Frequently Asked Questions
1. What strokes do people swim??
Although the majority swim front crawl, we often have a number of breaststrokers as well. Having different swimming groups, means you can swim whatever stroke you want.
2. What swim speed will I need to go at??
The great feature of a SwimTrek trip is the range of swimming speeds that are catered for. At the start of the trip, swimmers are grouped according to their swim speed. Generally, there are between 2-3 groups depending on the individuals on each tour. Therefore everyone is put into a group of their own speed and hence, there is no need to swim too quickly or too slowly. All groups are looked after by a safety escort.
3. How fit do I need to be to come on a trip??
It is important at the start of the tour, that you are able to swim, at a steady pace for the average tour distance, which is stipulated on each trip's web page. This will ensure that you can complete most of the crossings and also help you maximise your enjoyment of the tour. Please take time to look at our detailed SwimTrek Training Plan to see suggested training distances to be achieved in the pool before your trip.
5. How many hours a day will I be swimming??
This will of course, vary between trips and your own swimming speed, but you can estimate that you will be swimming between 2-3 hours a day.
6. Do I have to swim all the crossings??
No. You always have the opportunity, to catch a ride on the escort boat at any time. Have a cup of tea or some juice and jump back in, if or when you want.
7. How are we looked after, on the swims??
You will be escorted on the crossings by a number of boats, which will provide safety cover and provide drinks and nutrition throughout the swim. The guides will also be on board to assist you in improving your technique. You can of course, at any time, get on one board one of the boats.8. Any non-swimming activities??
There are some great walks to and from the start/finish point of our swims, which are of an easy to moderate standard. Varied trips to local sights of interest combined with plenty of opportunities in the evening to go out in town and have a relaxing meal and drink with the group, make for an enjoyable time.
9. I don't think I could swim these distances!?
You may think that you could not swim these distances in the pool. This could be down to the fact that you simply get bored, when going up and down the pool. Giving yourself enough time to train before your departure, will allow you to achieve the distances on the trip. Use the SwimTrek Training Plan to steadily build up your endurance. Also, with the greater buoyancy of sea water (making swimming easier!) and the psychological effect of seeing your target destination, ahead of you, swimming the distance in the sea is generally easier than in the pool.
10. I also want to improve my swimming technique.?
There are a number of stroke technique differences between the pool and open water. Throughout the trip, we will continually work on improving your open water swimming stroke, through demonstrations and lessons where required.11. What about Marine life??
Encountering various marine life is one of the great joys of these trips. It's not simply head down and swim to the next island. From sea turtles in Greece, dolphins in Scotland, seals in the Scillies and porpoises in Turkey, the sea life will enchant you.
Although generally absent from our trips, Jellyfish can theoretically be present in all of the locations that we go to. However, most of the jellyfish varieties that we are likely to encounter are of the non-stinging type.
12. What will my fellow swimmers be like??
Swimming, by its nature is a low impact, medium intensity work out, enabling a cross-section of ages to come on our tours. They may be anything from teenagers to the retired, alone or with a friend, experienced open water swimmers or those unfamiliar to being outside the swimming pool. You can rest assured, that the common love of swimming in the great outdoors, makes for a truly memorable trip.
13. How often do you cancel a trip??
As we travel in small groups, 95% of our trips operate - so you can be confident of going on the trip of your choice.
14. How safe are your destinations??
We constantly monitor the latest Foreign Office travel advice for each destination we visit. If, a month prior to the trip, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advise against travel to that area of the country, we will not operate the trip concerned and provide you with either a full refund of all fees paid or we will come up with an alternative trip for the same dates. FCO Travel Advice