Blogs & Stories

Real life experiences, reflections and inspirational

swimming adventures from our members

Every swimmer has a story.

Some begin with a nervous first dip, others with a friend’s encouragement, and some just take the plunge!

What we share here isn’t polished marketing or perfect technique — it’s the real stuff. The moments that made us laugh, the challenges that shaped us, and the small wins that remind us why we keep showing up.

This space gathers those experiences, maybe recognise some of your own and maybe feel a little less alone the next time you step into the water.

  • USWIM! – 3 Mile Greater Manchester Swim

    My return to Salford Quays and open water events On 16th May, I found myself back at Salford Quays for the USWIM Greater Manchester Swim, lining up once again for the 3‑mile distance. I’ve done this event three times before, with my best time a 1:44:10 and my slowest at1:50:08. After missing last year due…

  • af53fd68 f82b 439e b4ee 671f823536f2.jpg

    STA Open Water Safety & Rescue – Certificate Renewed

    Hands thawed enough so I can type again! Last weekend was spent back on the STA (Swim Teachers Association) Open Water Safety & Rescue course to renew my certification.  I first did it two years ago, and it has to be renewed every two years so here I was again… classroom, cold lake, cold feet,…

  • img 3487.jpg

    Splashed my way through!

    Well, that’s the 2026 Swimathon 5km all done! Considering where things started (hello, wonky wrist), I’m really happy with how it all turned out. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know this hasn’t been the most straightforward build‑up. From the operation on my wrist, to cautiously getting back in the water and testing it out,…

  • copy of blog asset 2

    Catch Joins the Swim Buddy Network

    Something exciting for anyone looking to boost their swimming As we edge closer to warmer weather (if it ever stops raining!) and the start of open‑water season, many of us start thinking about building things up again. Whether that’s improving technique, increasing endurance, ready for events or just growing our confidence to make the move…

  • copilot 20260310 133157

    First swim after the operation

    I didn’t drown or need fishing out, so it’s a win! Getting back in the pool after wrist surgery felt a bit like meeting an old friend you haven’t seen in a while, familiar, reassuring, but with a slight “let’s see how this goes” nervousness. I have roughly 80–90% range of motion in my wrist…

  • screenshot 2026 02 10 at 19.44.41

    Welcoming Dippy Swim to the Swim Buddy Network

    Just in time for Valentines Day! I’m ridiculously excited to share that Dippy Swim is joining the Swim Buddy Network as a new supporter. From my first conversation with Rosie, it was clear just how much she cares about the swimming community and helping people have fun and feel confident in and around the water —…

Scroll to Top