Open Water Training Camp

If you are interested in developing your swimming in a fun, supportive environment then join us for a four-day training camp in November to set you up for your New Zealand summer of swimming.

Lake Brunner is located in Moana on the West Coast of NZ’s South Island, and provides the perfect training ground for distance swimming and practicing endurance open water skills.

Our experienced coaches, who both have an abundance of endurance open water swim experience, are passionate about helping you prepare for your long-distance swim goals.
We will focus on open water skills, but will also cover theory to suit the group which may include; how to prepare for your swim goals, nutrition, and technique. The swims will be a mixture of set course and adventure swims, plus we will guide you through a relaxed stretching session and enjoy a group nature walk, (weather dependent).

The set course swims provide us as coaches, the chance to observe your swimming, collate observations, and give you feedback and advice to take your swimming to the next level. As a swimmer it provides you the opportunity to develop your distance swimming skills; feeding, sighting, navigating, holding pace & building your endurance and confidence in a safe and fun environment.
The adventure swim/s (weather dependant) allow us to explore different and unique areas of this stunning lake while covering distance and adding variety to your open water swimming.

An important part of your swim training is ensuring your training follows a nice progression eg; a steady increase in training volumes and/or intensity. Swimming 3km+ requires consistency and commitment to training and excellent nutrition. All of which greatly reduces the risk of injury and vastly increases your chances of success.

All swims on this camp are tow float compulsory.

There will be five swims and two dryland clinics across the four days. Whether you are aiming to complete a 3km, 5km, 7km, 10km or 20km swim, or are simply after a weekend loaded with swimming, this camp is for you.

Water Temperature
The Lake Brunner water temperature could be anywhere between 12c and 20c. It is of course dependent on the weather in the weeks leading up to the swim weekend.

If you have any questions about this camp, please email Chloe: swimcoach@fitandabel.com

27 – 30 November 2025

3 nights, 4 days

The schedule for this camp can change. Factors influencing the schedule; swimmers abilities and goals, the weather, safety, lake water levels and water quality.

Day One; Thursday 27 November

Day Two; Friday 28 November

Day Three; Saturday 29 November 

Day Four; Sunday 30 November

What you can expect across the weekend:
– precise, well-considered swim planning, course set up and swim safety for five swims
– on water support and managed feeding station
– two dry land clinics and the sharing of advice and knowledge
– two experienced, expert coaches and one camp manager
– access to the local yacht club and facilities
– BBQ venue & BBQ meat provided for Saturday night evening meal.

Total cost;$695 NZD per person. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.

Accommodation, transport and other meals not included.

• A non refundable deposit is required to confirm your Swim Camp booking.
• Full payment is required for a booking no later than 60 days from the trip start date.
• If a payment plan is a good option for you, we are happy to work with you to achieve this. Please email; info@fitandabel.com

The Lake Brunner water temperature could be anywhere between 12c and 18c. It is of course dependent on the weather in the weeks leading up to the swim weekend as to how quickly the water will warm up. Bring extra warm swimming gear with you just in case…you can’t use it if you don’t have it! You can use your first 1-2 swims to decide what to wear for your longer swims. It will be individual for everyone.

• Swim Suits x2-3
• Wetsuit
• Sun cream
• Goggles x2 
• Towels x2-3…if you have a towel robe these are great for post swim changing lakeside
• Warm clothing
• Nutrition: your choice of food options that you will want to use to fuel you during the swims. If this is new to you, and an area you are looking to learn about during the weekend, feel free to contact us so we can assist you with what to bring in preparation. Email; info@fitandabel.com.
• Drink bottles, clearly marked with your name
• Hydration: electrolytes or similar if you choose to use these
• Tow float – if you don’t own one, you may borrow one from us for the duration of the trip. These will be compulsory on all swims. Pink, orange or yellow are all excellent visible colours.
• Notepad and pen 
• Yoga mat or thick towel

• This camp is kindly supported by Hotel Lake Brunner, our preferred accommodation provider in Moana, Lake Brunner. If you choose to book with them for this swim camp, you will receive a 10% discount on your booking. Please ask us for the code. We also choose Hotel Lake Brunner for our group evening meals.
• If you are traveling with a group of friends, you may like to consider booking a house in the township.
• Lake Brunner Motor Camp has cabins, caravan sites, motorhome sites and tent sites available.

Please email info@fitandabel.com if you would like any further assistance with accommodation information for the weekend. We recommend booking early as Lake Brunner is a popular holiday spot.