OPEN WATER COURSES
A description of our group coaching courses can be found below along with links to ACTiO to check availability at our venues. Please check our Private Coaching page should you be interested in a bespoke training package.
Courses are seasonally available in line with safe water temperatures. For out of season coaching, please see our Cold Water Induction.
OPEN WATER INDUCTION & SKILLS COURSE
The Open Water Induction & Skills course is perfect for medium and fast lane pool swimmers transitioning to the outdoors as well as those entering events or looking to build confidence in the open water by perfecting the key skills required.
The session lasts an hour and a half, covering both theory and practical elements as well as wetsuit guidance. The coach will cover equipment, risk awareness and technical skills such as breathing, positioning, propulsion, stroke adjustment for open water, sighting, turning and drafting.
On completing the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion as well as an example training set used in our squad sessions to assist with your continued development.
Build your confidence in open water to get the most out of this fantastic sport and get the extra edge in events with our Open Water Induciton & Skills Course.
INTRODUCTION TO FRONT CRAWL
This is an advancement course for those who struggle to maintain a constant front crawl stroke without getting out of breath as well as those who are looking to advance their swim stroke set from breaststroke and/ or backstroke.
The session will last an hour and a half starting with a group discussion as to the challenge’s swimmers find with the front crawl stroke. This will be followed by a land warm up before in-water tuition with one of our STA qualified coaches.
On completing this course, you may decide to come along to one of our weekly squad sessions to further improve your stroke and help set smarter training goals. Whether you’re looking for better technique or the secret to faster swimming, group training is a great way to mix up your swims in a social and supportive setting.
FIRST TIME DIPPERS/CASUAL SWIMMERS
If you’re looking to bob in peace away from the toe ticklers in the slow lane of the pool, our first time dippers course is perfect for you.
We ask that all our members have a safe level of water competence – some pool swimming experience and confidence in deep water. If you meet this basic criteria, Open Water Swimming can be accessible to you, even if you just want to have a float!
Join us for our First Time Dippers/Casual Swimmers course to learn the basics of safe water entry and acclimatisation. You will then be welcome to use the designated ‘dipping area’ at the venue to have a float and a chat with fellow flotsams.
Buoyancy aids (Tow Floats) are available should you wish to have a little more security whilst swimming and follow up courses are available to further your swimming skills if you want to move out to the larger courses – 400m, 750m and beyond!
If you do not meet the competencies listed above we recommend you start with pool swimming lessons in order to pick up swimming basics in the safety of a controlled venue where you can touch and see the floor.
General Course Overview
There are currently 6 places per course allowing the coach to train you as a group as well as provide individual guidance. Areas of the training will require partner work, giving you a feel for the social side of open water swimming that sets it apart from the pool.
Group ability may vary with the structure of the course adjusted accordingly. If you are new to swimming or wish to receive more intensive training, a 1-2-1 session might be suitable for you as you will receive a tailored program to your needs. You should be able to competently swim 400m in the pool as a guide – please email coaching@loveopenwater.co.uk for information.
Love Open Water is proud to be a National Open Water Coaching Association accredited venue. If you are not already registered with NOWCA, you will need to complete your registration for a safety profile and collect your wristband on the day.
Registration takes 2 minutes via the ACTiO and can be done prior to booking your course on the app. A safety profile is £15 for 12 months from date of purchase and grants access to over 35 affiliated venues.
As a NOWCA venue you will be taught in a friendly and safe environment overseen by qualified safety staff. On successfully completing your course you will be competent to train, race and importantly love the open water.
BOOK NOW
Please select your local venue to be taken to the ACTiO booking page.
