Training

Deal Tri hold 3 pool-based training sessions throughout the week coached by our voluntary, qualified and experienced team: Charlie Laws, Torren Peakman, Darren Beeching and Tim Wiseman.  They have a wealth of experience between them and are very approachable so please make the most of this resource but also bare in mind that they give up their time freely to coach these sessions. 

At each session the swim lanes are divided according to ability with a steady/training lane at each session.  If you're new to a session please make yourself known to the ticket collector who will introduce you to the coach: they can then brief you prior to the session and assign you an appropriate swim lane. 

Details of these sessions are available on our training page but below are a few guidelines for swimming at these sessions:  

Pool Etiquette

• Arrive at swim venue 10-15 mins before session start time
• Shower before coming poolside - it's common courtesy to your fellow swimmers
• Be ready at poolside for instruction by the coach 5 mins before the start time with a drink, pull buoy and any extras highlighted on the forum threads
• Please do not talk when the coaches are trying to give instruction
• When swimming allow a 5 second gap between you and the person in front
• It is common practice to touch the toes of the person in front if you find the pace too slow - please be aware of this and if your toes are tapped please allow the person behind to pass you at the end of the lane
• Check with fellow swimmers in your lane if you intend to tumble-turn
• If you have any problems or find the pace too fast or slow in your lane please approach the coach

Racing

There are many opportunities for racing and as a club Deal Tri largely support the ASA Masters competitions which take place across the south east region throughout the year.  ASA are the governing body in England for the sport and provide a wealth of information as well as guidelines for racing on their website http://www.swimming.org/asa/.  Swim race distances often much shorter than even the shortest triathlon swim distance so are usually quite achievable for even the newest to swimming and give the faster swimmers a nice opportunity to test their top end speed!  There are also team races (by age) and multi-stroke races so there really is something for everyone.

As well as open ASA competitions, Deal Tri also organises it's own Development Galas which provide members the opportunity to get a feel for the competition environment in the familiar surroundings of our own training venues and as such these galas are closed to non-members.  In addition, the Development Galas are open to our Junior members and the evening often culminates in a social event of some sort at the Chance Inn, Guston.  The next Development Gala is taking place on the 3rd March - see the event page linked HERE for more information including the entry form.

ASA Masters

To take part in a Masters gala you need to be a minimum of 25 years of age and must also be a member of ASA.  The annual fee is currently £10.40 for those that want to just compete in pool based competitions (Category 1) or £28.20 for those that wish to compete in open water competitions as well (Category 2).  Please contact Sue HcHugh who has the membership forms and details of the upcoming Masters Galas in our region.

Open Water Swimming

During the warmer months Deal Tri organise the use of the facilities of the Dover Sea Sports Centre (SSC) at the western end of Dover Harbour and use this as a base for open water swim sessions.  These sessions are an opportunity for members to swim in open water with the support of other club members.  Due to the nature of swimming in open water these are not coached training sessions and as such we operate a buddy system whereby members pair up with someone of similar ability to spot one another during the session.

Open water sessions from Dover harbour take place on Monday evenings and start on Monday 7th May 2012.  Please be ready to get in the water at 6pm.  Use of the shower, changing and locker facilities is available at the SSC and swimmers are asked to contribute £1 towards the cost of using the facilities please.

Additional open water sessions usually take place off Kingsdown Beach on Friday evenings which are run along the same lines as the Dover sessions and more information when these are taking place can be found on the forum.

GUIDELINES FOR OPEN WATER SWIMMING

1. Do not swim if you are feeling unwell
2. A shore observer must always be present and know that you have entered the water.
3. Wear a bright swim hat - Our Kit Store sells bright orange silicon ones which are ideal for open water
4. Swim in pairs and keep a watch on your buddy
5. Always swim parallel to the shore, just behind the breaker point, so that the shore observer can always see you.
6. Leave at least 2 hours after a meal before swimming
7. If the weather conditions are bad do not swim
8. Do not panic if you get into problems. Turn onto your back, and let your swim partner take you back to the shore
9. If the sun is low wear UV reflective goggles
10. If in doubt don't swim.

IN AN EMERGENCY PHONE 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD, POLICE OR AMBULANCE.

See forum thread

Attachments

Swim Time Trial results April 2012

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Medway Masters 2011 Swim Results

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