Introduction To Open Water Swimming

Join us for a fun morning to learn all the skills you need for open water swimming

Do you want to start swimming in open water but are not sure how to start? Are you feeling nervous about the cold, not being able to see the bottom or worried about getting out of your depth? Maybe you want to to give triathlon a go but feel daunted by swimming in a lake? We understand all those anxieties and want to help make your first steps into open water as enjoyable as possible! We’ve designed this course to give you the confidence you need to swim safely, we’ll give you tips on your swimming technique and teach you all the skills you need when swimming in open water. 

Llyn Padarn, in Llanberis, is the ideal venue for an Introduction To Swimming In Open Water, providing clean, clear, safe and sheltered water in a beautiful location.

The Introduction To Open Water Swimming course is suitable for:
complete beginners to open water who are making the transition out of the pool, as well as outdoor swimmers who want to build their confidence and refresh their skills. Participants must be age 18+ to attend this course. Participants age 16+ may take part if accompanied by another participant aged 18+.

Date & time:
– Saturday 31st July 2021 – 9.30am to 12.30

Location: Llyn Padarn, Llanberis, North Wales

Price: £55 per person  (Limited to a maximum of 8 people)

Includes: 3 hour coaching session with a land based session covering wetsuits and choosing swimming gear, swim safety, cold water acclimatisation, breathing technique and how to relax and deal with anxiety or panics, how to navigate in open water and swim in a straight line when you don’t have the pool lines to follow! We’ll also look at swimming technique theory. Once in the water your coach will help you to put the theory into practice so you can use your new knowledge and skills in a fun and safe environment and at your own pace.

The Introduction To Open Water Swimming course will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to continue your open water swimming adventures!

Throughout the morning we will cover between 500m to 1000m of swimming, although there is always the opportunity to rest when you need to. Depending on your aspirations and the water temperature, there’s also an option to take a guided swim to explore the lake! The whole aim of the course is to be a fun and information-packed session to build confidence and inspire your swimming.

Ability level: To ensure that you get the most out of this course and to add to your enjoyment of it, please make sure that you can swim continuously for 200m in a pool. It does not matter whether you swim front crawl or breaststroke! Swim requirements are intended to give you an idea of the level of ability and fitness required on the day, they are not intended as a reason to exclude so please contact us if you are unsure.

Chloe is passionate about open water swimming having jumped into her first Welsh lake 10 years ago! Since then she has explored most of the lakes, rivers, waterfalls and beaches in Northern Snowdonia as well as finding somewhere to swim wherever ever she travels! Chloe has taken part in many open water swimming and swimrun events in the UK and abroad including two 10km swims and winter swimming events. As well as managing Love SwimRun and organising all the events we run each year, Chloe holds a number of outdoor qualifications and has plenty of leading and coaching experience under her belt. Her newest qualification allows her to begin sharing her love of open water swimming with you!

– STA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coaching
– UK Athletics: Leadership in Running Fitness
– UK Athletics: Safeguarding in Athletics
– Mountain Leader Award
– Rock Climbing Instructor
– Mountain Bike Leader
– REC Outdoor First Aid

Kit list: You’ll need to bring the following equipment:

• Wetsuit (it may be possible to hire from Snowdonia Watersports – please contact them directly about this)
• If you wish to swim without a wetsuit you must use a swimming tow float – these are highly recommended for all participants for safety during the session and when you swim again in the future – use a quality float such as these by Puffin Swim
• Swimming trunks/costume
• Goggles & bright swim hat (you’ll be given a Love SwimRun swim cap to keep if you would like one, but you may need more than one if it is cold)
• Thermal layer/rash vest, neoprene hat, gloves and socks if you think you’ll get cold
• Flipflops/deck shoes (the slate round the lake can be sharp!)
• Towel
• Warm clothes and hat for after the session
• Waterproofs if it’s rainy – we will be outside 
• High energy snacks (eating well helps you to keep warm)
• Flask of hot sugary drink – cake, hot food and drinks will also be available from Snowdonia Watersports Cafe!
• We would normally supply you with hot drinks, biscuits and home made cake but due to Coronavirus this is not possible, however we will have flasks of hot squash for emergencies!

Water Temperature
Llyn Padarn can vary in temperature at any time of year depending on how sunny it has been or if we have had much rainfall. During the summer months it is usually between 15-18 degrees. Don’t worry about the cold though, wetsuits are designed t keep you warm and we will keep you moving once you are in the water! You can also get out at any time you want to.

Further Information: Further information on kit, the schedule and logistics on the day will be available once you have entered.

Covid-19 Considerations: Covid-19 restrictions are still in place in North Wales and we must adhere to 2m social distancing rules. Currently we are able to meet outdoors in groups of up to 30 people, if the regulations change or we head back into lockdown we may be forced to cancel the course. If we do have to cancel you will be offered a full refund minus the booking fee of £3.