Crowd at Mission Beach for the 1952 Rough Water Swim, a contest also referred to as an Open Water Swim. Rough open-water swimming refers to choppy ocean water that can push a swimmer off course. Open-water swimming refers to smoother water with fewer ocean swells. It is generally available in places like Mission Bay and Glorietta Bay. San Diego has plenty of options for open-water swimming. Aquatic events are held at Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and La Jolla Cove and Shores.