Swim Improvers

Thinking about starting some longer swims?

Whether thats working up to a Channel swim or ocean swimming, our Ambassador Marty has put together his top tips for starting long ocean swims.

Marty has completed the Triple Crown and five of the Oceans Seven. 

1.Make sure you're a confident swimmer

Before getting started in ocean swimming make sure you are comfortable in the water and pool. If you have not swum in a while we recommend starting at your local pool and building up your endurance before entering the water. A good rule of thumb is to be able to swim at least two to three times the distance non stop in a pool that you want to swim in open water. Once you are confident in your swimming abilities it is time to find a place to swim!

2. Know where to swim

There are many beaches all around the country which

Training Aids 

Swimming is a technique orientated sport. In order to swim efficiently, arms, body and legs need to work together requiring balance, flexibility and strengh. Training aids help to improve and develop swimming skills and technique. Training aids also make a swim workout fun! So read on to find out more about the function and use of the Zoggs Training Aids.

WHY DO I NEED FINS ?

Whether you are starting to swim laps or a more seasoned swimmer, deciding on which fin or flipper that is best for you can be confusing. So we have put together the following check list to make it easier to choose.

Getting started with cold water swimming - By Annie Brooks (www.talesofanniebean.com )

If you love your pool swims and enjoy those open water swims, then this winter you might be ready to take on cold water swimming! Unlike hopping into to your local heated swimming pool to run through your drills, or dipping into that beautiful lake during the summer time, cold water swimming not only challenges physically, it tests you mentally also. Knowing you’re about to step into water that barely reaches double figures, can be a challenge, but this is exactly why it’s fantastic because that sense of

Check out the newest top 10 reasons to take up OPEN WATER SWIMMING - Courtesy of Adam Walker

Where to swim

There are many lakes up and down the country which have organised sessions and have suitable safety in place. I would recommend you swim in one these locations and as there will be other like-minded swimmers there who you can buddy up with and swim in pairs or a small group. In addition you can also make new friends as open water is a very social sport. Not only is it another good safety measure, it makes training easier supporting each other.

Acclimatisation

Due to the climate, open water in lakes, rivers and the ocean

If you're looking to improve your swimming strokes and not yet at your peak, the technique videos on our YouTube channel will help you progress. All six feature James Goddard and have been included in this post so you can use it as a point of reference.

James is an award winning British swimmer who represented Great Britain in the Olympics, FINA World Championships

We're strong believers that children should be introduced to the water as young as possible as it helps with confidence, enjoyment and well-being. It's for this reason our Learn to Swim range of products is designed to suit your child's stage of swim development whether they're starting to swim, learning or confident swimmers looking to improve their technique.

We mentioned swimming in our post about Mental Health Awareness Week, as it's a great way to improve well being. A report published by Swim England last year found Swimming to be particularly beneficial for those with health conditions. It also found evidence that swimmers can live longer. Here are just a few of the ways it can help stress levels and make you feel good.

Swimming is a great form of escapism both physically and mentally. With no distractions, a half an hour swim can help reduce stress, boost energy levels and encourage relaxation. You may find you sleep