Established 2005 - Bookings & Enquires: 015394 33826|swim@swimthelakes.co.uk

Introduction to Open Water Swimming

Introduction to Open Water Swimming

£55.00

(47 customer reviews)

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 on our dry-land and water-based Introduction to Open Water Swimming course based at the heart of the best wild swimming in the country. This was the first course of it’s kind and is now in its 19th year and just keeps getting better. Book now with the Lake Districts Open Water Swimming experts.

With small groups and friendly, experienced coaches this is the perfect introduction to open water swimming for beginners.

2024 Dates:   Sat, 27 April | Sat, 4 May | Sat, 11 May | Sat, 18 May | Sat, 25 May | Sat, 1 June | Sat, 29 June | Sat, 27 July | Sat, 10 August

Swim Ability & Fitness Level: Suitable for competent swimmers who are new to open water swimming, as well as outdoor swimmers who want a refresher or confidence builder. Front crawlers and breaststrokers all welcome. You get extra points if you swim butterfly 🙂

Duration: Half Day (8.45am – 12.00pm)

Choose your date from the calendar to book

To add a wetsuit enter your size details below. If you do not need to hire a suit just leave it blank.
We need your ladies UK dress size / men’s t-shirt size, height (cm) AND weight (kg).

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?

47 reviews for Introduction to Open Water Swimming

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. Nick Barnes

    Fantastic tuition in amazing surroundings. Can’t recommend enough!

  4. 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

  5. Louise Dunn

    Great morning in Rydal Water exceeded my expectations. Brilliant! Louise Dunn

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. 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 🙂

  12. 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

  13. 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!

  14. 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.

  15. Sue Irvine

    Really excellent introduction to open water swimming.

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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.

  19. David Jackson

    Excellent intro to open water swimming, with excellent, reassuring guidance, fully recommended!

  20. 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

  21. 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

  22. 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.

  23. 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

  24. 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

  25. 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.

  26. Sean Axon

    To Sarah, Pete and the team …thanks for a fantastic course today in Windermere. Looking forward to more open water swimming adventures!

  27. 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

  28. 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

  29. 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

  30. 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

  31. 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

  32. 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

  33. 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.

  34. 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

  35. 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

  36. 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

  37. 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

  38. 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

  39. 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

  40. 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

  41. 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

  42. 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.

  43. 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

  44. 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

  45. 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

  46. 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

  47. 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.

Add a review

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How fit do I need to be for this course?

We welcome all swimmers and variations in group ability will be catered for by our experienced guides according to the type of outdoor swimming you plan to do. To ensure that you get the most out of this course and to add to your enjoyment of it, please make sure that you can swim your chosen stroke continuously for at least 250m (10 x 25m lengths) in a pool.

Swim requirements are intended to give you an idea of what will suit your level of ability and fitness, they are not intended as a reason to exclude, please ring if unsure.
If you have any special requirements: Please contact us directly so that we can advise and help.

How far will we swim?

On average we swim about 1,500m over the morning, but you can do less if you like. This is not a race it’s a confidence-building course.

What Equipment will I need?
You’ll need a swimming wetsuit (hire available), we do not recommend ‘surf type’ wetsuits, plus your usual swimming gear inc: goggles, swim costume, big towel, rucksack/ bag. We’ll email a kit list to you before the course.

Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes for £6, we have sizes from XS to XL mens and UK6 – UK20 ladies. The £6 hire fee is refundable on a wetsuit purchase made on the day, so this makes an ideal time to try before you buy.
Please hire your wetsuit at the time of booking or via this link: https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/product/wetsuit-hire-2/
Please ring us if you are concerned about hiring a wetsuit.

What will the weather be like?
It could be sunny and still, it could raining, but we do know you are going to have a great time. Please check the weather forecast before you travel and bring suitable outdoor clothing, footwear, and bag for your gear and clothes.

How cold will the water be?
The lakes vary in temperature between 14-20 degrees depending on the time of year and local weather conditions. But don’t fear swimming wetsuits are designed to keep you warm as well as buoyant in the water.

Where can I park?
There is plenty of parking at Waterhead Ambleside where we will meet you on the day. Lakeside Car Park, Waterhead is located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Grid reference: NY 376 032. Postcode: LA22 0ES. Detailed parking information will be emailed to you once you book.

Can my friends/ family come along?
Yes, they are most welcome to come to the lake and watch.

I can’t find my swim information email / joining instructions.

All joining instructions are emailed within 48hours of booking, please check your ‘junk’ folder in the first instance. Please add swim@swimthelakes.co.uk to your safe list.

Happy Swimming, Pete & Andrea

ESSENTIAL INFO
Booking for one: Friends think you’re mad huh?? Absolutely no problem, most guests book for one, we’ll look after you.

Confirmation emails: We will email your payment confirmation and joining instructions upon booking, please use an email address that you use regularly & check your ‘spam folder’.

Accommodation: If you need accommodation the Tourist Information in Ambleside have a useful booking service.

Parking:
Park Lakeside Car Park, Waterhead, Ambleside where we will meet you on the day. The car Park is located at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Grid reference: NY 376 032. Postcode: LA22 0ES. Detailed parking information will be emailed to you once you book.

Wetsuits: Swims are in wetsuits for this trip, wetsuits can be hired on the day for £6, we have sizes from XS to XL mens and UK6 – UK20 ladies. The £6 hire is refundable on a wetsuit purchase on the day.

Group Size: min – max: 5 – 20

Equipment: A suggested kit list will be emailed before the course.

Trip Caution: Open water swimming by its very nature involves a natural outdoor environment. Although unlikely, but there is always a possibility that we may need to make changes to the trip / itinerary due to for example weather conditions, water conditions or other issues that may affect safe operation or organisation.

Please read our Swim Trip FAQ’s to ensure you are well prepared and get the most from your swimming adventure.

T&C’s
All participants must be 16 years or over, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
By booking you are agreeing to our booking terms and conditions here

Swim Trips FAQ’s
For more information such as kit suggestions, fitness levels please read our Swim Trips FAQ’S here.

Happy Swimming

Pete & Andrea

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