When we think of the different environs, communities, and traditions of pool swimming and open water swimming, different images and impressions come to mind.

When we think of open water swimming, we think Kevin Murphy. When we think of pool swimming, we think Michael Phelps.

When we think of open water swimming, we think in hours. When we think of pool swimming, we think in seconds.

When we think of open water swimming, we think to expect the unexpected. When we think of pool swimming, we expect conformity.

When we think of open water swimming, we think old school. When we think of pool swimming, we think of technological advances.

When we think of open water swimming, we think sturdy antiques. When we think of pool swimming, we think iPod sleekness.

When we think of open water swimming, we think ambiance. When we think of pool swimming, we think aesthetics.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of extremes. When we think of pool swimming, we think chlorinated control.

When we think of open water swimming, we think outdoors. When we think of pool swimming, we think (mostly) indoors.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of good times. When we think of pool swimming, we think of best times.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of two-ways and double-crossings. When we think of pool swimming, we think of 200 fly and 400 IM.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of lanolin and Vaseline. When we think of pool swimming, we think of shaving down and moisturizer.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of sand. When we think of pool swimming, we think of chlorine.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of buoys. When we think of pool swimming, we think of flip turns.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of dolphins and dolphining. When we think of pool swimming, we think of streamlining and undulating.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of transponders and timing chips. When we think of pool swimming, we think of finish pads and walls.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of feeding stations. When we think of pool swimming, we think of snack bars.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of waves. When we think of pool swimming, we think of heats.

When we think of open water swimming, we think of swells and surface chop. When we think of pool swimming, we think of lane lines.

But when we think of both open water swimming and pool swimming, we also think of health, enjoyment, and camaraderie.

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