TriathlonCoach.ca clients, please scroll to the bottom of this page.
If you are arriving at this page after completing our online registration, welcome to our swim club!
Step One: Please add geordie@ottawaswimming.ca to your email address book to ensure emails aren't spam filtered.
Option for New Members of Ottawa Swimming
Please sign up for our monthly newsletter as it is our principle means of communication regarding registration and programs.
The Program
Important Dates
Return to the pool swims page to see start, end and no-swim days for the program year.
Open Water Swim Program
This program registers in the spring and has limited space. Our full year members receive a deep discount and advanced registration privileges. Keep an eye on the Open Water page for details.
Goals
Our motto is: Welcoming Fun Effective
We want you to learn to improve as a swimmer and enjoy yourself while doing so
Different Coaches
We have a variety of coaches and each has their own style.
Some run their workouts on the pace clock, others doing timed sets.
Regardless of approach, our swimmers all improve and reach their goals when they put in the work (play).
Strokes
Our principal focus on the front crawl stroke however, some coaches will cover other strokes as well including breast, back and butterfly.
Turns
When you come to the wall make sure to turn, don't keep going! We don't really care if you do an open turn, flip turn or stop for tea.
Equipment
Suit:
Please wear a swim suit!
Tip: Rinse yours after each workout to prolong it's life - chlorine breaks the fabric down over time
Combining points one and two, don't let your suit get too thin before replacing it!
Fins (Flippers):
Your coach will inform you if they will be utilizing fins. If so, it is recommended to purchase your own.
The supply available at city pools varies and you cannot rely on finding the correct size.
Buy your own and they will last forever and save you lots of time searching.
Goggles:
Different goggles fit different shaped eye sockets.
They should stick to your socket for a full second when pushed into place without use of the strap.
Lock:
Don't bring valuables to the pool and make sure to lock your clothing in the locker.
Footwear:
We highly recommend flip flops to protect your feet while walking on deck.
Swim Cap:
Some swimmers, especially those with long hair, will be more comfortable swimming while wearing a cap. These are inexpensive and can be made of either latex or silicone.
Nose Clip:
Some swimmers are more comfortable using one of these. They are especially useful during our fall body position drills.
We do, however, recommend weaning yourself off the use of a nose clip over time.
Nutrition:
The workouts can be quite intense so ensure you have enough fuel in the tank.
Ensure that any snacks leading up to the swim are easily digestible and any meals are far enough out to provide ample time for digestion.
Hydration:
You will perspire a great deal but be unaware of it.
Ensure you arrive well hydrated and possibly bring a bottle of water with you to have deck side.
Please, no sports drink on the pool deck
Etiquette
Lane Direction:
The coach may designate directions for each lane, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
Passing:
When approaching a slower swimmer, tap them on the feet to let them know you want to pass.
The slower swimmer should then move to the side of the lane or stop at the wall in the corner of the lane, allowing the faster swimmer to pass.
*The passing swimmer must sight above the water as they pass to ensure they can do so safely.
If the lane width and traffic allows, passing mid-lane is allowable. Again, safety is the first priority.
Keep the T Clear:
There is a 'T' or cross mark on the wall in the middle of each lane. This is where swimmers aim to hit when turning.
For that reason, when a swimmer stops to rest, they must stand in the corner of the lane by the rope.
If this spot is taken, line up along the lane rope.
Fastest First:
Learn the relative speeds of your lane mates. The faster swimmers should always depart first.
Refund and Transfer Policy
There are no refunds on program registration but your spot is transferable to another individual. If the class you are enrolled in is sold out and we have a wait list, we will connect you with someone on that list. Any transfer of funds for a spot is the responsibility of the registrants. If a transfer is made, we ask that both parties contact us to confirm the completion of the transaction.
If you have just completed registration for our triathlon coaching program, welcome to the squad!
How It Works
Once registered you will be added to our mailing list to which information emails are sent.
In late October you will receive your training log so you can tour it, complete the profile page, and begin to log your current activities to gain an understanding as to how it works.
Your coach will make their first visit to your log on the first Monday in November. Initially the goal is to become familiar with you as an athlete. The profile will be reviewed and possibly commented on and your weekly schedule and current workload will be reviewed with possible tweaks suggested in line with your goals.
Each week moving forward the coach will visit the log to review the preceding week's activity. The coach will comment on the log to share recommendations for schedule balance, work load, and workouts for the following week. The recommendations will be aligned to an overall training direction designed to help you reach your goals.
The progression will be accomplished week by week as opposed to having the coach share a full month or even a full season's training plan with you. The week ahead in training depends on the week just gone so we focus on the here and now while still keeping a sharp aim on the overall goal.