Technique & Explore - Formentera
There are two planned swims per day based on how you progress during the week. Most days will also involve a swim seminar, or video feedback session. The below is a very rough guide and we will adapt the week carefully for each individual. Nature and the weather can be unpredictable, so your flexibility is important. All swims are planned with safety at their heart, and your guides will adapt the plan day by day to ensure the best possible experience.
Welcome and acclimatisation
We will meet at 4pm for the mandatory safety briefing before heading down to the bay for a short acclimatisation swim. This first swim gives Simon, Lucy and the SwimQuest team an opportunity to get to know everyone in the water ahead of the week. Afterwards we’ll return to the hotel to relax over dinner and chat through the exciting week ahead.
Understanding your stroke
The week begins with our first coached open water swim before individual stroke filming. Following lunch, Simon will introduce the principles of efficient swimming during an interactive seminar before everyone receives personalised video feedback. By understanding your current stroke and identifying key areas for improvement, you’ll leave the day with a clear focus for the rest of the week.
Reducing resistance
Today’s coaching focuses on becoming longer, smoother and more streamlined in the water. Through a combination of pool work and open water sessions, we’ll explore body position, breathing and balance, helping you develop a more horizontal and relaxed swimming style. In the afternoon we will head to the award-winning Carribean-white Playa de Illetes beach where we will introduce sighting and navigation techniques to help you feel more confident swimming in open water.
Creating better propulsion
After breakfast we’ll explore how efficient propulsion comes from feeling and holding the water, rather than simply pulling harder. Simon, Lucy and the SwimQuest team will work on arm mechanics, kick, timing and rhythm before taking these new skills into the sea during the afternoon swim. We’ll also introduce group swimming techniques and, where appropriate, opportunities to practise surface dives and underwater swimming.
Swimming with efficiency
Today’s focus is on developing sustainable speed without sacrificing good technique. Through a combination of pool coaching and open water practice, you’ll learn how to swim faster while remaining relaxed and efficient, as well as improving your pacing and streamlining. In the afternoon there will be the opportunity to book optional one-to-one coaching sessions to work on your own individual goals.
Bringing it all together
Our final full day combines everything you’ve learnt throughout the week. We’ll explore how other strokes can improve your balance, body awareness and feel for the water before taking to the sea for our final coached swims. There may also be the opportunity for re-filming, allowing you to compare your progress with your first session. Before our final dinner together, Simon, Lucy and the coaching team will help you create a personalised action plan so you return home with clear goals and practical ideas to continue improving long after the week has finished.
Short bay swim
Before breakfast we’ll enjoy one final relaxed swim together, making the most of Formentera’s crystal-clear waters before it’s time to pack, say our goodbyes and catch the ferry back to Ibiza.