SWIMMING WITH GALWAY TRI CLUB

Year-Round Swimming Training for All Levels

Whether you’re learning to swim front crawl or training for your next PB, GTC offers coached swimming sessions throughout the year. From pool sessions in winter to open water swimming in summer, we’ll help you become a stronger, more confident swimmer.

POOL SWIMMING (OCTOBER – APRIL)

Coached Sessions at Multiple Locations & Times

We run structured pool sessions across three venues in Galway with morning and evening options. Sessions are led by qualified Triathlon Ireland and Swim Ireland coaches and focus on technique, endurance, and race-specific skills.

How it works:

Sessions are sold in blocks (typically 8 weeks)
Join as many blocks as you like throughout the season
Days and times may vary each block based on demand
New blocks are announced via email to members

WHICH SESSION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Pre-requisite for all sessions: You must be able to swim at least 100m front crawl continuously and comfortably.

🏊 IMPROVERS
- 100m pace: 2:00-2:05 per 100m (without rest)
- Typical session distance: Up to 1km
- Focus: Building technique and endurance
- Best for: Newer swimmers, those building confidence
🏊‍♂️ INTERMEDIATE
- 100m pace: 1:50-1:55 per 100m (without rest)
- Typical session distance: 1.5km+
- Focus: Refining technique, building speed endurance
- Best for: Regular swimmers comfortable with longer distances
🏊‍♀️ ADVANCED
- 100m pace: 1:40-1:45 per 100m (without rest)
- Typical session distance: 2km+
- Focus: Speed work, race-specific training
- Best for: Competitive swimmers working on performance
Not sure which level? Choose the session that matches your ability and stamina. You’ll be assessed in your first week and can be moved to a different session if needed (subject to space availability). If moved, you’ll receive a voucher for the remaining sessions.

Example Block: Times and Locations

Location	Day	Time	Level	Coach
Ocean Fitness	Mon	7:00am	Improvers/Intermediate	Laura
	Wed	7:00am	Advanced	Patrick
	Fri	6:00am	Intermediate/Advanced	Laura
	Fri	7:00am	Intermediate/Advanced	Laura
	Sun	6:00pm	Improvers/Intermediate	Patrick
UoG Kingfisher	Wed	7:30pm	Intermediate	Claudia
Renmore Kingfisher	Thu	7:00am	Improvers	Luke
	Fri	7:00am	Intermediate/Advanced	Neil

IMPORTANT NOTES

✓ Check your email before each session for important updates or cancellations

✓ Practice between sessions – To get the most benefit, we strongly recommend doing additional swim training outside of coached sessions

✓ Next block dates – Watch for emails announcing when the next block goes on sale (typically 2-3 weeks before the current block ends)

OPEN WATER SWIMMING (MAY – SEPTEMBER)

Wednesday Evening Sessions at Blackrock

From mid-May to September, the club runs kayak-supported open water swim sessions every Wednesday at 7pm, starting from Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.

What to expect:

No pre-registration needed – Just show up (but we’ll take a roll call for safety)
Multiple distance options – Groups for 100m, 250m, 500m, 750m, and 1km
Kayak support – Safety kayakers monitor all swimmers
All swimmers accounted for – We ensure everyone exits the water safely

Essential Information

📍 Location: Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill Road Lower, Galway

🌡️ Water Temperature: Sessions begin when water reaches 13.5°C (as per Triathlon Ireland guidelines)

🌦️ Weather Dependent: Sessions may be cancelled if weather warnings are issued by Met Éireann or lifeguards

🧥 Mandatory Equipment:

Wetsuit (compulsory for all club sea swims)
Brightly colored swim cap
Warm clothes for after (it can get chilly!)

Distance Markers: Permanent markers are set up between May and October at 100m, 250m, 500m, 750m, and 1km from Blackrock Tower – perfect for measuring your progress!

NEW TO OPEN WATER?

We run a structured Beginner Open Water Programme in April/May specifically for those new to sea swimming. This multi-week course takes you from your first dip in the Crab Pool to swimming to the first buoy at Blackrock with full coach support.

Learn more about our New to Tri Programme →