Swim Description
Introduction to Outdoor Swimming. We’ve been based at the heart of the Lake district for over 20 years now and there is nothing we like better than a good swim, with good company. Our business, Swim the Lakes developed the first outdoor swimming courses for beginners back in 2005. We have come a long way since then and have learned a lot about what we like to call adventure swimming. This course is all about sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge of swimming with you. Along the way, we hope you’ll gain the confidence and skill to join us on more swim trips or to head off and do great things on your own.
During the morning we will help you develop your swimming so that it is easier and more enjoyable for you. We will show you ways of approaching your swimming to make it safer and more considered. The pace will be fairly relaxed, depending on the water temperature! This is a fun session, designed to be safe and informative and make the most of our wonderful swimming venue.
Who is the Introduction to Outdoor Swimming aimed at?
The Introduction to Outdoor Swimming course is aimed at people who can swim, but who are new to open water swimming. We also get many swimmers who are regular wild swimmers, who want to improve their skills. and build more confidence. If you love swimming, and the great outdoors, and good company, and tea and cake, then this is the course for you 🙂
Introduction to Outdoor Swimming Course Plan:
The Introduction to Outdoor Swimming course includes both a pre-course video link and an open water session. Course details will be emailed to you when you book (please check your spam folder). Details include a private link to an informative film which will be the start of your course. The film covers the key safety aspects of outdoor swimming as well as background info on our swims and courses.
We will meet you at the car park by the lake at 08:45 to sign you in. Here we distribute wetsuits for those who have ordered one (no charge, but we need your details), and give you a safety briefing. We will then head to the lake to swim!
Once in the water, we will cover all of the swimming basics including swimming technique, how to swim safely as well as how to just enjoy the experience of wild swimming. Our session is run by very friendly and experienced local guides who are there to support you and build your confidence in a fun and safe environment.
Our day will end at about noon with some well-earned hot chocolate and cake, a chance to recap what we’ve covered, and to plan your future adventure swimming in the Lake District.
What to expect on our Introduction to Outdoor Swimming Course:
- A safe and inclusive experience. We have a 100% Safety Record and over 20 years of experience – everyone is welcome
- Highly qualified, capable, and friendly guides
- A fantastic swimming location within the National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Excellent water quality – we run our independent tests during the season to make sure of it
- Free swimming wetsuit and equipment hire. We want you to enjoy your swimming!
- The best swimming experience in the UK – we get consistent, independent 5-star reviews… thanks folks 🙂
- Hot chocolate and cake
- A certificate of achievement with a discount code for online purchases
- A high-quality Swim the Lakes silicone swim cap
Book your free wetsuit and equipment hire here: Link to Wetsuit Hire Page
Please see the FAQ & Essential Info tabs on left for parking information, what to bring, and more.
Customer Testimonials:
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the course. The professionalism, enthusiasm and concern shown for participants enabled me to fully participate and test my limits. I had a great time! Eric
It was a fantastic course – I’ll defo be doing more courses and events with you guys, so hope to see you all soon! Cheers, Heather
Our swim terms and conditions are here: Swim T’s & C’s
Any Queries? We are happy to help. Please see our Swim Trips FAQ page or call 015394 33826
Related Links:
Where to swim in the Lake District
What we do; book a swim!
Want to do your own thing? Read this: Wild Swimming Walks Lake District
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How fit do I need to be for this course?
We welcome all swimmers and variations in group ability will be catered for by our experienced guides according to the type of outdoor swimming you plan to do. To ensure that you get the most out of this course and to add to your enjoyment of it, please make sure that you can swim your chosen stroke continuously for at least 250m (10 x 25m lengths) in a pool.
Swim requirements are intended to give you an idea of what will suit your level of ability and fitness, they are not intended as a reason to exclude, please ring if unsure.
If you have any special requirements: Please contact us directly so that we can advise and help.
How far will we swim?
On average we swim about 1,500m over the morning, but you can do less if you like. This is not a race it’s a confidence-building course.
What Equipment will I need?
You’ll need a correctly sized swimming wetsuit (free hire available), we do not recommend general water sports wetsuits. You will also need your usual swimming gear including goggles, swim costume, big towel, rucksack/bag to carry it all in. We’ll email a kit list to you before the course. Neoprene gloves and socks are recommended for early season, cool conditions.
Can I hire a wetsuit?
Yes, we want you to be as comfortable as possible for your swim with us. Our wetsuit hire is free for all day courses and guided trips, but we still need you to book a wetsuit so that we know which size to bring you on the day. We have sizes from XS to XXL in men’s and UK6 – UK22 ladies. This is an ideal opportunity to try before you buy.
Please hire your wetsuit at the time of booking or via this link: https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/product/wetsuit-hire-2/
Please ring us if you are concerned about hiring a wetsuit.
What will the weather be like?
It could be sunny and still, it could rainy and windy, we just don’t know! However, we do know that you are going to have a great time. Please check the weather forecast before you travel and bring suitable outdoor clothing, footwear, and bag for your gear and clothes.
How cold will the water be?
The lakes vary in temperature between 12-20 degrees depending on the time of year and local weather conditions. But don’t fear, our swimming wetsuits and neoprene accessories are designed to keep you warm as well as buoyant in the water.
Where can I park?
There is parking at Pelter Bridge Car Park, Rydal where we will meet you on the day. Pelter Bridge Car Park is a pay & display car park located to the east of Rydal Water, just off the A591. Postcode: LA22 9LR. Detailed parking information will be emailed to you once you book.
Can my friends/ family come along?
Yes, they are most welcome to come to the lake and watch from the shore.
I can’t find my swim information email / joining instructions.
All joining instructions are emailed within 48hours of booking, please check your ‘junk’ folder in the first instance. Please add swim@swimthelakes.co.uk to your safe list.
We’ll look forward to swimming with you soon. Happy Swimming,
Pete & Andrea
ESSENTIAL INFO
Booking for one: Friends think you’re mad huh? Absolutely no problem, most guests book for one, we’ll look after you 🙂
Confirmation emails: We will email your payment confirmation and joining instructions upon booking, please use an email address that you use regularly & check your ‘spam folder’.
Accommodation: If you need accommodation the Tourist Information in Ambleside have a useful booking service.
Parking:
There is parking at Pelter Bridge Car Park, Rydal where we will meet you on the day. Pelter Bridge Car Park is a pay & display car park located to the east of Rydal Water, just off the A591. Postcode: LA22 9LR. Alternative car parks are available. Detailed parking information will be emailed to you once you book.
Wetsuits: Swims are in wetsuits for this trip, wetsuits hire is free, we have sizes from XS to XXL men’s and UK6 – UK22 ladies.
Group Size: min – max: 5 – 15
Equipment: A suggested kit list will be emailed before the course.
Trip Caution: Open water swimming by its very nature involves a natural outdoor environment. Although unlikely, but there is always a possibility that we may need to make changes to the trip / itinerary due to for example weather conditions, water conditions or other issues that may affect safe operation or organisation.
Please read our Swim Trip FAQ’s to ensure you are well prepared and get the most from your swimming adventure.
T&C’s
All participants must be 16 years or over, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
By booking you are agreeing to our booking terms and conditions here
Swim Trips FAQ’s
For more information such as kit suggestions, fitness levels please read our Swim Trips FAQ’S here.
Happy Swimming
Pete & Andrea
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