Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District

By Neil

Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District, photo 2

Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District, photo 3

Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District, photo 4

£ 60

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Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District, location map

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Beginner

Lessons & Courses, Suitable for Groups

Lakeshore, Keswick

Max. group size: 6

Cancellation: Custom

Min. booking size: 1

£ 60

Check Availability

Activity Highlights:

Open Water Swim Coaching offers a chance to take your swimming skills to the next level with coaching tailored to your needs. Whether you’re training for a triathlon or simply want to improve your technique in open water, these sessions are designed to give you the tools and confidence to swim efficiently and safely. You'll receive expert guidance from a coach with over 30 years of experience, ensuring that your technique, stamina, and race-day readiness are all covered.

Key Details

Duration: Variable, based on session type
Group Size: 1-6 participants (can also be tailored for larger groups)
Location: Lake District
Ideal For: Triathletes, swimmers preparing for open water events, those transitioning from pool to open water

Key Skills

Efficient stroke technique for open water
Cold water acclimatisation strategies
Drafting techniques to save energy during a race
Deep water start techniques
Sighting and navigation for open water swimming

What to Expect

Sessions begin with an introduction to open water swimming, where you’ll gradually acclimatise to the colder temperatures, an essential step for those who’ve trained in warmer pool waters. You’ll work on stroke technique and learn how to adapt your pool-based skills to be more efficient in open water. Drafting, deep water starts, and sighting are all key elements you’ll be coached on to optimise your performance. You’ll also receive tailored feedback and tips to help improve your times and endurance.

Whether you're looking for one-to-one coaching or prefer group sessions, each session is designed to provide hands-on guidance and personalised attention. Over time, you'll build both your confidence and ability, mastering skills needed for races or simply enjoying the challenge of open water swimming. Each session is flexible, ensuring that you get the most out of every minute spent in the water.

Location

The coaching sessions take place in various locations across the Lake District, providing a stunning natural backdrop as you train. With its clear waters and various open water swim spots, the Lake District offers an ideal environment to learn and improve open water skills.

Sessions are fully risk-assessed, ensuring a safe environment for all participants, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned triathlete.

Prerequisites

These coaching sessions are suitable for swimmers of all levels, including those transitioning from pool-based training to open water. A basic swimming ability is recommended, as the sessions are designed to help improve technique and stamina rather than teach swimming from scratch.

Be prepared to adjust to colder water temperatures, especially for those who are more accustomed to warmer pool environments.

Why Choose Us

As the only swimming holiday operator in the Lake District offering fully coached open water activities, this service ensures that you are coached by a qualified and experienced professional. All activities are risk assessed, insured, and adhere to the strict environmental regulations of the Lake District National Park. This commitment ensures a safe and responsible approach to open water swimming, letting you focus on improving your skills.

Neil, the head coach, brings over 30 years of coaching experience to every session. Having coached athletes from beginner level to elite triathletes, Neil’s deep understanding of open water swimming will ensure you gain the most from each session. His background in triathlon coaching and leadership roles with Triathlon England make him a trusted expert, dedicated to providing a professional yet friendly coaching environment.

FAQs:

What is the duration of each open water swim coaching session?

The duration of each session varies depending on the type of coaching. For individual coaching, sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes.

Group sessions may run longer, especially if they include additional time for feedback and technique analysis. Your coach will discuss the exact timing based on your needs and group size.

Do I need to be a triathlete to join these coaching sessions?

No, these sessions are open to swimmers of all levels. While many participants are triathletes looking to improve their open water skills, the sessions are also ideal for those new to open water swimming or looking to transition from pool training.

Coaches tailor the sessions to your individual skill level, ensuring you get the most out of each session.

What do I need to bring to the coaching session?

You’ll need to bring swimwear, a wetsuit (if preferred, but not required and one can be hired), goggles, a swim cap, and any other personal swimming equipment you feel comfortable with.

If you're new to open water swimming, it’s highly recommended to bring a wetsuit for added warmth and buoyancy.

How do I prepare for swimming in cold water?

Cold water acclimatisation is an essential part of these sessions. If you’re new to open water swimming, it can be a shock to the system, so we’ll guide you through gradual exposure techniques to help your body adjust.

Over time, you’ll learn to swim comfortably in temperatures as low as 11°C, preparing you for events or future swims.

Can I attend as part of a group or with friends?

Yes, group sessions are available, and we can accommodate up to six participants per group. If you're attending with friends, simply let the coach know in advance, and they will tailor the session accordingly.

Group coaching is a great way to share the experience and motivation while learning together. This also means better value.

What qualifications does the coach have?

The head coach, Neil, has over 30 years of coaching experience in a variety of sports, including triathlon. He holds a Level 3 High-Performance Coach qualification from British Triathlon, is a British Triathlon coach educator, and a UKA Tutor.

Neil has coached athletes at all levels, from beginners to European champions, and is committed to helping swimmers of all abilities reach their potential.

About the centre

About Neil's Centre

4.01 review

Lakeshore, Keswick

Neil is a seasoned coach with over 30 years of experience across various sports. Originally living and working in London, Neil made a life-changing decision to relocate to the tranquil beauty of the Lake District in 2001. Amidst the pressures of a demanding career in the police force, Neil discovered solace swimming in the therapeutic waters of the lakes, finding respite in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. It was during his immersive forays into open water swimming that Neil crossed paths with Graeme Sutton, the founder of Swim on the Wild Side. Their shared love for open water swimming sparked a friendship, leading to numerous swims together in Derwent Water, including the cherished tradition of Boxing Day and New Year's Day dips. Neil's coaching journey in triathlon has been extensive, starting from club coaching to mentoring athletes individually and in groups. His dedication to the sport has not only inspired countless individuals but has also seen him train athletes to the elite level, with one achieving European championship glory. He has shared this knowledge to other by tutoring over 500 triathlon coached with British Triathlon. His commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive sporting environment led him to a pivotal role as a director for Triathlon England, overseeing safeguarding and welfare initiatives. Fuelled by a mutual passion for open water swimming and coaching, Neil and Graeme frequently joined forces to deliver coaching sessions at clubs and introduce newcomers to the joys of open water swimming. When Graeme decided to pass on the baton of Swim on the Wild Side, Neil seamlessly stepped into the role, carrying forward the legacy of sharing this extraordinary pastime and picturesque region with others. Join us in experiencing the wonders of swimming in chlorine free water with the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District. When swimming with Swim on the Wild Side, you get expert coaching from a coach with over 30 years experience, coaching complete beginners to National and European champions. You get the reassurance of a fully equipped and trained safety kayaker to provide you with the confidence that you are in safe hands. We pride ourselves on doing things the right way and putting your safety and enjoyment first.

Reviews

Jemma L

Neil was great…guided us clearly and encouraged us before, during and after. We felt safe and confident due to his presence and had a really enjoyable time. We were a bit nervous at first but are so glad that we did it. What a fantastic experience.

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Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District | adventuro

Open Water Swim Coaching in the Lake District

By Neil

£ 60

Check Availability

View map

Beginner

Lessons & Courses, Suitable for Groups

Lakeshore, Keswick

Max. group size: 6

Cancellation: Custom

Min. booking size: 1

£ 60

Check Availability

Activity Highlights:

Key Details

Duration: Variable, based on session type
Group Size: 1-6 participants (can also be tailored for larger groups)
Location: Lake District
Ideal For: Triathletes, swimmers preparing for open water events, those transitioning from pool to open water

Key Skills

Efficient stroke technique for open water
Cold water acclimatisation strategies
Drafting techniques to save energy during a race
Deep water start techniques
Sighting and navigation for open water swimming

What to Expect

Location

Sessions are fully risk-assessed, ensuring a safe environment for all participants, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned triathlete.

Prerequisites

Be prepared to adjust to colder water temperatures, especially for those who are more accustomed to warmer pool environments.

Why Choose Us

FAQs:

What is the duration of each open water swim coaching session?

The duration of each session varies depending on the type of coaching. For individual coaching, sessions typically last between 60-90 minutes.

Group sessions may run longer, especially if they include additional time for feedback and technique analysis. Your coach will discuss the exact timing based on your needs and group size.

Do I need to be a triathlete to join these coaching sessions?

Coaches tailor the sessions to your individual skill level, ensuring you get the most out of each session.

What do I need to bring to the coaching session?

You’ll need to bring swimwear, a wetsuit (if preferred, but not required and one can be hired), goggles, a swim cap, and any other personal swimming equipment you feel comfortable with.

If you're new to open water swimming, it’s highly recommended to bring a wetsuit for added warmth and buoyancy.

How do I prepare for swimming in cold water?

Over time, you’ll learn to swim comfortably in temperatures as low as 11°C, preparing you for events or future swims.

Can I attend as part of a group or with friends?

Group coaching is a great way to share the experience and motivation while learning together. This also means better value.

What qualifications does the coach have?

Neil has coached athletes at all levels, from beginners to European champions, and is committed to helping swimmers of all abilities reach their potential.