Training plans for every swimmer
Every open-water journey is different. Individual training plans are written by experienced coaches, shaped through years of open-water swimming and guiding, not generated from templates. We focus on helping you build confidence, consistency and progress that makes sense for you.
Plans for first ideas to fully-fledged swim goals and beyond
Take advantage of over 25 years of experience in guiding and training endurance swimmers. With the luxury of training venues in the North West, boats in the Lake District and Lochs, and connections around the World, Team Quartermain create exciting training opportunities that deliver.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training. Every plan we create is shaped around your experience, your available time and your end goal — whether that’s a guided lake swim, a qualifying distance, or a major endurance challenge.
Throughout your journey, you’ll be supported by coaches who understand the physical, mental and logistical demands of open-water swimming. Not just the theory, but the reality.
Clear, progressive training structure you can trust
Guidance from experienced open-water swimmers and coaches
Plans that fit around real life, not just ideal weeks
Ongoing reassurance, perspective, and honest advice
Holistic Support
No AI or templates – individual plans crafted by a real, experienced coach
Kick-start with Karen (60 minutes)
£100 (deducted from plan if booked)
A focused one-hour session to map out your swimming goals, training approach and next steps. Ideal if you want clarity and direction before committing to a longer plan. If you go on to book a training plan, the cost of this session is deducted.
- 1 hour video or telephone call
- Swim history discussed, paces, volume etc
- Chance to ask questions regarding your specific swim goals
- Discuss the right training approach for you
- Plan the next steps
Chat with Karen (20 Minutes)
Free
A relaxed, no-pressure call to talk through your ideas, goals, and experience so far. Often the simplest first step in shaping a clear, realistic, and achievable training plan.
- Informal 20 minute telephone call
- Short and brief so have the questions ready
10 week Training Plan (Free with a booked guided swim)
Free with select swims / £100 one-off cost
A structured 10-week training plan designed to prepare you for your guided swim. Included with our most popular guided swims, this plan builds confidence, distance, and consistency so you arrive on swim day feeling ready, supported and calm. Please note, free 10 week plans are not included with English Channel or Loch Solo guided swims – those can be priced on request.
- Initial call to assess starting point
- 10 week training plan
- Structured to your work/life balance and ability
- Guidance on feeding/logistics
Video analysis and technique session
£75
In-water or video-based swim analysis to help refine technique, improve efficiency, and reduce wasted effort. You will receive clear, practical guidance you can apply immediately to your training.
- 45 minute pool based session
- 121 Session
- Detailed video analysis
- On the day feedback and drills to improve technique
- Videos and screenshots highlighting development areas
- Information on sessions / drills on the day
121 Stroke Analysis openwater
£50
Face-to-face coaching sessions focused on technique, efficiency and confidence in the water. Ideal for swimmers who want personalised feedback and simple adjustments that make an immediate difference.
- Face to Face Session
- 40 minutes
- Stoke and fitness assessment
- Technical feedback on stroke for the swim
- Sample open water sessions emailed for training
Milestone swim plans
From £45 per month / price on request
Ongoing training plans designed for swimmers working towards bigger goals — from qualifying distances to major endurance swims. Monthly plans or block options are available, with structure that evolves as your fitness, confidence and goals grow.
- Monthly training blocks tailored to your swim challenge with a mix of pool work to stay sharp and open water, 3–4 sessions per week.
- Monthly reviews by phone/video or in person if possible
- Plans easy to access and downloadable via Google Drive
- Bespoke approach, designed around your work-life balance
- No AI generated plans, crafted by a real coach
- Discounted entry to Uswim Events/Training Camps
Custom training plans
Price on request
Fully bespoke training plans built around your swim, your timeline and your circumstances. Ideal for complex goals, unusual routes, or swimmers who want a completely tailored, hands-on approach.
- 1 hour call with Coach Karen to discuss where the start point is. Swim history and where you want to go
- Monthly training blocks tailored to your swim challenge with a mix of pool work to stay sharp and open water, 3–4 sessions per week.
- Monthly reviews by phone/video or in person if possible
- Plans easy to access and downloadable via Google Drive
- Bespoke approach, designed around your work-life balance
- No AI generated plans, crafted by a real coach
- Discounted entry to Uswim Events/Training Camps
Big ideas? Not sure where to start? Book a free kick-start call with Karen
If you’ve got an idea, a dream route, or just a feeling that you’d like to do something extraordinary, Karen can help you shape it into a realistic, safe and achievable plan. On the call, you’ll cover expectations, what’s realistic, and the likely steps needed to get there.
