Open water swimming is an incredible experience and is accessible to anyone who can already swim in deep water.The best way to get started is with a qualified open water swim coach. A guided introduction helps you understand what to expect, how to stay safe, and how to adapt from the pool to swimming in lakes, rivers or the sea.At Pool2Lake, I believe that building confidence from the very beginning is key. A positive first experience gives you the skills, knowledge and reassurance to enjoy open water safely and confidently, whether your goal is to swim for wellbeing, adventure or competitive events.My introductory sessions cover everything you need to know, including entering and exiting the water, breathing, acclimatising to colder temperatures, sighting, and essential safety tips. By the end of your session, you’ll have a solid foundation for the next stage of your open water swimming journe

The Harpenden Pool session is a friendly, welcoming swim squad with six lanes, designed for swimmers of mixed abilities who can already swim front crawl. The session operates on a drop-in basis, making it easy to join us when it suits you.Please note that bookings close on Tuesday morning before the session takes place. As we are unable to make changes after this point, no refunds or transfers are available for Harpenden drop-in bookings.When you arrive, there’s no need to pay anything extra at reception if you’ve already booked your session.There is up to two hours of free parking. Simply enter your vehicle registration into the parking terminal located outside the crèche.Lockers are available and require a £1 coin, so it’s worth bringing one with you.Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the session starts to allow time for parking, changing and a pre-swim chat.”

You don’t need to be super fit to join our pool squad  but you must be able to swim two lengths of front crawl without stopping, with your face in the water.My sessions are designed for mixed ability front crawl swimmers, so whether you’re looking to improve your technique, build your fitness or gain confidence, you’ll be swimming alongside others with similar goals.Every session includes weekly feedback with options to suit different abilities, so you’ll progress at your own pace. Most swimmers notice improvements in both their fitness and technique surprisingly quickly with regular attendance.If you’re thinking about joining, why not come along and give it a try? I would love to welcome you to the Pool2Lake squad.

All of the pool sessions and Saturday Fitness Sessions at Denham are based on front crawl.For my Introduction to Open Water Swimming sessions, you can swim any stroke. The focus is not on speed or distance but on building confidence and making sure you have a reallly good time. For all sessions, you should be comfortable treading water.

Unfortunately, not. For the swim groups you need to be able to swim front crawl. Swimming breaststroke in the open water is totally fine. If you are wanting to learn front crawl, book a private lesson or sign up for some swimming lessons at your local pool where you can learn front crawl.

The pool allows you to work on your technique, increase your stamina and fitness and to swim efficiently, so when the lakes open at the start of the season you're ready. It's also easier for your coach to correct your stroke from pool side. Mastering key open water techniques in the pool gives you the confidence when you tackle the open water, which may be a daunting experience in itself. The pool becomes your good place to psychologically push through the open water challenge as you have trained and completed the distance in the pool.Remember it takes time, dedication and hard work to have a good front crawl technique.

Choose an event you would like to enter. The events could be a pool triathlon, open water or sea swim. Preparation and training are the key to a successful and enjoyable event.Triathlon swim distancesSprint - 750m - 30 lengthsOlympic - 1.5km - 60 lengthsHalf Ironman- 1.9km - 76 lengthsFull Ironman - 3.8km - 152 lengths* lengths calculated for 25m poolOpen water circuit lengths for the various lakes in and around Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire:Stanborough - 400mDenham - 400m - 1000mBoxend - 750mMerchant Taylors - 750m

The feeling of panic and being out of breath when swimming in open water is a very real feeling. In the introduction to open water sessions, we work on options and tips for you to take control. The best thing is to use the buoyancy of the wetsuit and sit in the water. Catch your breath, look around and assess what you want to do. Decide if you want to raise your hand and call for help or you have calmed down and then able to swim on. Panic is very common at the start of events and also at the start of the open water season when the water temperatures are still very cold. Never start swimming or leave the start area until you have fully acclimatised. Swimming with a tow float not only makes you visible to other swimmers and water craft but it will give you something to hang onto while you catch your breath, calm yourself and collect your thoughts.

As long as you are able to swim front crawl, it really doesn't matter how fast you are. The pool training sessions offered with pool2lake are front crawl based and designed for you to swim at your own pace and within your ability. There might be swimmers faster or slower than you. Even if you are in a group session, everyone is working hard on improving their own swimming techniques and you won't be holding back any other participants. Swimming in the open water, you can swim breaststroke, front crawl or a mix of both strokes. You can be competitive and swim fast as you like or just have a leisurely swim. Open water is your journey and your experience.

Plan what event you would like to do - sea swim, open water, swimathon or pool triathlon - or whether you just want to get better at front crawl. Understand what training needs to be done, like your swim distance. How many lengths do I need to swim in the pool? Have I practiced my open water techniques in the pool? Do you know how to swim straight?Join a swim group as you always train harder and it's fun being with like-minded people.Monday: Hatfield 7.00am - 8.00amTuesday: Harpenden 9.00am OR 9.45amTuesday: Luton Inspire 12.15 - 1.15pmWednesday: Luton Inspire 6.15am - 7.15amWednesday: St Albans, Townsend School 7.30pmWednesday: St Albans, Townsend School 8.30pmRemember, open water swimming is very different to pool swimming but Pool2Lake has a lot of experience helping swimmers of all ages perfect their techniques in the pool and make the transition to open water or wild swimming.

Stanborough LakesBoxendDenham WaterskiMerchant TaylorsHeron LakeRedricks Bray LakeFirst time open water swimmers are highly recommended to join an introduction session. If you are determined to go it alone do make sure to swim in a managed lake where lifeguards are on duty with other safety measures in place. Google the above lakes to help make a booking as each lake has different booking systems.

If you’re planning to swim in open water regularly, it’s well worth investing in a proper open water or triathlon wetsuit. They’re designed specifically for swimming, with flexible shoulders to make your stroke feel more natural. They also provide extra buoyancy and help keep you warmer, so you can stay in the water for longer and enjoy your swim more.If you’re thinking of buying one, it’s always a good idea to try a few at first if you can. Sigma Sports in Letchworth stocks a range of open water swimming wetsuits that you can try on in store.Not ready to buy one yet? No problem! You can hire a surf wetsuit from Denham on the day of your swim for just £4. It’s a great way to give open water swimming a go before deciding whether to invest in your own wetsuit.

The lakes in the UK generally open at the end of April. The water temperature will be about 8 to 10 degrees so it will still be very cold. It's really important to follow the cold water swimming guidelines. Enter the water gradually, breathing in and out, also fully acclimatise before you leave the start area of the lake.

Yes. I would make sure the nose clip is attached to the goggles with an elastic band to prevent you losing it.

No leaky goggles! Speedo, Aqua Sphere, Zoggs, Arena, TYR, it really doesn't matter what brand. It is imperative your goggles do not leak. You can wear pool goggles in the open water. Consider the lens colour to cope with different lighting conditions. Smokey or mirrored google lenses are good for sunny conditions. Clear lenses are best for misty grey days.

I can definitley help you with private swim coaching at private pools. Please send me and email: heather.schelhase@gmail.com

We recommend bringing:Your swimming costumeWetsuit (if using one) or hire on the day of your swimBrightly coloured swim hatTow float (if required)GogglesWarm clothes for afterwardsTowelFlip-flopsA hot drink and snack for after your swimBobble hat and gloves at the start of the season or end of the season