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.

Live well, swim well – a holistic approach

Fuelling your workouts, balancing your hormones and getting good quality sleep with all improve your performance, says personal trainer Vivienne…
Boost your speed and power in the water

Our new contributing coach Nicola Butler has passion for the pool and a lifetime of sporting prowess and experience. This…
Get into the flow

Editor Ella Foote is also an open water swim coach, outdoor swim guide and teacher. This month she encourages us…
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…
Kickstart your swim event fitness

Personal trainer Vivienne Rickman outlines how to dryland train for the upcoming season
Challenge sessions for your swim training

A challenge session is one where you go above and beyond what you normally do in your regular training or…
How to prepare for the transition to outdoor swimming

With the first open water events not long away, now is a good time to refresh your open water skills,…
Don’t let someone else kill your vibe!

Do you find yourself reeling from unsolicited opinions about your training plan? Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas shares her advice on…
The importance of rest intervals

Jason Tait explores the importance of rest – an often neglected but vital part of a swim training session.
How do I prepare myself mentally and physically for my first open water event?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten answers a frequently asked query about how to prepare for your first ever outdoor swimming event.
Can you tame lane rage?

Simon Griffiths plunges into a controversial topic… can you tame lane rage?
How to stay swim fit without an event

Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome shares how to build a flexible training plan for when you don't have an event…
Asking the right questions about your swimming

Wherever you’re at on your swimming journey, it’s always important to take a few moments to reflect on the swimming…
How to tailor your own swim training plan

Why do swimmers train in different ways, and what’s the best way for you to train?
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…
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,…