Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

We think of free divers, scuba divers, marine biologists, snorkelers and other marine enthusiasts who spend their time under the surface of the water, amid marine life and exploring the great unknowns of the open water world.

Then we think of surfers, kite boarders, fishermen, water skiers, kayakers, paddle boarders and other marine sporting athletes who spend their time either on or above the surface of the water.

The different types of athletes seem to be at the opposite ends of the water world.

Ocean swimmers seem to be in the middle of these two worlds, bordering right in the middle. Swimmers can see what is happening below them and are also cognizant of what is happening on or above the surface of the water.

Photo from the Clean Half in Hong Kong.

Copyright © 2015 by World Open Water Swimming Association