Top Tips

Pick up knowledge to improve your outdoor swimming. Learn how to plan routes, train with others, complete events, and overcome obstacles like nerves or fitness level. Get guidance on skills like bodysurfing, underwater swimming, and adapting your stroke for rivers and seas. Experts and seasoned swimmers share their top tips so you can swim safer, stronger, and with more joy.

Don’t underestimate the pace clock

Technology is fun, but sometimes it’s old-fashioned equipment that makes an impact, says marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas
How to manage your swim training over Christmas

As December approaches, many swimmers start wondering how to juggle Christmas indulgences with training. Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome shares…
Basic swim training: a quick guide for beginners

Pool-based training sessions can be confusing and intimidating if you’ve never swum in a club environment. Here’s a short introduction…
Improve your swimming technique for next year

Paul Newsome explains why stroke technique matters and how to improve it for next year's open water swimming season.
How I train: Paul Fowler

Paul Fowler of 100% Swimming provides first class swim coaching for swimmers and triathletes of all abilities who are looking…
Reflect, recover and refocus

Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome looks at how swimmers can maintain health and fitness in the off-season
Pond to pool

Simon Griffiths looks at how to adjust to pool racing after a summer in open water.
What are the best pool drills for improving open water skills?

You can still work on your open water skills when you're training in an indoor pool. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…
Finish the season strong

Paul Newsome looks at how to perform your best in end-of-season events and challenges.
How to become a long distance swimmer

How do you prepare your mind and body for long-distance swimming? Watch our webinar with Olympian and world record holder…
Starting out – basic guide to swimming outdoors

Getting started with anything new is often the hardest part but with little kit and some basic knowledge you can…
How to stay fit between races and on holiday

A bit of preparation and flexibility will go a long way to maintaining your fitness between races and on holiday,…
How to balance your training between open water and the pool

Jason Tait says doing the right mix of pool and open water will help you race faster.
Top tips for overseas swimming events

Simon Griffiths shares some practical tips to help you get the best from your swimming trip abroad and avoid some…
How I train: Team Mermaids

Open water swimmers Katie Kenny and Manda Read juggle jobs, families and busy lives but still manage to fit in…
Getting back on track with swim training

Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas has advice on getting back on track after an unplanned break from swim training.
How being a multisport athlete can enliven your swimming

Athlete Jennifer Strong McConachie shares why being a multisport athlete has improved her strength and stamina in the water, and…
The art and science of tapering

Swim coach Paul Newsome explains the science of tapering – and how to arrive in peak condition for your next swim challenge
How to swim a marathon (in 12 weeks)

In the run up to this summer’s WaterAid Swim Marathon, Gear Editor Jo Tinsley took on the challenge of swimming 26 miles…
How I train: Monika Mittaz

This summer Monika Mittaz will attempt to swim the 38km-length of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. We spoke with Monika in…
What are sneaker waves?

Also known as a sleeper wave, a sneaker wave is a disproportionately large coastal wave that can appear without warning.
Tips for multi-day swimming challenges

How to get through multi-stage races, training camps or swimming holidays
Race day tactics for open water swimming

Positioning, drafting and the final sprint: Open water coach and Founder of Swim Smooth, Paul Newsome, shares his race day…
How to train for the swims on SwimRun

Swimming in swimruns is different. Simon Griffiths looks at how to prepare for it.
How to navigate challenging conditions with confidence

Swimming in rough water needn’t be something to fear, says Paul Newsome.