recommend that you activate synchronization on the app. In this way, any new swimming activity on Strava will be automatically synchronized on the app. And every workout validated in the app will be sent to Strava.

Find out more details on our article about Strava sync.

I do not understand some of the terms in the application. What can I do?

If you are unfamiliar with some of the terms used, use our glossary. Accessible from the left menu of the app, the glossary contains all the details on abbreviations, technical terms, drill terms… and other words used in swimming.

I often swim with friends. What can I do?

If you have shared a workout with a friend, in your activity history you can add this friend to your workout. He will receive an invitation to share your workout with him. If he accepts, all workout statistics will be duplicated on his profile.

Do I have to register my FFN license?

No! Registering your FFN license in the app is not mandatory, but may offer you some advantages in the future.

🏊🏻 WORKOUTS & PLANS

How many workouts are available on the app?

Find over 1000 different workouts on the app!

Are your workouts reliable?

Our workouts are carefully prepared by certified swimming coaches, all former French national team swimmers

What type(s) of sessions can I find on the app?

We offer both pool and open water sessions. We also offer specific training for Triathlon.

For pool session, you can choose a particular focus, in: endurance, speed, or technique. And sometimes even combine them.

To do so, use the Filters page, accessible from the workout or program list.

What is a training program?

It’s a series of workouts, to do over several weeks, in order to achieve a targeted goal.

Who are the programs designed for?

Our training programs are made for everyone. Filter it according to your level, to find programs that suit you. Then, each program has a specific goal. For example: to keep your fitness, improve your endurance, swim 1K in open water, etc. All you have to do is choose yours!

What are badges for?

We have created badges to reward you for some achievements in the app. These can be very different, both on your swimming activity and your use of the app.

Swim several times a week, swim a certain distance, or on a special day, will you get them all? We think it’s fun

When I sync my watch to the app, are my previous sessions synchronized?

Yes, your workouts from the last 30 days are automatically imported into the app the first time you synchronize it.

🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️COMMUNITY AREA

What are groups for?

Groups are available to everyone, allowing you to create your own group with friends, family, colleagues and more.

So, if you go swimming with the same people a lot, create your own training group with them, to share workouts and experiences with each other.

How do I create a group?

In the “Groups” tab, click on “Create” button to access the group creation page. Fill in the main information, such as group name and members, then create your group.

What can I do in a group?

When you’re a member of a group, you can send messages to other group members, like a conversation. You can also share workouts (yours or OpenSwim’s) so that other group members can do the same workout as you!

What is a challenge?

Our challenges are virtual and designed to challenge you. Our goal is to keep you motivated and swimming!

1 week, 1 month, or a longer period, we challenge you. Two challenge possibilities:

distance: achieve the distance over a period
duration: swim a minimum time over a period.

On most of our challenges, badges or prizes are up for grabs.

How to take part in a challenge?

Our challenges can be found in the Community tab > Events page. Upcoming challenges and events can be found here. Click on one for more details and a “Attend” button.

Find explanatory video on our Instagram account

⌚️GARMIN

I swim with a Garmin watch. Can I connect it to the app?

Yes, OpenSwim is compatible with Garmin. Go to My Account > Connected Objects > Garmin. Connect to your Garmin Connect account to start synchronization.

Why should I synchronize my Garmin watch with OpenSwim?

After every swim with your Garmin watch, the data will be automatically sent to the OpenSwim app, once your watch has been synchronized with Garmin Connect. Connecting your watch to the app will enable you to keep precise track of your workouts and retrieve your data at a later date.

Find out more in our article on Garmin.

Can I send a workout from the app to my watch?

Yes, absolutely. To do this, the connection with Garmin must be activated. Then go to a workout page and click on theicon. This workout will be sent to your Garmin Connect app. From there, you’ll need to send the workout to your watch.

You can upload both OpenSwim workouts and your own (previously created) workouts to Garmin Connect. To find out more, visit our dedicated article.

I cannot send a workout to my watch. Why?

This feature is not supported by all Garmin watches, only some watches are compatible. These include: Fenix 7S, Epix Pro, Instinct 2, Descent G1, Tactix 7, Quatix 7, Enduro 2 Forerunner 245, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 745, Forerunner 965.

This list is not exhaustive. Find out more directly on the Garmin website.

Is a workout validated in the OpenSwim app sent to the Garmin app?

No, Garmin does not allow the creation of an activity from a third-party app. You can create an activity using your Garmin watch, or by creating a manual activity directly in the Garmin Connect application.

When I send a workout from the app to Garmin Connect, there's a distance discrepancy. Why?

In fact, there is a discrepancy between the distance displayed on Garmin Connect and the actual workout distance. This discrepancy is explained by the fact that Garmin transforms part of the rest time into additional distance. However, this is just a display. When you send this workout to your watch, the distances displayed are correct and match to the distances of the workout.

The email address linked to my Garmin account is different from the one on my OpenSwim account. Is this a problem?

No, not at all. The two apps just need to be linked, regardless of the addresses used.

Does my phone affect the synchronisation?

No. The OpenSwim app communicates directly with the Garmin Connect app. Your phone has no effect on the synchronisation.

⌚️Coros & Suunto

I swim with a Coros watch. Can I connect it to the app?

Yes, the app is compatible with Coros. To connect your watch, go to My Account > Connected Objects > Coros. Connect to your Coros account to start synchronization.

Why should I sync my Coros watch with OpenSwim?

Connecting your watch will enable you to find all your activities on the app, ensuring precise tracking of your workouts. And you’ll be able to take advantage of all the app’s other features.

More details in our dedicated article to Coros watches.

Can I send a workout from the app to my Coros watch?

No, unfortunately this feature is not available for Coros watches. Maybe in the future!

I swim with a Suunto watch. Can I connect it to the app?

The app is also compatible with Suunto watches. To connect your watch, go to My Account > Connected Devices > Suunto. Log in to your Suunto account to start synchronization.

Why should I sync my Suunto watch with OpenSwim?

After each workout, your data is automatically sent to the app. Connecting your watch allows you to track your workouts, with your data centralized. Not to mention all the other OpenSwim features to discover.

More details in notre article to Suunto watches.

Can I send a workout from the app to my Suunto watch?

Yes! First of all, your Suunto watch must be synchronized with the app.

Then go to the workout page and click on theicon. This workout will be sent to your Suunto app. From the Suunto app, click on your watch icon in the top left-hand corner. Then scroll down and click on “My SuuntoPlus guides”. The guide (= workout) should be synchronized with your watch.

Only Suunto watches with SuuntoPlus functionality can receive your training.

For more details, read our dedicated article.

⌚️APPLE

I have an Apple watch, can I connect it to the app?

Yes, OpenSwim is also compatible with the Apple watch. To do so, go to My Account > Connected Objects > Apple watch. Once you’ve accepted your phone’s authorization to access data from the Health application, synchronization will be established.

Why synchronize my Apple watch?

With synchronization enabled, the app and your phone will share data. After each workout swum with your watch, the data will automatically be sent to the OpenSwim app. And, if you do a workout from the app, without your watch, remember to validate it in the app. The data will also be sent to your phone. Synchronization gives you a complete activity history, with all your swimming data in one place.

Find out more by reading our article on the Apple Watch.

Where can I find my workouts sessions on my phone?

When you synchronize your Apple watch with the OpenSwim app, your training data is available in 3 different places: in the OpenSwim app, in the Apple Fitness app and in the Apple Health app (with few details).

registrations & prices

How do I register for an event?

All registrations are made online via the Njuko platform. You’ll find the registration link directly on each event’s page on the website.

What are the prices?

Prices vary depending on the event and the distance chosen. Please check the page for each race on our website for full pricing details. We offer early bird rates (discounted prices) during the first month of registration.

When is the registration deadline?

Registration remains open until the day before the event, unless otherwise stated on the race page, particularly where places are limited.

Is there a limit on the number of places?

Most of our events have no limit on the number of participants. However, some races have a maximum capacity, clearly indicated on the registration platform along with the number of places still available. When an event is full, a waiting list is automatically set up.

Can I register for multiple distances on the same day?

Yes, it is possible to take part in multiple distances during the same event. However, please check carefully that the races do not take place at the same time.

Can I change my registration?

Yes, you can change the distance or event, subject to availability, by contacting us at contact@open-swim.com. A price adjustment may apply depending on the circumstances.

Are registrations refundable?

No, registrations are not refunded if you cancel. We recommend that you take out cancellation insurance when you register.

Can I transfer my registration to another event?

Transfers are not normally permitted. However, they may be granted on an exceptional basis for another of our events in the same season. In the event that one of our events or races is cancelled (force majeure), we may offer a postponement to the following season. We will contact you directly in this case.

Can we register as a group or a team?

Registrations are individual. Team registrations are only available for relay races where these are offered. However, you can add multiple individual registrations to the same basket.

Required documents

What documents do I need to provide to take part?

To take part, you must provide one of the following documents, which must be valid on the day of the race:

A valid licence: FFN, FFTRI, FFESSM, FFSS or FFHandisport (swimming option),
OR a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to open-water swimming, dated within the last year..

Is the PPS accepted?

No, the PPS is not accepted for open-water swimming.

Can minors take part?

Yes, subject to the following conditions being met:

The registration form must be completed by the legal guardian,
The terms and conditions must be accepted by the legal guardian,
Parental consent must be validated online by the legal guardian,
The minor swimmer must be of the required age to participate in the chosen event.

Where and when should documents be submitted?

Documents must be uploaded to the Njuko registration platform at the time of registration, or to your account before the day of the event. However, you may present them when collecting your race cap on the day of the event (or the day before, depending on the circumstances). It is, however, strongly recommended that you upload them in advance so that you do not have to spend too much time collecting your race cap.

Equipment and gear

What equipment is permitted during the race?

The following equipment is permitted:

Swimsuit,
Approved swimming or triathlon wetsuit,
Neoprene wetsuit (maximum thickness 5 mm).

The following are prohibited: diving wetsuits, fins, paddles, gloves, booties, snorkels, and any flotation aids. Fins and snorkels are only permitted in events specifically designed for this purpose.

For people with disabilities, we may accept non-permitted equipment. In this case, please contact the organisers in advance.

Is a wetsuit compulsory?

This depends on the water temperature measured the day before the race:

Below 16°C: Wetsuit compulsory,
Between 16°C and 18°C: Wetsuit strongly recommended,
Above 18°C: Wetsuit permitted but not compulsory,
Above 24°C, wetsuits are strongly discouraged.

The water temperature is posted the day before the event on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Is a safety buoy compulsory?

It depends on the event. For some races, a special open-water swimming safety buoy is compulsory. This information is specified on each event page. If you have one, you can use it in all our events.

Can I receive help during the race?

No, any outside help (physical or material) is prohibited and may result in disqualification. The only exception is for safety reasons: you are permitted to hold on briefly to a boat or a fixed point if necessary.

Is there a changing room and a place to store my belongings?

Yes, each event has changing rooms and a free storage facility to keep your belongings safe whilst you compete. If the start and finish are at two different locations, a system is in place to transport your personal belongings: you will be able to collect your things directly at the finish line.

Are there refreshments available during and after the race?

Refreshments are always provided at the finish line of each event. On some longer races, one or more refreshment points may also be available during the event. This information is specified for each event.

Timing and results

How does the timing system work?

We use an electronic timing system. Each participant is given a timing chip to wear on their ankle or wrist, depending on the event. This chip is handed out at the same time as your race cap. It is used both to record your time and to monitor your safety throughout the race.

Is the race cap compulsory?

Yes, you must wear the cap provided by the organisers for the entire duration of the race. It allows you to be identified and contributes to your safety.

When and where do I collect my cap?

Caps can be collected at the swimmers’ village, either the day before or on the morning of the race, depending on the event. It must be collected no later than 30 minutes before the start of your event. We advise you to arrive early enough to ensure you can take part in the best possible conditions.

Can I lend or transfer my cap to someone else?

No. The cap is personal and registered to you; under no circumstances may it be transferred, lent or used for another event.

How can I check my results?

Results are published online after the race. On site, a QR code is available to access your time and ranking directly from your smartphone.

Safety and Conditions

What safety measures are in place?

Safety is a priority at all our events. Depending on the event, water rescue personnel are stationed along the route, in boats, on stand-up paddleboards or in kayaks. Medical staff are also on hand at the venue.

What happens if the event is cancelled?

In the event of force majeure (dangerous weather conditions, poor water quality, safety concerns, prefectural or municipal directives, etc.), the organisers may be forced to postpone or cancel an event. In this case, no refund or compensation will be provided. If the cancellation is beyond our control, we will consider on a case-by-case basis the possibility of transferring your registration to another event.

What is the water temperature?

The water temperature is measured the day before the event and posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. It determines, in particular, whether wearing a wetsuit is mandatory or recommended.

Can I withdraw during the event?

Yes. If you encounter difficulties, you can call on the water rescue team supervising the event at any time. The rescue team will then take charge of your withdrawal and bring you back to the rescue personnel on shore. However, swimmers are asked never to leave the water without notifying the rescue team or the event organisers if they decide to withdraw.

D-Day logistics

What time should I arrive?

The check-in time varies depending on the race and is specified in the swimmer’s guide sent out before the event. We recommend arriving early so you can collect your swim cap and timing chip without any stress. A compulsory briefing will be held no later than 15 minutes before the start of each race.

Is there on-site parking?

Parking facilities vary by venue. Parking information is provided in the swimmer’s guide sent out before the event.

Can family and friends access the venue?

Yes, access to the venue is free for family, friends and spectators.

Is there food and drink available on site?

There are no catering facilities or refreshment stands at our events. Please bring your own drinks and snacks. Refreshments are, however, available after each race for swimmers.

Are there photos of the event?

Yes! A photographer covers every event from start to finish. You can find all the photos on our Facebook page after the race.

Our events

Are there any photos of the event?