The start is behind the wave-break and the finish is also behind the wave-break.
Direction of swim is clockwise.

Starting in the shallow, there are no walls and no swim-lines. Sighting is needed to keep you on track.
An added complexity is swimmers surrounding you without an ocean to separate you.
Strategic planning is needed to overtake efficiently.
Direction of swim is anti-clockwise.

Pool Open Water Swimming (POWS) .
No walls and no floor used. Turning buoys are 5m away from the walls. Strategic planning is needed for overtaking.
Direction of swim is clockwise.