First Timer Guide - Swimming

If you've never entered a Swim before, the idea can be pretty daunting – DON’T WORRY! You’re not alone. We are here to help you at every step of the way. We have devised a list of helpful tips to get you started from how to enter, to a very detailed race day checklist along with some tips on training.

Signing Up

Step 1. Take the first step and commit. Visit the Activity Wales Events website.

Step 2. Pick an event but allow enough time to train for it.  We advise giving yourself 3 months.

Step 3. A 750m swim would be a good event to start with.  It will get you used to swimming with crowds without being too long of a distance to overwhelm you.

Step 4. Sign up! Enter your details into the system, everything should be explained for you but if you need any help please don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Now put your credit card away, the hardest part is done! Congratulations you are entered!!

Now that you have a solid date in the calendar, let’s get started.

For the Event – What you need and what to do! 

Here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your experience:

1. A wetsuit is mandatory– the water temperature will be quite chilly. A specialist swimming wetsuit is ideal, however, a general-purpose/surfing wetsuit will suffice for your first time. It is sometimes possible to rent swimming wetsuits.
2. Get used to open water – a few dips at your local beach with some training partners just to get used to the cold water and lack of visibility will really help you come race day. Stay close to shore and within your depth for safety.
3. Position yourself well – If you are nervous or a weaker swimmer, either position yourself to the side or at the back to avoid the splashing and kicking. Even consider waiting a minute for the main pack to get ahead before setting off – you will then have plenty of space to yourself.

Race Day Checklist

At Activity Wales Events we know that those pre-race jitters can get the better of you, so it’s important to stay calm and make sure you’re fully prepared in order to minimise those nerves. Whether you live just around the corner, or on the other side of the world, here’s a comprehensive list of absolutely everything you’ll need before, during, and after your race; along with some useful extras to guarantee a positive experience.

Pre-race

• Race confirmation
• Race pack (released two weeks before the race)
• Photo ID
• Signed disclaimer (You will have completed this online when you registered)
• Personal insurance
• Map & directions to race location & registration (See Website)
• Course map & area map
• Area guide for restaurants and events (see our website)
• Vaseline/anti-chafing lotion
• Sun cream
• Lip balm with UV protection
• Toiletries including travel-sized first aid kit
• Earplugs
• Travel alarm
• Your usual pre-training breakfast (we recommend not changing your routine for a race – race as you train)

Race Day

• Wetsuit
• Goggles 
• Swim cap(optional) – We will provide a swim hat which you MUST wear, but you can wear a second underneath if you wish
• Non-petroleum lubrication– for wetsuit removal & reduce chafing (petroleum-based lubrication such as Vaseline destroys wetsuits

Post-race

• Extra socks
• Compression clothing to aid recovery
• Warm, comfortable clothing to minimize illness/injury/chafing
• Waterproof jacket
• Food for replenishment
• Wash gear for cleaning up afterwards – note a wet towel in a bag does a good job if you can’t get to a shower
• Towel
• Ibuprofen to reduce inflammation

Useful extras:

• Plastic bags for ice, wet/dirty clothes and swift wetsuit entry
• First aid kit
• Duct tape

Training

For Training Tips, check out our articles –