Coached swim session ability levels

Here you will find an overview of the different coaching sessions that we offer and an explaination of what level they are aimed at.

Level 1

This level is aimed at people with no experience of open water swimming and who cannot swim front crawl continuously for more than 50 metres. The aim is to provide participants with a safe and enjoyable first experience in open water under the supervision of a qualified coach.

Like the level 2 sessions it will begin with a discussion of environment differences, acclimatization, wetsuit fitting and safety procedures. Once participants are in the water we will provide hints and tips on improving swimming technique as well as any relevant open water skills. However there will be no set format and it may simply involve providing encouragement for participants to have a go, as well as creating an action plan on what to do next.

Level 2

This level is aimed at people with no, or little, experience of open water swimming but who can swim competent front crawl unassisted for more than 50 metres. The aim is to teach the key front crawl based open water skills listed below:

Session 1:

Environmental differences: pool versus open water
Acclimatisation
Wetsuit fitting
Safety procedures
Natural navigation
Sighting
Deep water starts
Replacing and cleaning goggles

Session 2:

Turning - single arm, open and backstroke
Drafting - on toes
Group swimming - drafting on hips, observation, positioning in a group, changing position in a group
Removing your wetsuit quickly
Bi-lateral breathing to aid performance

Level 3

Experience of open water swimming and a high level competence of front crawl is required. You should be able to complete 1,500 metres in under 21 minutes and 30 seconds. This level is aimed at those looking to compete in elite draft level competition, high level ironman and 70.3 performance or world age group championships. Skills to be covered in the sessions are listed below. The key is that they are practiced under pressure/competition: