What Makes Open Water Special?

The biggest difference about open water swimming besides lane lines, is the feeling of swimming freely without boundaries.  Whether it's an ocean, bay, river, or yes, even the English Channel swim, it takes a special dedication and mental endurance to finish the swim.  Swimswam.com talked to Becca Mann about 'What Makes Open Water Special?'  

So, if you swim open water, what makes it special?  Comment below.