Ocean groups

Splash into our Coogee Stingrays & Turtles ocean swimming groups for all paces from slow to fast. Pre-requisite: must be able to swim 1km in a pool, in deep water before starting. Must discuss with swim leader if conditions are safe (waves/swell/blue bottles etc) before entering. Swimming is ideal cross training all year round and we enjoy ocean swimming events and run swim events. You can social swim or push the pace across the bay at Coogee, along the coast in either direction to Wylie Baths or Gordons Bay and back or around Wedding Cake Island. We stop for chats along the way. We enjoy the beautiful, refreshing ocean and our post swim coffees.

1. Coogee Stingrays - our faster more experienced ocean swimmers. They are fun, social and supportive. Stingrays love seeing others enjoy this special sport and sharing their experience and passion for the ocean.

2. Coogee Turtles - our slower pace ocean swimmers. They can swim well in deep water, take their time and caters for those newer to ocean swimming wanting to build ocean confidence. Turtles are outgoing, encouraging, gentle and love the magic of the ocean. 

3. Some of our swimmers also enjoy swimming at Malabar occasionally on Sunday mornings - check the chats for updates. Malabar is a hidden gem, typically flat, clear and lots of fish, turtles and sometimes dolphins. Lovely under water rock formations. A popular spot for snorkelling.

4. Disclaimer: check with coach Greta (or mentors Michael, Nicola & Cathy) if you are new to the group & always check ocean conditions before swimming. Please contact us and complete the waiver before starting:

Fees - Swimmers Only:

We pride ourselves on being a fun, friendly social swimming group. We have a flowing type of swim with your buddies from point to point as little or as far as you like. We usually swim 1 - 2km (some go further) or even just a dunking for a few hundred metres. The ocean water therapy does wonders.

$30 / month - If you just wish to swim without the run club side of things.

Payment is required in advance or at the session via bank deposit (please put name in reference) or cash:

• Account Name: Greta and Chris Truscott  

• BSB: 732 326 

• Account no: 515 753

Your monthly fee includes

• Unlimited social swimming group sessions

• Amazing advice from other experienced swimmers

• Informative WhatsApp chat groups keeping you updated on all things swimming

Swimming Tips - all year round including winter 

1. Decent wetsuit for warmth, mobility and buoyancy eg 2xu / Orca (recommend S7 as buoyancy to help with transition to ocean swimming)

2. Goggles with high visibility and low tint so you can see 100%. Zoggs Predators (with tint) are good ones.

3. Warm up 10-15mins easy swimming

4. Long reach strokes, strong pull to your thigh

5. Exhale whilst face is in water so you’re not holding breath

6. Practice breathing either side and different stroke amounts to suit the effort, waves and spotting

7. If swimming with waves, time your entry & exit with waves - if waves seem too big for your level wait for a quieter day.

8. If there are some sizeable waves, swim out strong, (you can’t hesitate) dive deep under the wave so you clear it on the other side, grab and pull the sand if you have to. Use your legs and kick too.

9. Avoid head on collisions by sighting ahead every few strokes if it’s busy, checking either side too as you breathe. If it’s quiet every 10-20 strokes can be okay.

10. Sighting is usually a quick look ahead to see where you’re going - but try this exercise: strengthen your shoulders & back extension by doing a few x 20 strokes / swim with your face out the water looking ahead. Use your kick as well.

11. Fins (short blade) are good to help lift the hips and legs if you can a sore back and neck when swimming. As you build strength & technique, plan to transition out of them. Recommend Elite or Zoggs fins.

12. If cold and to help that shock to the face with cold water, dip your face in a few times and blow bubbles before starting the swim. 

13. If cold, wearing 2 caps really helps keeps your head warm . No cap means you lose heat and will get cold. 

14. In cold weather (winter), quicky change into warm clothes including socks and shoes (uggs are ideal) and have beanie. A flask of hot tea really helps warm the lungs and hands. Winter swims are magical! 

15. In cold weather and wearing a wettie, consider wearing the wetsuit to the swim to avoid changing in cold weather. 

16. Trust us, the prep is worth it.