Hi swimmers

We hope you will be back in the pool soon but in the meantime many of you are considering returning to Open Water swimming at Weirwood or Divers Cove or you are considering Open Water for the first time.

We are keen to promote Open Water swimming within the Club and we hope many of you will continue with this discipline even when our pool sessions return to pre Covid levels. When government restrictions allow we will endeavour to support swimmers with a coaching presence when possible. In an effort to make your preparation for joining this group we have spoken to a number of sources and put together a combined email of links and information regarding open water swimming.

Those who will be taking part for the first time this season we propose buddying you with an experienced EGSC swimmer from last year. They can help with any questions you might have and guide you through your
first couple of sessions if you would like. Please contact Simon gala.secretary@egsc.co.uk for buddy information.

Please find an overview of the experience and more information below. Attached is more detailed training tips and information.

Overview
1. Weirwood Reservoir Information.
2. Divers Cove Information.
3. Links to equipment.
4. From Tom our former land training coach who is an open water swimming coach.

Overview:
Please be aware: OPEN WATER SWIMMING is different from pool swimming. A wetsuit will DEFINITELY be needed. Technique will be different as a result of the wetsuit and the recovery phase of the stroke will adapt to the conditions on the water. Sometimes it will be like a mill pond and other times it will be choppy. None of the open water sites shown below are connected to EGSC and the sessions are managed by the local operators please make sure you abide by their rules.

1. Weirwood Reservoir. (Website currently not updated to 2021 information)
If you choose to swim with the group which uses Weirwood Reservoir you will need to book online through their website. For details of the sessions, rules and how to book please follow the link: https://popupopenwaterswims.vpweb.co.uk/
Last season the booking system was online with 1-hour slots, and a 15 minute change over. There was an annual membership charge. Sessions were limited to 40 swimmers and were paid for in advance. There were no facilities for changing or toilets. When all Covid restrictions are lifted and at the organisers discretion the above details may change.

2. Divers Cove https://www.diverscove.co.uk/
This is a smaller venue. All details are on the website. They are open from the first week of April. There is an annual membership charge and age restrictions requiring adult supervision/swimmer to accompany minors.

3. Equipment Links –
Wetsuits
Many options available with a large price range from £80 upwards.
There are many brands including HUUB, Orca, Blueseventy, Speedo, Zone3, TYR, Yonda etc.

A link for discounted wetsuits and ex demo wetsuits that proved very useful last season was: https://zone3.com/collec5ons/outlet
Another option is www.wiggle.co.uk. They have lots of suits to choose from and they have their own brand called DHB. Customer service is usually very good, and you can return very easily free if need be. If you go direct to the companies, they often have hire suits available that you for the season which will be similar in price to the lower end suits.

Here is a link to a local Rental option based in Horley www.triwetsuithire.co.uk.
You can also get ex rental wetsuits at very good price if you go direct to the wetsuit companies.

OTHER EQUIPMENT
For those who find it cold you can use
Neoprene Swim Socks or Swim Booties
Neoprene Scull Cap
Thermal Swim Gloves.

We recommend using two swim hats, they help to keep your head a bit warmer. Make sure the top hat is very bright so that you are clearly visible to others.
Additionally, for safety you can swim with a safety buoy such as this one:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/zone3-swim-safety-buoy-dry-bag
(Other cheaper options are available).

4. Finally some practical Information from Tom – Open Water Coach, Triathlete and our former Land Training Coach.
“Acclimatisation is essential and must not be overlooked. I have seen a few people be rescued by boat, from cold shock / panic attacks etc, who “bravely” swaggered into the water without proper prep. It can get quite cold in the water, especially for juniors who have not developed adequate insulation (even in wetsuits). Partly this can be mitigated by ensuring that the swimmers have the right kit at lakeside (woolly hat is a must, plus a towel, and potentially a change of clothes or jacket etc). An hour is a good session, but in reality, the time in the water may be curtailed if the juniors get cold.
- Allow time either side for changing.
- You may never want to go pool swimming again.”

We hope this all helps. If you have any questions, we will do our best to answer them or find the answer for you.

Stay safe

Nigel, Jason & the coaching team