Swim Social Programme rolls out in Inverness

Inverness is the latest setting for Scottish Swimming’s Swim Social programme thanks to the on-going partnership with Scottish Water. The Inverness launch will see former Commonwealth Champion and Swim Social ambassador, David Carry, provide tips and encouragement to all those taking part.

Find out what makes Stirling Swimming Masters take the Plunge

"It’s an ageless sport and it doesn’t matter what you look like. Masters swimmers don’t all look like Michael Phelps. They are all different shapes and sizes, and everybody is quiet happy with that" Stirling Swimming Masters Coach Gary Vandermeulen.

If you love swimming, but are fed up ploughing up and down lanes by yourself then Masters swimming may be just what you’re looking for. It is a great way to keep fit and improve your technique, with the added bonus of being incredibly sociable.

We sent Scottish Swimming blogger Anne Kane to find out more

Adult Swim Series 2016 Dates for Diary

For adult swimmers who would like to take part in coached sessions, look out for our events that are open to all and are fun and informative.

If you have always wanted to improve your swimming ability or to increase your stamina, or are preparing for an open water or triathlon event in the New Year, then these events are for you.

13 March 2016: East Lothian 10am-12pm: East Lothian Skills and Drills (Masterclass coached by David Carry)

23 March 2016: Inverness Leisure 1030-1130am Skills & Drills/Powerswim

14 May 2016: Stirling 10am-12pm : Pool Based Open Water Technique Training Session

22 May 2016: Helix Lagoon, Falkirk Open Water Come and Try Adult and Junior Session 

12 Jun 2016: Knockburn Loch, Banchory Open Water Come and Try (save the date - booking link coming soon) 

20 Aug 2016: Loch Lomond, Open Water Come and Try (save the date - (booking link coming soon)

Top Tips from Robbie Renwick

Freestyle stroke technique:

Keep high elbows when swimming; this ensures that your arms are moving forward in the direction of travel.

Try maintain a 3-6 beat leg kick: This means 3-6 kicks per 1 stroke which will increase your swimming speed and efficiency.

Head position: keep the water line just above your eyes. This will make sure your head position is not too high or too low.

Strength and conditioning is used to improve your swimming speed and power. As all cardio has been done in the pool, competitive swimmers will tend to only do short, heavy explosive exercises in the gym. This works our anaerobic system.

When performing an Olympic lift which is ideal for building strength and power, seek advice to make sure you are lifting with the correct technique.

Start with light weights till you have the correct technique then start to load the weights.

Always remember to stretch out/ foam roll muscles after your weight session.