Want to get into open water swimming? This course is for you, we make it easy for you to get in the water and start swimming outdoors. From no-idea to no-fear in a single day.

A introduction to open water swimming for beginners based in the beautiful Lake District.

Venue: Event base Ambleside & Rydal Water. Meet at Head to the Hills, 2 Compston Road, AMBLESIDE LA22 9DJ.

Start Time: Morning Session 09:30 - approx 13:00

Cost: £49

Available Dates:

Sun 26th May 2013 - book online >
Wed 29th May 2013 - book online >
Sat 15th June 2013 - book online >
Sat 13th July 2013 - Book online >

Click to watch our 'Intro to Open Water Swimming' Trailer.

Introduction to open water swimming course details:

We will begin the day at our swimming base in Ambleside. Over a mug of coffee we will have a presentation & briefing session before moving to Rydal Water to begin our open water swim training

Our Lake is the perfect venue for an introduction to how to swim open water, providing safe and sheltered swimming in a beautiful location. It is here that we’ll introduce you to the watery world of wild swimming, covering aspects of safety and the basics of open water swimming that will give you a good foundation upon which to build your future wild swimming adventures.

We’ll look at the effects of weather on the water, how to swim safely, how to navigate effectively and swim in a straight line (not as easy as it may seem!).  We'll consider swimming technique and open water swimming tips, plus equipment and how to use it.

Throughout the morning we will cover up to a mile of swimming with regular breaks on the pebble beaches and islands of Rydal; this is a fun and information packed session which we hope will build confidence and inspire.

This course is not about how fast you can swim now, its about making the transition from the pool to open water to enjoy swimming outdoors safely; understanding the natural environment, its effect on you and your technique.

Our session structure may vary according to our wonderful Cumbrian climate which we hope will add to the character of each swim! Our day will end at about 13:00 on the Lake shore for some well earned tea & biscuits and to plan your future wild swimming adventures.

Head to the Hills are insured, RLSS Lifeguard covered and run by experienced open water swimmers and coaches.

Whats' Included: A great time, friendly guides, land and water based instruction, safety considerations, Course leaflet, Tea /coffee biscuits, lots of smiles guaranteed.

What’s not Included: Travel to the venue, meals and accommodation costs.

Swim gear: We have swimming wetsuits available for hire if you don’t have a wetsuit.

Swimwear, rash-vests, swim socks and gloves, hats and goggles are available at our Head to the Hills base or click here to buy from our website.

Book Introduction to Open Water Swimming:

Sun 26th May 2013 - book online >
Wed 29th May 2013 - book online >
Sat 15th June 2013 - book online >
Sat 13th July 2013 am - Book online >

Customer Testimonials:

"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."

"thank you for a super day last Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned a great deal in preparation for my participation in the Great North Swim."  Best wishes, Mike Farrimond.

"I wanted to let you know how much 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!" Kind regards, Erik.

Reviews: Intro to Open Water Swimming Course Reviews 2012 >

Photos: Intro to Open Water Swimming 2012 Photo Gallery >

Blog: First into the Water: Intro to Open Water Swimming >