Whether you’re moving from pool swimming into open water, preparing for a longer-distance challenge or simply looking to feel more confident outdoors, Unity will shape this private coaching session around you. Unity is a qualified and highly experienced Open Water Swim Coach with more than 35 years of teaching and outdoor leadership experience. Her calm, supportive approach can help you improve your front crawl, breathing, efficiency, strength and endurance, while also developing confidence when swimming outdoors or out of your depth. Your 90-minute session begins with a conversation about your swimming experience, any concerns you may have and what you would like to achieve. Unity will then guide you through a safety and equipment briefing before providing individual coaching, practical feedback and exercises suited to your ability and goals. Coaching takes place at a carefully selected river or coastal location across Exmoor, West Somerset or North Devon. The exact location will be agreed in advance and chosen according to your experience, access needs and the weather, tides and water conditions. Sessions can be booked for one swimmer or shared by two people with similar coaching goals. As open-water coaching involves stopping, observing and practising movements rather than swimming continuously, Unity will usually recommend wearing a wetsuit to help you stay comfortable. A full kit list and meeting instructions will be provided before your session. Participants must already be able to swim at least 50 metres. Teenagers aged 12 and over are welcome by prior arrangement and must be accompanied by a supervising adult. All sessions remain subject to Unity’s assessment of the swimmer and the conditions on the day. Where conditions are unsuitable, an alternative location, time or date may be recommended.

Areas Covered

Exmoor, West Somerset and North Devon. The exact swimming location will be agreed before the session and selected according to the swimmer’s goals, experience, access requirements and prevailing weather and water conditions. Pool-based coaching may also be available by prior arrangement.

Qualifications

Open Water Swim Coach – Swimming Teachers’ Association Qualified Teacher with a PGCE in Outdoor Education with Science and more than 35 years’ teaching experience 16-hour Outdoor First Aid qualification – Rescue Emergency Care Mountain Leader Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor British Canoe Union Level 2 Kayak and Canoe Coach £5 million public liability insurance through professional memberships