FAQs

We offer three pathways for adults wanting safe, confident, and efficient ocean swimming:

• Ocean Bootcamp – build foundations, confidence, and essential ocean skills.
• Ocean Accelerator – refine skills, and handle more challenging conditions, in longer endurance swims
• Private 1:1 Sessions with Coach Britt – personalised coaching for confidence, technique, and specific goals.

No. Ocean Bootcamp is designed for swimmers who are able to swim min 400m continuous freestyle in the pool, but new to the ocean environment. We start in the pool for Session 1, then move into calm harbour locations before progressing to gentle surf.

We choose locations based on conditions and safety. The final meeting point is communicated 24 hours before each session. We progress gradually from calm harbour entries to open water so swimmers build confidence step by step. Two coaches are always present. Tow/ocean support floats can be used if needed. All participants wear a bright pink Swimlab Swim Cap

• wetsuit (season dependent)
• goggles essential
• warm clothing for after your swim
• Winter: neoprene cap, gloves, warm beanie, and a flask with a hot drink (optional)

We usually finish sessions at a local coffee shop

Summer (optional): The water can be OK, it’s the wind that can cool you down

Autumn–Winter–Spring (strongly recommended): A well-fitted wetsuit helps maintain warmth and improves confidence in colder water.

Yes. In colder months, neoprene caps, gloves, and even socks can make sessions far more comfortable. Many swimmers use them from May–September.

Locations vary depending on conditions. Options include calm harbour entries, beaches with gentle surf, and more open-water locations. The exact location is confirmed 24 hours before the session to ensure safety and the best learning environment.

Starter level - Session 1 starts in the pool, focusing on breathing, sighting, treading water, entry drills, and safe foundations. From there, we move into calm harbour locations and gradually progress toward ocean entrances and small surf exposure — only when swimmers are ready. Accelerator sessions depend on conditions. Some conditions lean to surf skills work, other conditions are better for endurance swims.

• safe water entry and exits
• breathing control in open water
• sighting and navigation
• dealing with chop, swell, and wind
• turning, buoy skills, and positioning
• staying calm and relaxed in changing conditions

• drafting, race skills, and pacing
• handling more challenging conditions
• reading swell, sets, and currents
• improving confidence and control in deeper water

Tailored coaching to your ability and goals — whether that’s ocean confidence, race skills, breathing, sighting, entering/exiting, or managing nerves. Ideal for swimmers who want focused attention before joining a group.

Sydney’s ocean temperatures can drop to 15–17°C. With the right gear (wetsuit, neoprene cap, gloves), most swimmers stay comfortable. We also manage session duration and location based on conditions.

That’s completely normal. We take a gradual approach, starting with calm harbour entries and only progressing when you’re ready. You’re never pushed beyond your comfort or safety zone.

Yes. Many swimmers experience this. We teach breathing management, relaxation skills, and progressive exposure so you build calm, confident control.

Absolutely. The programs build the skills triathletes need: sighting, pacing, drafting, entry/exits, navigation, and efficiency in swell and chop.

Safety comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable, we move to a protected location or reschedule. You’ll receive updates and confirmation 24 hours before the session.

Depends. With the right gear and careful session planning, winter ocean swimming can be safe and enjoyable. We adjust session lengths, locations, and equipment advice to keep swimmers comfortable.

Ocean Starter pre req: 400m continuous freestyle comfortably in the pool. Ocean Accelerator pre req: 1km continuous freestyle or completed Ocean Starer, For 1:1 sessions, min 300m continuous freestyle in the pool