The Swim - Race Easier, Swim Smarter

Technique Meets Open Water Skills

We believe there’s more to swim training than just ticking off lengths in the pool. While building endurance is important, technique and open water skills are what truly elevate a triathlete’s swim performance.

It starts with swimming well before swimming far. Many athletes push for distance too soon, reinforcing poor habits that drain energy and limit speed. It's important to pinpoint inefficiencies like a sinking head, misaligned kick, or wide hand entry and introduce focused drills to improve form, before you push the distance.

By developing better body position, stroke mechanics, and timing, you’ll travel further with each stroke and conserve vital energy for the bike and run. A technically efficient swimmer not only moves faster but exits the water fresher and more composed.

But triathlon swimming doesn’t happen in lanes, and pool technique needs to translate to the open water. That’s where specific race-day skills come in.

Sessions should also include essential open water skills to prepare you for real race conditions. From sighting (lifting your head without disrupting your rhythm), to drafting (swimming close to another athlete to reduce drag), to managing the chaos of mass starts and navigating buoys—we train you to stay composed and in control, no matter the conditions.

Canterbury Classic Triathlon

Through regular open water training in lakes and coastal spots will give you hands-on experience to build confidence in cold, choppy, or crowded environments. Because open water success isn’t just about physical skill—it’s about smart decisions, adaptability, and staying calm under pressure.

Coach’s Tip: In every swim session, focus on one technical element at a time. And when you take it to open water, stay relaxed, sight smart, and don’t be afraid to practise with purpose.