Open Water Swim Training

Whether you are looking to take part in your first open water race this season, want to increase your confidence or are an experienced triathlete looking to make improvements our Open Water Swim Training Sessions are the perfect place to start.

Our sessions take place weekly on a Friday or Wednesday evening (see below timetable) 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm in the Regatta Lake at the National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont. The lake is clean and safe with bags of space around to practice transitions or go for a training run.  There's also plenty of free parking plus changing rooms and hot showers, we are unable to offer wetsuit hire but are happy to point you in the right direction.

Sessions are coached by leading local triathlon coaches Steve Lloyd & Nick Dunn.  There is a one off registration fee of £10 but your first session is absolutely free; subsequent sessions are £6.  This is a great opportunity to swim in the lake famous for the National Relays and the new long distance triathlon "The Outlaw".

If possible please register prior to your first session as it does make things a little quicker and easier for us, plus we know to expect you, you can download the form here.  You can park in the Main Building Car Park at the centre and walk down to the finish line gantry where we meet; you are able to leave your bag by the lake but this is at your own risk.

 Open Water Registration Form (147kb)

Training Schedule

What to expect

Absolute Triathlon will guide you through the specific aspects of Open Water Swimming including: 

• Mass starts
• Drafting
• Open water turns
• Sighting
• Building confidence
• Advice on wetsuits and events

These skills are vital for the extra demands of open water swimming and our experienced & qualified Triathlon Coaches will guide you through your first session or enhance the technique of more experienced Triathletes.

You will need to provide your own wetsuit and goggles and please bring a brightly coloured swim hat.

"I just wanted to thank both yourself and Nick for the most enjoyable open water experience this evening. To say I felt sick prior to getting into the water is an understatement! I now feel absolutely euphoric and will be back with you guys on Wednesday for another go at it. I now know that I can train for the longer distance triathlon which is such an amazing feeling as it was the open water swim aspect which was putting me off. My brother completed the Lanzarote Ironman about 10 years ago and I would love to think that I could at least do an Olympic distance next season with the aim to...well who knows?!

Thank you once again and please pass on my thanks to Nick."

What we offer:

• Exclusive use of the lake - no fishermen or boats
• A qualified & experienced BTF Coach leading the session
• Water that is checked and certified on a regular basis
• Guidance on the specific aspects of open water swimming
• Safe training
• Free & convenient parking
• Changing rooms & hot showers
• A bar serving drinks and snacks
• HPP is the home of the National Relays and 'Outlaw' long distance triathlon
• Lots of support, encouragement & motivation