Swim Like a Pro: How to Add Open Water Swimming to Your Garmin Vivoactive 4S

Are you ready to take your swimming workouts to the next level? Open water swimming offers a unique and exhilarating experience, but tracking your progress can be tricky. Fortunately, your Garmin Vivoactive 4S can be your trusty companion in the open water. This blog post will guide you through the simple steps of how to add open water swimming to your Garmin Vivoactive 4S, ensuring you can track your distance, pace, and more, even without a pool’s clear boundaries.

Understanding Open Water Swimming with Garmin Vivoactive 4S

The Garmin Vivoactive 4S is a versatile smartwatch designed for various activities, including swimming. However, it doesn’t automatically detect open water swimming. You need to make a few adjustments to ensure your device accurately records your open water swims.

Setting Up Your Garmin Vivoactive 4S for Open Water Swimming

1. Connect to Your Garmin Connect App:

• Start by opening the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone and ensuring your Vivoactive 4S is connected.

2. Adding Open Water Swimming as an Activity:

• Navigate to the “Activities” section within the app.
• Tap the “+” button to add a new activity.
• Scroll through the list of activities and select “Open Water Swimming.”

3. Customize Your Settings:

• Once you’ve selected “Open Water Swimming,” you can customize the settings to suit your preferences. This might include:
• Setting a target distance or duration.
• Enabling GPS tracking for accurate location data.
• Adjusting the auto-lap feature to track your progress.

Important Considerations for Open Water Swimming Tracking

1. GPS Accuracy:

• Open water swimming presents unique challenges for GPS accuracy. The water can interfere with the satellite signals, leading to slight discrepancies in your tracked distance.

2. Water Resistance:

• Your Garmin Vivoactive 4S is water-resistant, but it’s crucial to understand the limitations. While it can withstand splashes and swimming, it’s not designed for deep dives or prolonged underwater submersion.

3. Safety First:

• Always prioritize safety when swimming in open water. Swim with a buddy, inform someone of your plans, and be aware of your surroundings.

Tips for Optimizing Open Water Swimming Tracking

1. Calibrate Your GPS:

• Before your swim, try to calibrate your GPS by walking around for a few minutes to ensure accurate signal reception.

2. Swim in Clear Water:

• Open water with minimal obstruction offers better GPS accuracy. Avoid dense vegetation or murky water.

3. Wear Your Watch Securely:

• Ensure your Vivoactive 4S is securely fastened to your wrist to prevent it from coming loose during your swim.

Analyzing Your Open Water Swimming Data

After your swim, your Garmin Connect app will display your performance metrics, including:
1. Distance:

• The total distance you swam.

2. Pace:

• Your average pace per 100 meters or yards.

3. Time:

• Your total swim time.

4. Heart Rate:

• If you’re wearing a compatible heart rate monitor, your app will also display your average and maximum heart rate.

5. Calories Burned:

• An estimated number of calories burned during your swim.

Unlocking the Potential of Open Water Swimming

By incorporating open water swimming into your fitness routine, you can enjoy various benefits:
1. Enhanced Cardio:

• Open water swimming provides a challenging cardiovascular workout.

2. Improved Endurance:

• Swimming against currents and waves builds endurance.

3. Full-Body Workout:

• Open water swimming engages multiple muscle groups, offering a holistic workout.

4. Stress Relief:

• Being in nature and the rhythmic movement of swimming can be incredibly relaxing.

5. New Adventures:

• Explore new swimming locations, discover hidden coves, and connect with nature.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Open Water Swimming Tracking

For more advanced open water swimming tracking, consider:
1. Garmin Swim 2:

• This dedicated swimming smartwatch offers more accurate open water tracking with advanced features like underwater heart rate monitoring.

2. Third-Party Apps:

• Explore apps like Open Water Swimming Tracker or Swim.com, which offer specialized open water tracking features.

3. External GPS Devices:

• For even greater accuracy, consider using external GPS devices like the Garmin Forerunner 955, which can provide more precise location data.

Swimming Your Way to Fitness Success

Adding open water swimming to your Garmin Vivoactive 4S opens up a world of fitness possibilities. With a few simple steps, you can track your progress, improve your technique, and enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of swimming in open water. Remember to prioritize safety, embrace the beauty of nature, and keep swimming towards your fitness goals.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use my Garmin Vivoactive 4S for open water swimming in cold water?
A: While your Vivoactive 4S is water-resistant, it’s not designed for extreme cold temperatures. It’s recommended to use it in water temperatures above freezing.
Q: How accurate is the GPS tracking for open water swimming?
A: GPS accuracy in open water can vary depending on factors like water conditions and satellite signal strength. Expect some discrepancies in your tracked distance, but the overall data should be relatively accurate.
Q: Can I use my Garmin Vivoactive 4S for other water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding?
A: Yes, your Vivoactive 4S can be used for various water activities. However, it’s best to check the specific water resistance rating for your device to ensure it’s suitable for the activity you’re planning.
Q: What should I do if my Garmin Vivoactive 4S doesn’t record my open water swim properly?
A: If you encounter issues with your tracking, try restarting your device, ensuring a strong GPS signal, and checking for software updates. If you continue to experience problems, contact Garmin support for assistance.