swimming tips

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

The use of a floatation device is extremely important and supportive for children swimming, no matter their age. This is in addition to support from an adult. However, we also recommend a floatation device, whether it be Float bands, Roll ups, a Zoodle or a Floatsuit. The most important thing to remember is that the adult must hold onto the child or child’s hands at all times as the child learns to swim. Only once the child gains confidence in the water should the adult either deflate the floatation device or allow the child to swim with less support or even unaided (and only for short periods i

If you want to introduce your baby to water or help your child learn to swim and become a confident little swimmer or want to learn to swim yourself... welcome to Zoggs Learn to Swim.

Stage 2 is all about learning to swim and finding more confidence and independence in the water. In Stage 2 your child will build skills which will help them all along their swimming journey. Confidence and independence is a core part of this stage which is why the buoyancy aids promote movement in the water. 

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

Swimming is often thought of as a summer activity but it’s actually the perfect sport for staying in shape and having fun throughout winter.

If you don’t already have a regular swim routine, now is the ideal time to create one: pools are generally quieter at this time of year so you’ll have more space to try new strokes and improve your technique or if you’re a nervous swimmer, build up your confidence in the water.

Here’s a few tips on how to

On holiday, backstroke gives you the opportunity to enjoy blue skies or even stars overhead, and in a pool, the chance to vary your workout. But the stroke is not without its difficulties, not least because the majority of us are asymmetric, making even swimming in a straight line somewhat challenging!

The following technique tips for perfecting your backstroke will help you learn how to master the stroke and enjoy your swims, anywhere:

he Guardian newspaper recently described open water swimming as the “trend of 2015” and with more open water swimming events taking place across the UK in 2015, we couldn’t agree more!

If you’re thinking of taking the leap from the comfort of your local swimming pool to the challenges of the open water in 2015, Zoggs open water swimming Ambassador Adam 'Ocean' Walker, the first Briton to swim the toughest 7 oceans in the world, has put together 7 expert tips to will help you make a smooth transition…

1. Equipment
Buying the right equipment is key! This includes a swim hat (

A pull buoy is designed to help you focus on building your upper body strength and stroke technique. The Zoggs team has put together a guide to how they work, and how you can make them work for you….

Better balance, better stroke
With a pull buoy positioned between your thighs, your body will stay high in the water creating a more efficient, streamlined body position. Unless you’re a very strong swimmer, the pull buoy will probably do a better job of thi