1 to 1 Coaching
We have had many success stories with "coachees" going from first time in open water to completing up to 10km open water swims within 12 months. We also have lots of folks turn up who can "barely swim" to go onto complete triathlon & IRONMAN events just a few months later.
Coaching Testimonials
"I took up swimming after injury forced retirement from competitive running. Having done well in a pool I decided to have a go at outdoor swimming and failed dramatically having a huge panic attack. Not wanting to be put off I continued trying but never got very far due to fear. I started having open water swimming lessons in the docks with Mike. I could easily swim over a mile in the pool but could barely swim 50m outdoors without descending into panic. Mike was hugely patient with me and used techniques such as a bungee tow system to build my confidence so that I could see where I was going below the surface of the water and also know that I was fully supported. He reassured me when I did panic and allowed me to take things at my own pace, helping me to feel in control of the situation. Over the weeks I built up my distance and learnt to swim independently - without the tow system. I am now able to swim over 2km comfortably - even without a wetsuit which is something I thought I would never hear myself say! I would highly recommend Mike to anyone who wanted to improve their technique, to build their confidence or to conquer fears!" - Claire
"Fantastic pool and open water swimming lessons. I went from barely swimming a length in the pool to comfortably swimming 1500m in open water, in less than 6 months. I would very much recommend Mike for swim coaching" - Michelle (pool sessions took place at Nuffield Health, Liverpool).
"Fantastic pool and open water swimming lessons. I went from barely swimming a length in the pool to comfortably swimming 1500m in open water, in less than 6 months. I would very much recommend Mike for swim coaching" - Michelle (pool sessions took place at Nuffield Health, Liverpool).
Your Coach
EXPERIENCE
Mike has competed in both male and mixed category swimrun across Europe including the OtillO World Series, and the BRECA UK Championships. His vast array of experiences is wide, with several podium finishes. He is passionate about swimming, off-road running and swimrun for so many reasons and he enjoys sharing what he has learnt. Mike organisers the longest estuary swim event in the UK, and one of the toughest half-marathon's in the world. He has also pioneered some "adventure" winter swims, including a 10km swim of the Mawddach Estuary between Barmouth and Penmaenpool (February 2013).
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach
+ Level 2 STA Swimming Teacher
+ ISKGA Advanced Sea Kayak Guide
+ MT Mountain Leader & Rock Climbing Instructor
+ BAIML Trained
+ BCU Advanced Sea Kayak Leader & Canoe Leader
+ RNLI Beach Lifeguard
+ RLSS Level 3 National Water Safety Management Instructor
+ UKCG Technical Canyoning
+ RYA Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2 & Safety Boat
+ Remote Emergency Care First Aid & AED Trained
+ PGCE & MEng
Mike has competed in both male and mixed category swimrun across Europe including the OtillO World Series, and the BRECA UK Championships. His vast array of experiences is wide, with several podium finishes. He is passionate about swimming, off-road running and swimrun for so many reasons and he enjoys sharing what he has learnt. Mike organisers the longest estuary swim event in the UK, and one of the toughest half-marathon's in the world. He has also pioneered some "adventure" winter swims, including a 10km swim of the Mawddach Estuary between Barmouth and Penmaenpool (February 2013).
QUALIFICATIONS
+ Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach
+ Level 2 STA Swimming Teacher
+ ISKGA Advanced Sea Kayak Guide
+ MT Mountain Leader & Rock Climbing Instructor
+ BAIML Trained
+ BCU Advanced Sea Kayak Leader & Canoe Leader
+ RNLI Beach Lifeguard
+ RLSS Level 3 National Water Safety Management Instructor
+ UKCG Technical Canyoning
+ RYA Day Skipper, Powerboat Level 2 & Safety Boat
+ Remote Emergency Care First Aid & AED Trained
+ PGCE & MEng
Open Water Venues
Princes Dock, Liverpool
Swim in this peaceful dock very close to Liverpool City Centre, with fabulous views of the Liver building as you swim.
Swim in this peaceful dock very close to Liverpool City Centre, with fabulous views of the Liver building as you swim.
Aberdovey, Snowdonia National Park
The beautiful village of Aberdovey on the fringe of Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to train for swimrun. You could say that Outward Bound's Aberdovey Sea School invented swimrun long before OtillO. Mike's expert knowledge of the Dovey estuary opens up many opportunities for safe and effective training in tidal conditions, along with challenging hill running on the doorstep. See also Aberdovey Swim for swim events.
The beautiful village of Aberdovey on the fringe of Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to train for swimrun. You could say that Outward Bound's Aberdovey Sea School invented swimrun long before OtillO. Mike's expert knowledge of the Dovey estuary opens up many opportunities for safe and effective training in tidal conditions, along with challenging hill running on the doorstep. See also Aberdovey Swim for swim events.
Tal Y Llyn, Snowdonia National Park
A beautiful glacial ribbon lake at the foot of the iconic mountain Cadair Idris. Based out of the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel Mike delivers 1 to 1 or group fresh water training in a stunning location. See also Tal Y Llyn Swim for swim events.
A beautiful glacial ribbon lake at the foot of the iconic mountain Cadair Idris. Based out of the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel Mike delivers 1 to 1 or group fresh water training in a stunning location. See also Tal Y Llyn Swim for swim events.
Mike's knowledge & experience of tidal planning, river running and how weather patterns affect our waters and mountains is extensive, as is his experience of leading groups in challenging conditions.
