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.
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Where is the best place to find technique advice?
Our resident Olympian answers your swimming questions
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Your first swim
How to prepare for your first open water swim event
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Take your pool training outdoors
Use your local open water venue to improve your fitness and open water skills
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Embrace the medley – session 4
Add other strokes to your training will enhance your strength, fitness and swimming ability.
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How to overcome a fear of deep water
"I'm scared of swimming in open water and not being able to see the bottom"
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Refuel, Rehydrate, Rebuild
How do you keep performing well over consecutive training days and multi-race events? The key is optimal recovery
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Learning feel for the water
Improve your sensory awareness using Total Immersion techniques
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What is a mantra – and how can it help you achieve your swim goals?
Think positive words. Repeat over and over. Achieve your swim goals.
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Should open water swimmers learn how to do tumble turns?
A tumble turn, sometimes called a flip-turn, is the way competitive pool swimmers change direction when they reach a wall…
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Are you training as hard as you think you are?
As open water swimmers we know drafting saves energy, especially if you swim next to someone else’s hip or directly…
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All in the head
The importance of head position
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How to swim 100 100s
For many swimmers there's something appealing about swimming 100m 100 times in a row.
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Mixed bean chilli
Beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat the more you... benefit from the protein, vitamins and…
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How to Stop Your Goggles from Steaming Up
Baby shampoo? Anti-fog spray? Spit? We explore the five most effective ways that outdoor swimmers can prevent their goggles from…
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How do I stop my mind playing tricks on me?
Our resident Olympian answers your swimming questions
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How to – use FINIS PT Hand Paddles
In contrast to most swimming paddles on the market the potato shaped PT Paddle is intended to reduce resistance, and…
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Last hurrah – session 1
The first of four end of season training sessions
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Fit for Life – recipe 1
Keep in tip-top shape with the first of three essential nutrient-packed recipes from nutritionist Kathy Findlay
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Santa snacks
Whether you're venturing out for a chill swim or rushing in from a Boxing Day Dip, these portable Christmassy snacks…
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Breakfast bars
Fuel your wild swimming adventures with this tasty breakfast bar recipe from nutritionist Kathy Findlay
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Know the drill
Mark Durnford looks at the pros and cons of swimming drills
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Pull it together
Two training sets from Fiona Ford to help you focus on developing your catch and pull using a pull buoy
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DIY 10k training camp
Create your own intensive staycation
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Embrace the medley – session 1
Add other strokes to your training will enhance your strength, fitness and swimming ability.
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How to build core strength for a more powerful kick
Most swimmers have heard the term "core strength training" but did you know that an improved core can boost your…
