Swim Description
Want to get into open water swimming? This course is for you, we make it easy for you to get in the water and start swimming outdoors. From no-idea to no-fear in one day. Dryland and water-based half-day Introduction to Open Water Swimming course based at the heart of the best wild swimming in the country. It’s the perfect introduction for beginners.
Windermere is an iconic Lake and is ideal for an introduction to open water swimming. Our venue provides safe and sheltered swimming in a beautiful location. It is here that we’ll introduce you to the wonderful world of wild swimming> We will cover aspects of safety and the basics of open water swimming that will give you a good foundation upon which to build your future swimming adventures.
Throughout the morning we will cover around 1,500m of swimming (depending on your aspirations). We will take regular breaks as well as the option to take a guided swim to the headland. The aim of this course is to provide a fun and information-packed session to inspire and build confidence.
The introduction to open water course is suitable for:
The Introduction to Open-water swimming course is suitable for competent swimmers who are beginners to open water and perhaps are making the transition out of the pool, as well as outdoor swimmers who want to refresh their skills. Whether you’ve just entered your first swim event, triathlon or you simply want to enjoy wild swimming for pure enjoyment, this course is for you.
Introduction to Open Water Swimming Course Brief Itinerary:
The Introduction to Open water Swimming course includes both dry land and in-water sessions. We will email you course details upon booking. Details include a private link to an informative film which will be the start of your course. The film covers the key safety aspects of open water swimming. It also covers information about what to expect on the day, what to bring as well as details of our swimming venue.
We will meet you at the car park by the lake at 08:45 to sign you in, fit you up with a wetsuit if you have hired one, and give you a safety briefing. We will then head to the water and get swimming!
Once in the water, we will cover all of the basics including how to deal with any swimming anxiety, swimming technique, how to approach competitive events as well as how to just enjoy the experience of swimming outdoors. Our session is run by very friendly and experienced local guides who are there to support you and build your confidence in a fun and safe environment.
Our day will end at about 12:00 with some well-earned hot chocolate and cake, a chance to recap what we’ve covered, and to plan your future wild swimming adventures.
Watch our Introduction to Open water Swimming video trailer
What’s Included: Friendly qualified guides, full safety cover, land, and water-based instruction, free swim cap, hot choccy, and cake, & lots of smiles guaranteed.
Swim wetsuit hire is available for just £6 & can be booked in advance here: wetsuit hire
Please see FAQ & Essential Info tabs on left for information on parking, wetsuit hire, what to bring and more.
Customer Testimonials:
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the course. The professionalism, enthusiasm and concern shown for participants enabled me to fully participate and test my limits. I had a great time! Eric
It was a fantastic course – I’ll defo be doing more courses and events with you guys, so hope to see you all soon! Cheers, Heather
See ‘Reviews’ tab on left for more testimonials.
Our swim terms and conditions are here.
Any Queries? We are happy to help.
Please see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826
Related Links
Blog: First into the Water: Intro to Open Water Swimming >
What Next?: A guided wild swim?
Heather –
It was a fantastic course – I’ll defo be doing more courses and events with you guys, so hope to see you all soon! Cheers, Heather
Mike Farrimond –
thank you for a super day last Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned a great deal in preparation for my participation in the Great North Swim. Best wishes, Mike Farrimond
Nick Barnes –
Fantastic tuition in amazing surroundings. Can’t recommend enough!
Hilary –
Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you all so much for Saturday morning’s swim. I felt so safe and was so pleased that I was able to challenge myself by swimming to the island (something I never thought I would do).
There was a lovely atmosphere and everyone was so supportive, instructors and participants.
I can’t wait to get out into the open water now knowing how I can make it safe and enjoyable. Thanks everyone. I’ll definitely be making a return visit. Best wishes, Hilary
Louise Dunn –
Great morning in Rydal Water exceeded my expectations. Brilliant! Louise Dunn
Lyn & Pete –
Hi Andrea & Pete, We would both like to thank you for providing a very excellent swimming course last Saturday we both thoroughly enjoyed it and we will continue to move on to more swimming. We found a lot of the advice that you gave us was really helpful and has given us a number of things to work on which will, hopefully, improve our swimming skills. It would be nice if you would thank Lea-Anne and Tors for us as well as we found them most understanding and helpful. Thanks to all the team, Lyn & Pete
Nigel –
Many thanks for the course today we all enjoyed it and found it very informative. I am pleased we took this introductory course with people with lots of experience from the basics of how to put a wetsuit on to being able to explain the effects of the cold water on the body, all perfectly normal. The sighting techniques were very useful… Kind Regards, Nigel
Fiona –
Just a quick note to say a big thank you for our day with you both (and rest of team). I am so pleased we booked with you before the event – otherwise it would have been a total disaster and thanks for being so kind to both of us –
Take care for now and thanks again – you’re all fab, Fiona xx
Nick Gordon –
Pete and team,
Thanks for a really great experience. The whole approach and vibe was pitched perfectly.
The whole team was calm/experienced and very encouraging. It was a very positive experience and one I am recommending to other would be wild swim beginners.
Erick –
I wanted to let you know how much enjoyed the course. The professionalism, enthusiasm and concern shown for participants enabled me to fully participate and test my limits. I had a great time!” Kind regards, Erik.
Laura Henry –
Had a fantastic day on the introduction to open water swimming thoroughly enjoyed it. And feel confident for the great north swim now, I had no questions to ask as they explained everything very well I would highly recommend the head to the hills (now Swim the Lakes)
Thanks guys 🙂
Carey –
Great experience in a fantastic setting and lots of fun. The guys at Head to the Hills (now Swim the Lakes) were really pleasant and professional. Would definitely recommend. Thanks. Carey
Amanda Alexander –
Brilliant! Pete’s love of wild swimming is infectious… I reckon he could convert even the most reluctant of newbies. His knowledge of the Lake District and his ability to teach are top notch. Pete’s style is relaxed, friendly and supportive. You always feel in safe hands. I absolutely trust this bloke and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Head to the Hills(now Swim the Lakes) to anyone who dares to plunge!
Lisa Kemp –
Introduction to OW swimming course was fantastic. Great tuition from Pete and Tors… beautiful environment…all round amazing experience. Will definitely be back for more. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to dip their toe in open water ! 10/10 ! Lisa Kemp.
Sue Irvine –
Really excellent introduction to open water swimming.
Howard King –
Hello all,
When i told people this week how I was spending Saturday the response was looks which suggested they should ring for a nurse or i should book an appointment for a brain scan BUT I would not have wanted to be anywhere else. What a brilliant morning organised with professionalism and with our safety at a premium, not once did I feel worried even when wildly off course.
My next step is to select another event and build up to triathlon sprint open water distance.
Thanks again for a wonderful morning
Howard King
Fie –
Hi guys just wanted to say thanks for sat. Jo and i loved the course we had such a great day, so much so we even went swimming in Windermere yesterday morning from our campsite !
Am working on her to do an adventure swim day so hopefully will see you soon, thanks again
Fie and Jo
Roland Guy –
I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU for today. I really, really enjoyed the experience. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. I’d waste no time in recommending you guys to everyone I know. Thanks again.
David Jackson –
Excellent intro to open water swimming, with excellent, reassuring guidance, fully recommended!
Trish Gavins –
Pete and Tors, Thanks for a great morning last Saturday, it was fantastic. The course gave my the confidence to embrace open water swimming- thank you so much.
Trish and Quentin
Christine –
Pete
A huge thank you for today and to Tors. I absolutely loved every minute and I especially liked the gentle yet persuasive manner the course has inspired me with confidence.
Thank you again
Christine
Julie –
Hi Pete, I absolutely loved my first experience of open water swimming yesterday – so many laughs, and your explanations, guidance and coaching tips were really encouraging. Thanks so much.
Lisa –
I have just been on my first open water course for beginners with ‘swim the lakes’. I arrived having done 2 open water swims, that had not gone well, I just couldn’t get into rhythm and had no confidence. Now, after the course I feel totally confident at swimming open water, and learnt so much. Amazing staff, so happy, bubbly and inspiring. These guys are very experienced and made me feel totally at ease. I did this to prepare for the great North swim but think I have just found a new sport and look forward to swimming with Pete and the team again. Thank you so much. Lisa
Anna Turner –
Thanks for making the back of the pack an acceptable place to be 🙂 And thanks for a confidence inspiring session and putting many of my fears into perspective. Anna
Clare Lord –
We had a brilliant time, thanks Pete & Sarah and the Team. Great coffee and hot chocolate and very welcome post swim chocolate biccies.
Sean Axon –
To Sarah, Pete and the team …thanks for a fantastic course today in Windermere. Looking forward to more open water swimming adventures!
Liz Webb –
Pete. Thanks to you & your team for an enjoyable & informative introduction to outdoor swimming. Very good tips on kit. I was very grateful to Terry for her advice on goggles, socks & a hat. Good tips on stroke technique, sighting & deep water race starts. I found the sighting difficult but will persevere. The longer swim was a challenge but I was pleased I succeeded.The hot chocolate at the end was very welcome.
My only request is that next time you turn up the water temperature!!
Wishing you all a good season.
Kind regards.
Liz_ 21 April 2018
Sarah Lester –
Hello
Just wanted to thank you for a great intro to wild swimming course yesterday. All of the guides were brilliant – so friendly, helpful and full of enthusiasm!
I really enjoyed it and will definitely return
Thanks again
Sarah_ 29 April 2018
Keira Schubert –
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you for last week’s session, I loved it, I had an urge to jump into every lake we saw therafter. Lots to work on in the pool today too! 🙂
Kiera_1 May 2018
Reina –
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for Saturday.
I am still smiling at my achievement ?
I would love to join a swimming group now and build on what I did. Thank you, Reina
Tricia Norman –
Hi, I just wanted to thank you again for the great course on Saturday.
I was really impressed by all of your team; you had such an inclusive, positive approach and were able to accommodate a wide range of interests and abilities and the passion of all the team was evident throughout. I hope to meet you and the team again on another course or when hiring a wetsuit from you and have been recommending the course to all my other work colleagues who did not come with us.
Many thanks for a wonderful course,
Tricia
Karolina P –
Brilliant morning, swimming in Lake Windermere on Saturday! Thank you so much. I will not lie, a 50 year old who had so far only tried indoor pools I was nervous! Scared of being in the dark depth, of drowning, of not being fit enough. But you guys are so lovely, you made us laugh, made us feel safe and comfortable doing what was right for each one of us. I am eyeing now the Easedale swim, so I shall be working on my lengths in the pool! See you again soon.
Karolina
Swim the Lakes –
I had the best day with all of you yesterday. Learned so much and met some really lovely people. Hope to see you soon on another swimming adventure. Thank you. Sharon Irving.
Swim the Lakes –
great day thank you. Learnt lots and really fun. Met some lovely people and can’t wait to get out doing some more swimming. Rachael Price
Swim the Lakes –
I am so pleased I did this course, it was absolutely fantastic, the coaches were fabulous and I met some lovely people. Swim-runs here I come!!! Claire Frogley
Ann Harris –
Hi Team, Just want to say many thanks for a wonderful experience today …….I have cycled the lanes and byways and plodded the fells for the past 20 yrs…dreaming of swimming the lakes and you’ve made that happen today !
With gratitude, Ann x
Swim the Lakes –
I just had an excellent morning doing the introduction to open water swimming course in Rydal Water – a fabulous spot for a ‘first try’! The team are clearly really experienced and full of passion and I hope this will be the first of many fun frolics in these beautiful Lakes. Thank you!
Sarah Keighley-Elstub
Swim the Lakes –
Came to attend introduction to open water swimming, what a fantastic day, swimming in Rydal water.
All staff were happy, friendly and welcoming with a huge knowledge of open water / wild swimming.
Would recommend going to the shop or attending a course as you’ll get so much out of it!
Mark Witherspoon
Swim the Lakes –
Came to attend introduction to open water swimming, what a fantastic day, swimming in Rydal water.
All staff were happy, friendly and welcoming with a huge knowledge of open water / wild swimming.
Would recommend going to the shop or attending a course as you’ll get so much out of it!
Mark Witherspoon
Sophie Stephenson –
I wanted to write and say a big thank you for the Introductory course on Saturday, I really enjoyed myself and loved being back in open water. I’d love to come up and do some more swimming with you. With thanks, Sophie
Swim the Lakes –
First of all just to say I had a wonderful experience on the course on Saturday – my confidence in swimming under water has gone up – was a great, safe environment and I loved it!
Christine
Swim the Lakes –
Thank you so much for the great course on Windermere today. I found it very informative and enjoyable. I enjoyed meeting the other swimmers and found the relaxed and fun style in which the course was delivered to be great. You all took great care to make sure everyone felt comfortable and safe also provided activity and challenges to meet all levels of ability. I would definitely recommend Swim The Lake to anyone thinking of trying open water swimming and I look forward to taking part in other sessions run by the team in the future. Margaret W.
Margaret Walton –
Thank you so much for the great course on Windermere today. I found it very informative and enjoyable. I enjoyed meeting the other swimmers and found the relaxed and fun style in which the course was delivered to be great. You all took great care to make sure everyone felt comfortable and safe also provided activity and challenges to meet all levels of ability. I would definitely recommend Swim The Lake to anyone thinking of trying open water swimming and I look forward to taking part in other sessions run by the team in the future.
Margaret
Christine –
Good Afternoon, Thank you all for the excellent course this morning. You have given me the confidence to join a local group near Garstang. With best wishes.
Christine Spreadbury
Tracey Bargh –
Just a little email to say thank you to Pete, Sarah and Eileen for the swim today! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Tracey
Swim the Lakes –
I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for the excellent “Introduction to Wild Swimming” course last Saturday. The team were great and very reassuring for those of us who were a bit nervous! I had an excellent time though I could feel my legs the next day? M Ellison
Julie Eaves (verified owner) –
Thank you so much for the course last Saturday – although the weather was challenging I thoroughly enjoyed it and am now can’t wait to get in the water again – will hopefully join you on some of your other trips! Julie.