Epic Taupo RealSwim Adventure
January is always an exciting time in New Zealand. Summer is in full swing, holidays are upon us and it's a great time to be open water swimming. We have just completed our Epic Taupo RealSwim trip which was hands down our best to date. We can put a trip itinerary together but who books on the trip and the magic that happens is totally unscripted and when it all comes together; great people, awesome location, perfect weather and fun swimming - well that's the magic. But rather than us telling the story here is some feedback from guests this January 2016 ...
What’s Up?
After a great summer in the UK and a successful October Cook Islands RealSwim we are pleased the warmer weather has finally arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand. Yes another summer is on the cards for FitandAbels head coach, much to the chagrin of the team at http://www.h2openmagazine.com...
The Cook Islands
We are just back from an amazing RealSwim Adventure week set in the clear and warm waters of the Cook Islands. It is an amazing trip and we aren't just talking about the swimming. Read on to see the latest package and itinerary for our 2016 Cook Islands RealSwim Adventure. Introducing our brand new Cook Islands RealSwim Adventures package. The Basics provides just that - $1500NZD gets you a week of swim guides, safety cover, event hosting for the week, charter boats, refreshments and nutrition while on the charter boats. For flights and accommodation you have the option of booking yourself or we can help … we have partnered up...
Ruths Story
Swimming, and swimming outdoors in particular, gives me a wonderful feeling of wellbeing in mind and body. Coming to the Lido, either for Rio training squad sessions or a lesson with Dan is time out of life, a little window of relaxation where nothing is more important than working on your stroke or your breathing....
I Swim Because …
Some thoughts on swimming, written by members of the Rio Talent Squad...
Moving to the Dark Side
Nancy Shaw is a regular Tooting Bec Lido swimmer who has just been through a very thorough process in purchasing a wetsuit. She’s made a lot of good decisions on the way and learnt some good lessons. I asked Nancy if she would kindly share her wetsuit journey with our readers. Thank you Nancy. Ed...
Cool Swim ‘Stuff’
In the north … summer is upon us. In the south you will need dreams of Fun Swims to get you through the winter months. Wherever you are we’ve compiled a little list of ‘cool swim stuff’ that we love and we think you may too:...
The Case
One of the most regular expressions we use when coaching is “the fastest way to the finish line is a straight line and it is also one of the hardest things to do in the open water. It’s certainly a lot easier to achieve if you can see where you are going” This is going to sound simplistic however, so many get it wrong; an appropriate set of goggles that gives you quality clear vision are a vital component of straight line open water swimming. As part of a normal progression in open water swimming a person will naturally figure out (by advice and trial...
Our Top Ten for the Open Water
Preparation is key; get your swim technique refined and rehearse it often enough before you hit the open water. In the open water all you want to concentrate on is open water skills and having fun not what your arms and legs are doing. Swim with others/Buddy up; it’s more fun, you’ll have more confidence and reassurance Self-talk is everything. If you say it often enough you’ll believe it… “The water is refreshing, invigorating and exciting” versus “The water is freezing and I’m scared” Do some research or ask a local; measure the distance on a map (Judging distance over water is difficult), check the tides, ask about...
Swim Family
I have been reading a number negative media posts this week about swimming, specifically the big kahuna of swimming administrators - FINA. Some serious and important questions are being asked about where their priorities lay http://www.swimvortex.com/specials/fina-future/ I care a lot about the outcome of such issues. Also I don’t care at all. Why? Because swimming is swimming. And even if one organisation is influenced more by money than the true spirit of the sport, the true spirit of the sport will continue to live on. ...