Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is one of the aspects of triathlon that
some people find intimidating at first, but it needn't be. (And most people are
amazed at how much more buoyant and efficient they are when they have a wetsuit
on.)
We run open water swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings from April
until September, which provide great experience and invaluable training for
competition.
The sessions are held at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield off Denby Dale
Road, a venue that allows us to hold our open water swim sessions in a
controlled and safe environment.
Open Water Swimming is the standard swimming used for most events over sprint
distance. You will normally find that any Triathlon swim over 400 metres is in a
lake, the sea or other outdoor water course. To get you over the nerves of your
first open water swim we will happily provide you with a buddy to swim round
with you and all newcomers will be issued with a special coloured hat so the
more experienced swimmers can keep an eye out for you.
You will need a wetsuit
We have several members who are training to swim in a Channel Relay to raise
money for charity later in the year. They have made arrangements with the
committee so that they can train without a wetsuit to get used to swimming in
cold water. Under normal circumstances you will need a wetsuit designed for
swimming. Please do not come to the lake without a wetsuit as you will be
told that you cannot swim.
New to Open Water Swimming
If you are a first-timer, please arrive by 8:45 to allow time to talk to the
session's spotters. You will need to register your details and take out a day
membership if you have not already joined the club. Make sure your wetsuit is
designed for swimming (not surfing, sailing or windsurfing) because it might
otherwise hinder you in the water.
You can find all the rules and guidelines on our Open Water sessions in a downloadable file. See the "Downloads"
section elsewhere on this page.
Where:
Pugneys Country Park
Asdale Road off Denby Dale Road
Wakefield WF2 7EQ
(map)
Phone: 01924 302360
Email: pugneyscp@wakefield.gov.uk
When:
- Saturdays and Sundays from late-April until late September (it
depends on the water temperature).
- Arrive at 8:45 to pay Wakefield Tri Club person. Doors open at Pugneys at 9 a.m.
to access locker room
- Session must finish at 10 a.m. (ie. all swimmers must be out of the water)
You MUST bring:
- Members fee: £3.40 for Pugneys fees
- Non-members: £8.40 to cover Pugneys fees and a day licence
- Members must have membership card - No card, No swim
- NB: Please bring correct change
- Swimming wetsuit
- Swimsuit to wear under wetsuit
Downloads
Open Water Swimming Rules
Water Swimming rules stated firmly but succinctly.
Wetsuit Policy
What to do if you have a need to swim in the lake without a wetsuit.
Instructions to Spotters
Not sure what to do? Instructions and safety procedures to make your spotting duty go smoothly.
Indoor Swimming
Sundays - Scissett Baths
Sessions are held at Scissett Swimming Pool on Sunday mornings.Coached sessions
are open to all abilities, the emphasis will be on improving technique as well as endurance and fitness.
Sessions start at 8am and finish at 9am. Cost: approx £4.75 per person per session, to be paid on entry at reception.Lockers in the
changing room are £1.20 and wristbands for these are issued at reception, with £1 returned on the wristband.
For more information on this session please contact Scissett Baths:
116 Wakefield Rd,
Scissett,
Huddersfield,
HD8 9HU (Map)
Phone: 01484 222 907
Email:
scissett.baths@kirklees.gov.uk
Tuesdays - Castleford Swimming Pool
Swim Fit with Liz Burrows - No booking in or anything like that, you just turn up at 6.20
pay in and do as much of the session as you can, we do cater fro all as long as
they can do 200 meters, it runs roughly through a periodized 3 week programme of
strength, endurance and speed.
One hour session 6.30 - 7.30
Castleford Swimming Pool, Aketon Rd, Castleford WF10 5DU. (Map)
Phone: 01977 722056
Email: castlefordsp@wakefield.gov.uk
Price £3.90
Wednesdays - Scissett Baths
Swim session run by Andy B, following the Junior swim at 7:00 pm. For all abilities and focuses on technique as well
as fitness. Normal pool charges apply.
8:00 pm, 116 Wakefield Rd, Scissett, Huddersfield HD8 9HU, (map)
Phone: 01484 222 907.