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.

  • Loch Lomond 10km – A Distance Too Far?

    Returning to Scotland After a Few Years Away The journey to Loch Lomond started on the Friday with a 4.5 hour drive through some terrible weather, which set my nerves on edge for the following day’s swim. Eventually the rain stopped and arriving at the guest house found it was only a 10-15 minute walk…

  • Rutland Bird Boats

    Swim Rutland 8km & Lessons Learned

    A Sunrise Worth Waking Up For The Swim Rutland Water event has given me swims that I have said were my best and my worst. The place is beautiful, the atmosphere is always great, and its the reason I keep coming back each year. I’ve been coming here since 2022 and completed the 4km several…

  • Coniston Gondola

    Coniston – End to End (5.25‑Mile Swim)

    After a bit of break, back for the third time Coniston is one of the classic UK long distance swims, with a current that either pushes you along nicely or gives you a more vigorous workout. At 5.25 miles its the shortest of the triple lake swims in the area, the other two being Ullswater…

  • 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…

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    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,…

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    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,…

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