My Story
Image: Daniel James Pix
Hello, I'm Helen! I'm a qualified STA Level 2 Open Water Swim Coach and experienced triathlete, based around the South-West of England. I began coaching because I wanted to share my love of swimming outdoors and help others experience the magic of an outdoor dip, the calm a lake swim can create, or the excitement of taking part in an open-water swimming event. I am passionate about keeping up to date with the latest research in outdoor swimming, helped by my day job as a sports journalist and Editor of 220 Triathlon magazine. I specialise in helping beginners and nervous swimmers and know that whatever your level, a friendly face makes a big difference. I also understand that swimming outdoors for the first time can be daunting and make it my goal to see every new swimmer leave their session with a huge smile on their face and a newly-found passion for dipping or swimming outdoors!
Qualifications
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STA Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach. Trained with Olympian Keri-anne Payne
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RLSS Open-Water Lifeguard qualification
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STA CPD module: Safer Sea Swimming
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Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT)
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First Aider
Experience
I've been lucky enough to take part in many events and races and have plenty of tips and experience, which I'm happy to pass on!
Swim Events
BEST Fest (Mallorca), Ullswater Epic Swim 3.8km, Mad Hatter Swim Festival, Henley Swim, Aberdovey Beat The Tide 4km, Tal-ly-Llyn 2km, Final mile of the Great British Swim with Ross Edgley, Padstow to Rock Swim, Lake Bala 6km (pacing support for the ThruDark team), Lake Coniston 8.5km, Bantham Swoosh
Multisport Events
Ironman 70.3 Weymouth, Hever Castle Triathlon Gauntlet, Greneda Tri de Spice and Nevis Triathlon, Dorney Lake Women's Triathlon, Blenheim Triathlon, The Spetsathlon, ÖtillÖ Isles of Scilly, ÖtillÖ Final 15 (Sweden), Breca Swimrun Buttermere, Bantham Swimrun
Media Work
I have written extensively on multisport and open-water swimming and also have experience of live race commentary and reporting. I have worked for: 220 Triathlon, the Norseman XTreme Triathlon, the ÖtillÖ Swimrun World Series and more. I am available for freelance media work across print, digital and broadcast, please just drop me a message and I'll try to help!