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Introduction to Open Water Swimming Course

Location: Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincraig, PH21 1NU

2025 DATES

7th June – FULLY BOOKED

19th July

9th August

£85

Come and join SwimWild’s experienced coach Alice Goodridge for a morning focused on introducing you to the joys of open water swimming!

Our Introduction to Open Water Swimming course is a great way to start your outdoor swimming journey, increase your confidence and improve your open water skills. 

Start time: 9am

Duration: The course will run for approximately 2.5 hours

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Who is this course for?

SwimWild’s Introduction to Open Water Swimming course is suitable for –

  • Total open water beginners, making the transition from the pool swimming to outdoor swimming
  • People who have entered (or are thinking about entering) a open water event or challenge 
  • People who already swim or dip outdoors but who want to increase their knowledge of open water swim safety
  • People who already swim or dip outdoors but who want to increase their confidence and/or gain additional open water skills

*Wetsuits are optional*

Minimum requirements – you should already be able to swim and feel comfortable treading water.

Stroke – Breaststroke and front crawl swimmers are welcome.

What do I need to bring? 

All you need to bring is your normal swim kit and a towel. We can provide all open water equipment (neoprene gloves/socks, tow-floats, warm robes etc) however you are welcome to bring your own kit, if you have it. 

Wetsuits hire can also be organised with prior notice. 

The Introduction to Open Water Swimming course includes both dry land and in-water sessions.

Theory session (land-based)

  • Open Water Basics – Important differences between pool and open water swimming.
  • Cold water immersion – Learn how your body responds to cold water, including cold water shock, hypothermia, afterdrop, and how to warm up safely.
  • Weather & environmental factors – Understand how wind, waves, and temperature affect your swim.
  • Swim safety & risk assessment – Learn how to stay safe in the water and identify potential hazards.
  • Kit & equipment – Explore options for staying safe and comfortable in open water.

Practical Session (in-water)

  • Water entry & acclimatisation
  • Sculling/floating exercises
  • Breathing basics
  • Sighting & basic open water skills
  • Short distance swim to practice what we have learned 

We’ll finish with post-swim hot drinks, a debrief session and a chance for Alice to answer any questions. 

Please note that wetsuits hire is NOT included, but can be arranged with prior notice.

alice selfie knoydart

Alice Goodridge

Your coach

Alice is an ASA Level 2 swimming teacher and STA Level 2 Open Water Swimming coach with years of experience teaching and coaching swimmers of all ages and abilities in the pool and in open water. Alice is an accomplished long-distance swimmer, having completed numerous solo swims, including swimming the English Channel and the length of Loch Lomond & Loch Awe. Alice is a fully qualified Beach Lifeguard (RLSS NVBLQ) and holds an up-to-date Outdoor First Aid certificate.

More about Alice

Photo 09-05-2020, 11 21 29 copy

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What our swimmers say…

I have always found swimming intimidating and challenging, from the very concept of wearing a swimming suit to the technique of moving and breathing well in water. That was partly why I wanted to give this a go, to throw away some of those fears through learning  – as well as for the sake of being outdoors. 

I still can’t believe what you have enabled me to do! 
It’s given me so many useful technical points to focus on to progress, but most importantly it’s given me the confidence to do things I’d never thought possible: putting my head in the water, doing a starfish!
 
Thank you for sharing your expertise and being such a great facilitator. I hope I’ll get to see you all soon in or by the water!
Morgane Artacho
Introduction to Open Water Swimming course - 2023

A great coaching session, would definitely recommend! Alice is very knowledgeable, friendly and an excellent communicator. For anyone looking to begin their open water journey, or to fine tune their technique, I would highly recommend. Alice explained water safety, before we went into the water and then focused on my stroke, giving me pointers to improve. Really easy to follow her instruction with encouragement all the way! Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Helen Joiner
Introduction to Open Water Swimming course - 2021

I really enjoyed the Introduction to Open Water Swimming Course with Alice. She was very helpful and pitched the course just at the right level for our group of women who where nervous about going into the water. Felt very comfortable with her coaching technique and in safe hands. Going on this course was definitely the right choice for making the first step towards wild swimming. I would also go back and do more swimming adventures with Alice in the future.

Angela Michie
Private group coaching 2021

Great beginner’s open water course with Alice who is great fun and a fantastic instructor. I can recommend SwimWild highly and will definitely be booking another course soon!

Catherine Stephens
Introduction to Open Water Swimming course - 2021

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