Question 1

Do I have to be a BTF (British triathlon federation) member?

Accepted Answer

No, unless you are competing in aquathlon, triathlon, duathlon or aquabike events there is no need to be a BTF member. If you are going to be completing any events it is beneficial to become a member from race insurance to discount codes for nutrition and performance products. Please refer to the BTF member page for further information: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/membership?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjIBmT6YCgCBICe8C8poh2BqPwMIkZ72d97CURcgkHoP9ygNfNNX77BoCwbEQAvD_BwE(https://www.britishtriathlon.org/membership?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjIBmT6YCgCBICe8C8poh2BqPwMIkZ72d97CURcgkHoP9ygNfNNX77BoCwbEQAvD_BwE)

Question 2

Do I need a wetsuit for open water swimming?

Accepted Answer

As a club we have wetsuits from a range of assorted brands that you can try, hire, and buy. At the beginning of the open water season, in April, the water is roughly 13 degrees. This requires all swimmers to wear a wetsuit. As the summer arrives the water warms to a balmy 22degrees where wetsuits become optional.

Question 3

Do you wear a bra under a tri suit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can purchase triathlon bras which are suitable for swimming, cycling, and running. Budgy Smugglers make colourful, comfortable, and durable swimming bras and two-piece suits. Zoot and Zone 3 also make tri tops and bras for women.

Question 4

Do you wear boxers/pants under bib shorts or a Tri suit?

Accepted Answer

No. Tri suits and bib shorts are designed to sit against skin. The chamois of a Tri suit or bib short for men and women differ due to anatomy. DHB create affordable and wonderfully comfortable bib shorts for both men and women. Muc Off luxury Chamois crème is the go-to product to prevent chafe and improve comfort for long rides, swims or runs.

Question 5

What goggles do I wear for the pool?

Accepted Answer

Clear non reflective/tinted googles are best so as coaches we can see your eyes.
HUUB have an excellent range of goggles from prescription, open water, pool and hypoallergenic. https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk/goggles(https://www.allensswimwear.co.uk/goggles)
 
Zone 3 also offer goggles that many of our swimmers favour: https://zone3.com/collections/goggles?tw_source=google&tw_adid=696526530668&tw_campaign=21187355725&tw_source=google&tw_adid=696526530668&tw_campaign=21187355725&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKwQHKMduP_7iIZtFYGhxThU9vRFQQnDxeLMht1QcJe7pd6PcGxT7BoCEnAQAvD_BwE(https://zone3.com/collections/goggles?tw_source=google&tw_adid=696526530668&tw_campaign=21187355725&tw_source=google&tw_adid=696526530668&tw_campaign=21187355725&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKwQHKMduP_7iIZtFYGhxThU9vRFQQnDxeLMht1QcJe7pd6PcGxT7BoCEnAQAvD_BwE)

For open water swimming, tinted or photochromatic goggles are best due to sunlight and reflection of the water. Please see the links above.

Question 6

Do I need to be able to swim 50m front crawl? What if I can only swim breaststroke?

Accepted Answer

No. Many of our swimmers who started their journey with us where unable to swim 50m of front crawl or could swim front crawl but could not work out how to breath.
Similarly, if you are a breaststroker and wishing to learn front crawl our coaches can work 1:1 with you to develop your stroke. Book a 1:1 session with one of our team to start your journey.

Question 7

What are jammers?

Accepted Answer

Men’s swim shorts that come to either mid-thigh or just above the knee depending on design and personal preference.
Other designs:
HUUB: https://zone3.com/collections/mens-swimwear?_gl=1*1cmvyea*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKwQHKMduP_7iIZtFYGhxThU9vRFQQnDxeLMht1QcJe7pd6PcGxT7BoCEnAQAvD_BwE(https://zone3.com/collections/mens-swimwear?_gl=1*1cmvyea*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjw8fu1BhBsEiwAwDrsjKwQHKMduP_7iIZtFYGhxThU9vRFQQnDxeLMht1QcJe7pd6PcGxT7BoCEnAQAvD_BwE)
Zone3: https://huubdesign.com/collections/swimwear-mens-huub?filter.p.m.filters.gender=Men%27s&filter.p.m.custom.product_category=Swimwear(https://huubdesign.com/collections/swimwear-mens-huub?filter.p.m.filters.gender=Men%27s&filter.p.m.custom.product_category=Swimwear)

Question 8

Which swimsuit is best?

Accepted Answer

A full body, racer back design is best for women they provide support and security. Please see the 4T women’s suit: shortly to be added.
Budgy smugglers have a lovely selection of suits and designs: https://budgysmuggleruk.com/collections/womens-swimwear?filter.v.availability=1&page=3(https://budgysmuggleruk.com/collections/womens-swimwear?filter.v.availability=1&page=3)
Swimshop also have a huge variety of designs and styles for women: https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/womens-swimsuits(https://www.simplyswim.com/collections/womens-swimsuits)

Question 9

Do I have to wear a swim hat?

Accepted Answer

Open water swimming YES, a brightly coloured swim hat is essential, so you are visible in the river. In the pool, yes (unless very hot!). Hats aid with streamlining, whether male or female they help keep your hair out of your eyes, reducing drag and tangling with your goggles. You will receive your first club swim hat with the 2024-2025 membership.

Question 10

Do I have to participate in triathlon to join?

Accepted Answer

No, many of our members participate in open water swimming for the mental health and well being benefits. Some of our members purely pool swim to maintain fitness and enjoy the social aspect of the club. Others participate in Aquabike events which involves a swim followed by a bike (no run, huge plus). Some are triathletes competing across Super Sprint, Sprint, Olympic and Ironman. We all train alongside each other and sessions are adapted to meet members needs. So come along and have some fun.

Question 11

Are we an affiliated BTF club?

Accepted Answer

No, but all our coaches are BTF coach qualified and follow BTF guidelines and regulations. As with our swimming teachers they are ASA L2 swim teachers and refer to ASA swimming rules and regs. Please see out club policies for further information.

Question 12

Do I have to become a member to swim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You get a free taster session and then you must become a member to swim with the club. This enables you to receive all news and information about upcoming training sessions, join or club whatsapp group and keep up with social events such as sea swims, group rides or runs. It also ensures the collection of emergency contact details and medical information to keep you safe whilst training with us. Please see our joining page for further details.

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