Course Description
If you’ve entered an open water swim event, this workshop will build your confidence, improve your technique and prepare you for your challenge. This is specific training for open water swimming to gain the skills & confidence and practice them for your first or next open water swim event. By the end of the day you’ll be itching to mix it up in the vanguard at your next swim race!
Windermere provides the perfect venue for our workshop, providing safe and sheltered swimming in a stunning location. After an acclimatising and warm up swim we’ll introduce you to the skills associated with swimming in a group, race starts, navigating a course, sighting, drafting tactics and efficient swimming technique. The emphasis of this session is to provide realistic conditions for practice on our race course and in doing so, improve your personal performance.
You have much to gain from our team of experienced open water swimmers, so what are you waiting for dive in.
Who is this Course For: Suitable for those new to open water swimming, though with some experience and intermediate swimmers who want to brush up their skills. If you need the techniques and skills used in open water swimming which enable you to improve your performance and efficiency & get more from your swim events then this course is for you.
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 continuously for at least 1600m in a pool.
If you are new to open water swimming we would recommend our Introduction to open water swimming course.
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 staff 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 continuously for at least 1600m in a pool, please remember the event practice workshop is not about how you compare to others but developing competence and skills at a level to suit you.
The workshop is based on skill development using front crawl swimming in open water, however, swimmers who prefer using breaststroke are just as welcome. Experience of swimming outdoors is most beneficial.
If you have any special requirement: Please contact us directly so that we can advise and help.
There’s a 5 min walk to the Lake through the woods along the Lake to our entry point.
How far will we swim?
On average we swim about 800m – 1600m over the morning, but you can do less if you like. This is not a race its a confidence building course.
What Equipment will I need?
You’ll need a swimming wetsuit, we do not recommend ‘surf type’ wetsuits, plus your usual swimming gear inc: goggles, swim costume, big towel, Extra warm clothes to change back into rucksack/ bag, Flask of hot drink, packed lunch/ snack, big smiles and an open mind.
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?
Free parking is available at our venue.
Can my friends/ family come along?
Yes, they are most welcome to watch from the Lake shore. We can only accommodate course participants in centre.
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 In formation in Ambleside & Windermere have a useful booking service.
Parking: Free parking at our lakeside venue.
Venue: North country Leisure Outdoor Adventure Centre. Our venue is ideally placed on the shore of Windermere, with classroom, changing rooms, hot showers and lake access.
Directions: Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre, Leigh Groves Bldg, Rayrigg Rd, Windermere LA23 1BP. It is by the side of the A592 about 1/2 mile outside Bowness, its a low cottage type building.
Wetsuits: Swims are in wetsuits for this trip, please mention at the time of booking if you’d like to hire one. Wetsuit Hire is £10 (refundable on a wetsuit purchase) can can be paid on the day, but must be booked in advance. We’ll need your height, weight and UK dress or chest (men) size.
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Equipment: A suggested kit list will be emailed before the course. Please see our Swim FAQ’s fro suggestions.
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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