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TRIP OVERVIEW

1 day
UK Coaching
1km
Beginner

Tour Highlights

  • Develop your your open water swimming confidence and skills under the supervision of our expert swim guides

  • Join a group of like-minded swimmers and unlock the physical and mental benefits of open water on Brighton’s beachfront

  • Experience a unique coastal swim and improve your technique and conditioning in a safely supervised environment

Welcome to our pilot Mental Health Programme for Emergency Service Personnel. This is the first of it's kind involving Open Water Swimming and we are excited to support as many individuals as possible. If you have come across this page and have not already been in communication directly with SwimTrek or your organisation then please get in touch before booking. Please email Nikki at nikki@swimtrek.com

We know outdoor swimming works wonders for your mental health – cold water immersion and open water swims have been used by humans for centuries during states of imaginative drought or depression, from Charles Darwin to the modern-day Iceman, Wim Hof.

Our all-new Introduction to Open Water for Mental Health attempts to explore this natural connection further, bringing you deeper into the meditative process of swimming outdoors to achieve that natural, post-swim endorphin high we all know and love!

Discover the wonderful benefits (both physical and mental) that flow naturally from the simple act and minor stresses of open water swimming. These include:

  • Control your body temperature and gain better conditioning to manage the cold.
  • Learn to overcome 'deep water fear' and 'cold water shock'.
  • Experience a post-swim spike of endorphins.
  • Improve your metabolism - burn cellulite and fat.
  • Reduce cholesterol levels.
  • Flush and improve your circulatory system, shunting blood through capillaries, veins and arteries.
  • Exfoliate your skin.
  • Reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Boost your immune system, increasing your white blood cell counts.

The list of positive physiological and psychological benefits continues to grow as studies and experiments evolve. While we discover some of the benefits mentioned above, your expert guides will also help to hone your technique and enable you to improve your cardio as you strengthen your heart and lungs. Swimming has the added benefit of not stressing your joints and ligaments, like running or cycling can sometimes do. Suspended on the surface, partially buoyant, you'll learn to develop your stroke and breathing techniques in an incredible environment.

Who is this trip for?

These sessions are for those who recognise their mental health might be struggling, or for those who want to introduce a new activity to their lifestyle to help support their mental wellbeing.

These are not therapy sessions or swimming lessons, but an encouraging learning environment the help you reach your potential. You will be supported to develop the confidence and skills required to enjoy the open water. The sessions will start in the swimming pool, but progress to the open water.

Please book onto all of the dates you are able to make. You will be asked to set up an account, this is so we can collect your medical information confidentially. A donation will only be required for 12th July. If you are unable to make a donation of £20, this is not a problem, just get in touch with us directly at nikki@swimtrek.com.

Programme Schedule

Start Point: Fika Cafe

Start Time: 12:30, ready to swim at 12:45. Except on Day 1. Please meet at 12:15 if possible

Finish Point: Sea Lanes Swimming Pool

Finish Time: 1345

Intro to Open Water Programme

Our six week programme is fully funded by SwimTrek, however we do ask for a donation of £20 to support our chosen charity: Sea-Trees.

Sea Trees directly supports communities and scientists who protect and regenerate blue carbon coastal ecosystems. It is essential that our project supports your health as well as well as the health of the open water, the very environment we are working in. 100% of your contribution will be donated to Sea Trees. Because this programme is fully funded, please ensure you can commit to 5/6 sessions.

Please book onto all of the dates you are able to make. You will be asked to set up an account, this is so we can collect your medical information confidentially. A donation will only be required for 12th July. If you are unable to make a donation of £20, this is not a problem, just get in touch with us directly at nikki@swimtrek.com.

Week 1

During our first week, we will focus on basic breathing technique and confidence in the water. This is a chance for you to dig out your swimwear and towel and even a pair of goggles and get splashing in the brilliant facility of sea lanes.

Week 2

We grow in confidence during our second session and start to look at more open water specific techniques to challenge your body position in the water and learn new skills.

Week 3

Depending on how we are feeling, we either cement what we have learnt over the first two weeks or we progress into the sea. The beauty of Sea lanes, is the location gives up both options, right on our door step.

Week 4

Just over half way, we will be making our way into the sea. This will be a chance to put into practice what we have already learnt in a challenging environment but with full safety and support of your instructors.

Week 5

Today we push ourselves a little further and aim to cover some distance, concentrating on swimming and breathing techniques.

Week 6

On our final day, we enjoy what the sea has to offer and share our appreciation for the environment. We will finish with a cuppa at Fika where you are welcome to join us if time allows.

What's included?

  • Fully guided Introduction To Open Water For Mental Health
  • Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims
  • Technique advice with expert insights

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the tour in Brighton
  • Hot drinks or food at Fika

For more info, email Nikki at nikki@swimtrek.com