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.
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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…
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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.
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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…
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Reflect, recover and refocus
Swim Smooth coach Paul Newsome looks at how swimmers can maintain health and fitness in the off-season
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Pond to pool
Simon Griffiths looks at how to adjust to pool racing after a summer in open water.
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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…
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Finish the season strong
Paul Newsome looks at how to perform your best in end-of-season events and challenges.
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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…
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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,…
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How to balance your training between open water and the pool
Jason Tait says doing the right mix of pool and open water will help you race faster.
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Top tips for overseas swimming events
Simon Griffiths shares some practical tips to help you get the best from your swimming trip abroad and avoid some…
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How I train: Team Mermaids
Open water swimmers Katie Kenny and Manda Read juggle jobs, families and busy lives but still manage to fit in…
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Getting back on track with swim training
Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas has advice on getting back on track after an unplanned break from swim training.
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How being a multisport athlete can enliven your swimming
Athlete Jennifer Strong McConachie shares why being a multisport athlete has improved her strength and stamina in the water, and…
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The art and science of tapering
Swim coach Paul Newsome explains the science of tapering – and how to arrive in peak condition for your next swim challenge
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How to swim a marathon (in 12 weeks)
In the run up to this summer’s WaterAid Swim Marathon, Gear Editor Jo Tinsley took on the challenge of swimming 26 miles…
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How I train: Monika Mittaz
This summer Monika Mittaz will attempt to swim the 38km-length of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. We spoke with Monika in…
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What are sneaker waves?
Also known as a sleeper wave, a sneaker wave is a disproportionately large coastal wave that can appear without warning.
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Tips for multi-day swimming challenges
How to get through multi-stage races, training camps or swimming holidays
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Race day tactics for open water swimming
Positioning, drafting and the final sprint: Open water coach and Founder of Swim Smooth, Paul Newsome, shares his race day…
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How to train for the swims on SwimRun
Swimming in swimruns is different. Simon Griffiths looks at how to prepare for it.
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How to navigate challenging conditions with confidence
Swimming in rough water needn’t be something to fear, says Paul Newsome.
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Six ways to get more horizontal while swimming
Improving your body position will help you swim faster for less effort
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How to fuel your long-distance swim, plus energy gels tried and tested
Swimming in open water poses unique challenges in terms of energy needs. Read our tips for staying fuelled on long-distance…
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How to invent your own swimming drills
We use swimming drills to help us focus on and improve our technique. There are lots to choose from but…
