Where to Swim — Open Water
Places worth swimming, described by someone who swims. Not a venue directory, and not a scorecard — who each place suits, what it does well, and what to think about first.
A short list, added to carefully
This section will highlight open-water swimming locations Skip knows — what they are genuinely good for, who they suit, the practical things worth knowing, and whether private coaching may be possible there subject to the venue’s permission and access.
We are building it slowly and on purpose. Venue profiles go up when there is something useful and accurate to say, not to fill a page. Nothing here ranks or rates a venue — different water suits different swimmers, and the operator is always the authority on their own rules, season and facilities.
A simple rule we hold to: a location is written as Skip’s own take only where he genuinely knows the water. Anything drawn from an operator’s or organiser’s published information is presented that way instead — including the swim events and challenges we suggest as objectives.
Coming as we can do them properly
What every location page will cover
Who it suits
Whether the water suits someone newer to open water, a confident open-water swimmer, or an experienced cold-water swimmer — described honestly rather than encouragingly.
Best for
What the place genuinely does well: distance work, first open-water sessions, early-season swimming, sighting practice, quiet water, a long season, or simply being easy to get to.
Things to consider
The practical realities — season and opening arrangements, entry and exit, depth and temperature, wetsuit rules, busy periods, parking and changing. Considerations, not criticism.
Coaching suitability
Whether private coaching may be possible there, always subject to the venue's own permission, access arrangements and conditions. We never assume access we have not agreed.
Sources and current information
Links to the venue's own current information, because opening times, seasons, fees and rules change and only the operator can confirm them.
Swim somewhere you think should be on this list, or want coaching at your own venue? Tell us about it.
Choosing water
The kinds of place people swim
Supervised inland venues
Managed lakes and open-water venues with marked courses, safety cover and set session times. The most sensible place to start, to build distance, and to swim through the shoulder season.
Lidos and open-air pools
Predictable water, measured lengths and a controlled way to keep swimming through winter. Excellent for cold-water adaptation without the added variables of open water.
Rivers and inland natural water
Variable in flow, depth, water quality and access. Much more dependent on local knowledge, permission and conditions — and rarely the right place for a first open-water swim.
Coastal and sea swimming
Tide, swell, wind and exit options dominate everything else. Rewarding with the right experience and planning; unforgiving as a starting point.
Coaching
Private open-water coaching, wherever it can be arranged
Private 1:1 sessions with Skip for nervous first-timers, swimmers moving from pool to open water, sighting and breathing, distance progression and cold-water confidence. Coaching can be arranged at suitable venues where the venue’s permission, access and conditions allow.
Coaching here is person-centred: a few clear technical changes, better decisions, and preparation for the objective you actually have.
Also useful
- Swim events & challenges — from first open-water swim to a real objective.
- Cold water: Skip’s tips — practical guidance for winter swimming.
- Water safety resources — how we think about risk around water.
Common questions
Which open water swimming locations does SHACADEMY recommend?
We only write about water Skip knows well enough to describe usefully, and we would rather have a short list than a directory. Location profiles are being added gradually — in the meantime, get in touch about what you are training for and we will point you at sensible options.
Can I have private coaching at my own local venue?
Often, yes — but always subject to that venue's permission, access arrangements and conditions on the day. Tell us where you swim and we will look into whether coaching can be arranged there.
Do you rank or review swim venues?
No. Venues are described with 'best for' and 'things to consider' rather than scores or rankings. Different water suits different swimmers, and a place that is wrong for a first open-water session can be ideal for distance work.
What should I look for in my first open-water venue?
Safety cover, a clear entry and exit, a marked course you can shorten, somewhere warm to change, and staff who are used to nervous first-timers. Water temperature and how you feel getting in matter far more than the distance you plan.
Open-water swimming carries risk, and no stretch of water is safe by description. Anything written here is planning guidance based on experience — not a live assessment of conditions. Swim at supervised venues where you can, check the operator's current information and rules, consider water temperature and your own cold-water experience, and make your own decision on the day.