FRONT CRAWL
BOOT CAMP
two days focused on enhancing your technique in the water

GET CLOSER TO THE ZEN

The idea of an immersive weekend dedicated to front crawl swimming was conceived a few years ago and evolved into different sessions for beginners and advanced swimmers. This year, I'm introducing an intermediate weekend to the lineup. Unlike military-style boot camps, these weekends focus more on enjoyable swimming experiences. Strength and flexibility training, which are increasingly vital for our health and well-being, will play a bigger role in the 2024 camps, enhancing our ability to swim more smoothly and keep us injury-free. Front crawl can be challenging, especially for beginners, but these weekends aim to break down the technical aspects into manageable segments. With plenty of enthusiasm, you'll see significant progress.

In my swimming sessions, I often talk about the 'zen' I experience with front crawl. For me, it's the moment when my breathing and body align perfectly, my rotation feels just right, and I am surrounded by the vast abyss beneath me. My rhythm flows, and my focus is entirely in the present. Achieving this state has taken years of practice, and I continually train to maintain it. If I don't push myself, practice my stroke, and strive for improvement, it's harder to reach this zen state, and that doesn't feel as good.

I became an open water coach and personal trainer to help others find their own zen. While front crawl across a deep, dark mountain lake is where I feel at peace, your place of comfort might be different.

However, we all want to feel amazing, right?

I want to help you improve your front crawl technique and feel incredible in open water. This isn't about winning your next triathlon or swimming event (but it might be!); it's about refining your stroke to make you feel wonderful.

We will meet at a lake in Eryri/Snowdonia National Park on the first morning and will stay at the same lake for the first day. Depending on logistics and weather conditions, we may visit a different nearby lake on the second day.

CONTACT ME DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS DATES

COSTS

£200 PER PERSON | RATIO 1:6

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

COACHING | VIDEO ANALYSIS | GUIDING

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

TRANSPORT | FOOD & DRINKS
IN WATER PHOTOGRAPHY | ACCOMMODATION

WHAT WILL THE TWO DAYS BE LIKE?

THE COACHING

What will we do?

We will focus on improving our front crawl stroke. Even if you don't swim crawl often, you have a foundation to build on. We'll address your specific areas for improvement and set personal goals to achieve by the end of the weekend, recognising that everyone has different needs and starting points.

We'll have practical sessions both in and out of the water, and for intermediate and advanced weekends, we'll include longer swims to apply what we've learned. The emphasis will not be on speed or time; instead, we'll concentrate on perfecting stroke technique to enhance your swimming enjoyment. Increased speed will follow naturally.

THE SWIMMING

What will it be like?

All swimming sessions will be held in valley lakes, with minimal walking involved, as our primary focus is on refining swim stroke technique. However, be prepared for some walking.

We will have multiple swim sessions each day, with ample breaks to warm up and refuel in between. Between swims, we will hold land-based discussions and practical workshops. Depending on travel logistics and weather conditions, we might visit more than one lake over the course of the weekend.

THE WEATHER

But it always rains in Wales!

The mountains are inherently wet, an integral part of the water cycle that makes the lakes and swimming experiences so amazing!

This weekend is about embracing the fine Welsh weather and taking everything it gives us in our stride. Sometimes the weather can challenge us with difficult conditions, sometimes we can adapt, and other times it presents us with incredible opportunities. Have you ever swum in mountain mist? It's magical! Or taken a dip in fierce winds that make you feel alive? Or in water so still and glassy that it's hard to break its perfection?

Safety is always our top priority, and the exact locations we visit will depend on the weather conditions each day. If the forecast is unsafe, I will always offer an alternative date for the weekend.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

You can bring whatever you prefer for swimming. I recommend wearing what you usually swim in outdoors; bringing a brand new wetsuit if you typically swim in a bikini can introduce new challenges, as can choosing to swim in just a swimsuit if you usually wear a full wetsuit. If you have any concerns about your gear, please feel free to reach out to me.

This is a suggested kit list

Warm hat

Warm jacket

Waterproof trousers and jacket

Trainers

Swimsuits/wetsuit

Towfloat

Pull Buoy/Float (if you have them - if you don't I highly recommend you invest!)

Swimming Booties/Gloves (if required)

Swimcaps

Goggles

Towels/Robie/Dry Robe

Personal first aid kit/medication

Lunch

Hot drinks

Bag for wet kit

Rucksack / Bag to put everything in

My favourite portrait captured by _jodydaunton for The Water Volume - _anotherescape ._.jp

ABOUT ME

I am an artist, outdoor swimmer and health and fitness coach. I live in the hills of North Wales with my partner, AJ and our little dog Bella. I grew up on the beautiful South Coast in the New Forest and regularly return to visit family.

My project #swimsnowdonia was listed amongst 'The 10 most inspiring adventures' in The Guardian and has been the focus of several short films including a music video for the band Elbow. 'Afterglow' a short film about my passion for both my creativity and cold water swimming won Best Woman in Adventure Gold Award at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival., Best Short Film at The Four Season Film Festival and was recently selected for The Patagonia Film Festival in Santa Monica. I was included in the first San Miguel Rich List, 'a unique list of men and women who value experiences over any possession' and listed as one of Britain's 101 Adventurers. I was featured in an ITV documentary 'The Mountain ' which followed the lives of a selection of people who live and work on the busiest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon and various features on the BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and Channel 5.

I am a Qualified Teacher, Personal Trainer, Nutritional Advisor, Sports Massage Therapist, Mountain Leader, Open Water Swimming Coach, RLSS Open Water Lifeguard, RYA Day Skipper and hold RYA Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster Offshore Theory. I hold Emergency First Aid in the Outdoors, Level 3 Exercise Referral, STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher Award and Certificate, and STA Level 2 Baby & Pre-School Aquatic Teacher. I am an RLSS Trainer and have more than 10 previous years of experience lifesaving in swimming pools.

Photo © Jody Daunton