Open Water Sighting Calculator

Calculate how often to sight during open water swimming based on current drift, swim speed, and course width tolerance.

Current Speed

knots

Swim Speed

m/s

Course Width Tolerance

Tab to move between fields

Sight Every N Strokes

68 strokes

Sighting Interval68 sec

Lateral Drift per Minute15.4 m

Extra Distance from Drift2.7%

Distance per Stroke1.1 m

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your Current Speed (water current) and Swim Speed in meters per minute.
Set the Course Width Tolerance in meters (how far off-line you can drift).
Enter how often you sight in strokes (Sight Every N Strokes).
Review Sighting Interval, Lateral Drift per Minute, and Extra Distance from Drift.
Adjust sighting frequency to minimize drift while reducing speed loss from lifting your head.

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