Open Water Swim Technique Weekend

This weekend is designed to help you learn to swim some distance in wild lakes - that could be breast stroke or front crawl - so that you leave with new skills to make you a smoother, more confident open water swimmer.

Led by qualified Open Water Swimming Coach Hattie Ballantyne, and supported by experienced Wild Swim Guide Sheena Corry, this weekend is perfect for anyone keen to develop their swimming in open water. Over the course of the weekend we’ll be working on cold-water acclimatisation and specific swim stroke technique work using a combination of live and recorded video feedback, as well as demonstrations by the coaches, so that you are able to get the most out of the sessions. Alongside this there will be land-based stretch and strength exercises so that we holistically develop all elements of your stroke. Everyone will leave with a personalised programme, with pointers and exercises to practice independently.

In addition to all the 'serious' swimming, there will be lots of time to dip in the onside wild swimming pond, relax in the wood-fired sauna, and enjoy a memorable swoosh down the river on the final morning.

As this is quite a physically demanding weekend and everyone likes to fuel their training in very personal ways, you will bring your own breakfast, lunch and snacks, and we will provide a hearty evening meal and pudding.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to join us, but you do need to be confident swimming at least 500 metres continuously in open water.

If you'd like to stay in one of our heated glamping tents the price for two nights sharing with one other person is £395pp. If you'd like to have a tent to yourself it's £545pp.

If you'd prefer to bring your own campervan or tent the price is £295pp.

And if you'd like to just join us for the day on Saturday, the price is £195pp.

Itinerary

Friday

• 4pm - Arrive and settle in
• 5pm - Welcome tea and cake
• 6pm - Dip in the wildlife pond and sauna
• 7.30pm - Dinner

Saturday

• 10am - Swim technique session including stroke analysis and turn practice
• 1pm - Lunch
• 3pm - Strength and conditioning workshop
• 4pm - Personalised training plans
• 5pm - Dip and sauna
• 7.30pm - Dinner

Sunday

• 8am - Morning river swoosh
• 9am - Sauna
• 11am - Wrap up and depart

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I can confidently swim front crawl in a pool but I've never really swam outside. Can I still join you?

A: Yes absolutely! This course is designed for people who already have the strokes well established but are looking to transition to swimming in open water.

Q: Can I wear a wetsuit?

A: Yes you can. In fact we would strongly recommend that you do as we will be spending lots of time in the water and you don't want to be worrying about your body temperature while you are focusing on improving your stroke and technique.

Q. I can't front crawl. Can I swim breast stroke or back stroke?

A. Yes , as long as you can swim 500 metres continuously then we can help you work on your breast stroke in open water. We won't be doing any work on back stroke as this is not practical in an open water group situation.

Q. I am a confident pool swimmer but I've never swum out of my depth in open water. What if I panic?

A. There will be a coach in the water with you at all times and there will also be a stand up paddleboard nearby if you need to rest and recover. We will also ensure you have appropriate kit with you, such as tow floats, so you can take breaks if you need to.

Q. Will I get cold, even in a wetsuit?

A. Part of this course will be helping you understand how your body reacts in cold water and what you can do to stay warm when swimming longer distances. This may include wearing layers beneath your wetsuit, neoprene hats and gloves, plus regular warm up breaks, warm drinks and snacks.