FAQs
WHAT MIGHT A SWIM SESSION INVOLVE?
Each swim session is tailored to you.
Pool sessions are all about technique. I use SwimMastery methods to coach you to become a better swimmer. If you are learning to swim then we will cover the core aquatic skills - orientation, floating, relaxed breathing, sculling, etc, before introducing you to the strokes. If you would like to improve your technique then we will use video analysis to look at every aspect of your stroke to identify and correct areas of improvement.
All open water swims start with a safety brief and an overview of the session. If it is your first time in the open water then the session will involve getting you gently familiar with the environment and comfortable in the water. If you have done some open water swimming before and you want to improve your technique then the session may be focused on your front crawl or sighting, possibly with the use of some video analysis. If you have a swim event or triathlon coming up then we may focus on some skills such as pack swimming, drafting and swimming around buoys. All open water sessions will end with a warm drink, snack and a chat about how the swim went.
WHERE DO YOU SWIM?
We typically swim in the beautiful Gladhouse Reservoir, just south of Edinburgh. Other swim locations are the Loch of the Lowes and St Mary's Loch in the Scottish Borders.
A GoPro is often used to aid stroke analysis above and below water. Water clarity is better in the Loch of the Lowes and St Mary's compared to Gladhouse so please consider this when deciding on a location.
We will confirm the location, parking, access to the beach, etc when arranging the booking with you.
For pool sessions we use the lovely pool at the Cardrona Hotel Leisure Club.
WHAT LEVEL OF SWIMMER DO YOU CATER FOR?
All levels from 4 years+ are catered for, from first time swimmers to experienced masters looking to hone their skill. For an open water swim session you must be able to swim a length of your local pool, but don't worry about your current technique or speed.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP SESSONS?
Group lessons are available depending on previous open water swimming experience. Typically open water sessions are tailored to one or two swimmers to maximise learning.
WHAT ABOUT OPEN WATER KIDS?
OW sessions are available to children who are confident pool swimmers i.e. can comfortably swim at least a length of the pool. There is a maximum of 2 children per open water session.
DO I NEED A WETSUIT?
Wetsuits are strongly recommended for open water swimming. Wearing a wetsuit means you can stay in the water for much longer. You need to bring your own wetsuit. A shorty will be fine in warmer months. You are also welcome to bring wetsuit gloves, booties, and neoprene hat if you wish.
If you would like to learn to swim skins (no wetsuit, bathing costume only) then no problem. Let me know when booking.
CAN I BUY A GIFT VOUCHER?
Absolutely. Learning to swim will make you fitter, healthier and happier. It may also save your life. A swim gift voucher will make an unforgettable gift for a friend or loved one. Please mention in the contact details that you wish to purchase a gift voucher.
WHAT TO BRING OPEN WATER SWIMMING
You will need your swimming costume and wetsuit, googles and towel. You should also bring lots of warm, baggy (easy to put on) clothing, a warm, wind/waterproof coat or Dryrobe, and a woolly hat. Flip-flops/crocs are optional but recommended. You must swim with a swim-cap and tow-float but these will be provided if you don't have your own. Please do not bring any valuables. It is also strongly recommended that you remove any rings before coming as the cold water can shrink fingers, and rings have been known to fall off.
BEACH FACILITIES
There are no toilet facilities at Gladhouse or St Mary's Loch so remember to go before leaving the house! There is a changing tent which you may use to get into and out of your wetsuit, and a shelter in the event of rain. We also provide a warm drink and a snack to help you get warm again.