Head Coach Claire Owen was one of Australia's leading Total Immersion Master Coaches, training directly under Terry Laughlin and the Master Total Immersion coaches around the world. Today, SwimLab coaches using the Swim Mastery methodology, building on those foundations with a deeper understanding of freestyle biomechanics, whole-body movement, catch mechanics and stroke synchronisation.
My Total Immersion Coaching Journey
For over a decade, SwimLab coached the Total Immersion™ swimming methodology under the guidance of Head Coach Claire Owen, an accredited Total Immersion Master Coach.
Through extensive training, mentorship and international coach development, Claire worked closely with Terry Laughlin and senior Total Immersion coaches, helping hundreds of adult swimmers improve their efficiency, confidence and enjoyment in the water.
"When I took part in a weekend Total Immersion (TI™) Workshop in 2007 in Hong Kong, I was blown away by the changes in my stroke. I always remember swimming my first TI™ 25m and being surprised at my sudden speed and effortlessness. I wasn’t expecting the wall to come so quickly, I bashed my knuckles so hard, and almost swam ‘through’ the end of the pool!
As an educator, and coach my TI™ experience was a ‘light bulb’ moment. I realised how swimming could and should be coached. I was hooked and wanted in!"
I love how the TI™ method flipped more conventional coaching on its head, making the reduction of waste—in effort, energy, and time—the foremost consideration in its training programs and prescriptions. I love the challenge of learning how to deconstruct swimming problems as it:
- promotes learning mini skills to construct a stroke
- views ‘errors’ an invaluableway of learning
- cultivates a sense of swimming curiosity amongst its followers
- encourages the skill of FOCUS being the corner stone to swimming improvement above all else.
Finally. I feel honoured to have had the privilege of being coached by the late Terry Laughlin, and more so, to have had him as my swimming mentor for so many years.
Why SwimLab Transitioned to Swim Mastery
At SwimLab, we remain deeply grateful for the teachings of Terry Laughlin and the Total Immersion methodology, which shaped our coaching for many years.
As our understanding of swimming has evolved, we have transitioned to the Swim Mastery methodology. While many of the core principles remain the same—including efficiency, balance, mindful practice and skill development—Swim Mastery provides a broader understanding of freestyle biomechanics, whole-body movement, catch mechanics, stroke synchronisation and performance development.
Today, SwimLab coaches with contemporary Swim Mastery coaching principles to help adult swimmers become more confident, capable and effective in the water.
Current Swimlab Programs
Today SwimLab offers structured coaching pathways for adult swimmers of all abilities, from nervous beginners taking their first strokes through to experienced swimmers refining advanced freestyle skills.
Explore our current programs:
• Freestyle Foundation Series – Adult Learn to Swim
• Advanced Stroke Correction - Freestyle Mastery
• SwimFit Squads
• Ocean Programs
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a call with a coach, and we'll chat throught the best fit program for your swimming needs.
🗒️ Complete the short Swim Quiz
📞 Book your call
💬 Chat to a Swimlab Coach
KIND WORDS FROM THE SWIMLAB COMMUNITY
Claire is a passionate and experienced swim coach. Her personal results in swimming and sport are amazing and it is a delight to train with her. I look forward to continuing to work with Claire and improving my stroke. I have referred quite a few people to Swimlab and no one has been disappointed.
Jo S.
Swimlab is brilliant. Claire leads a team of skilled and caring teachers. You come away from each class with clear instruction and cues to build on. Claire also sends between-class email updates with technique and form videos to help you focus and inspire your practice.
Min D.
Beyond impressed by the progress from the course. Claire and Fiona are extremely technical and have real passion for the sport and technique. I would highly recommend Swimlab to anyone looking to improve their swimming.
Ben M.
Rich G.
An incredible program! Staff are helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, the 'focus points' were a game changer, and the resources provided are fantastic to continue practicing. My swimming has improved so much in just a few weeks.