Swim Update

125 Inter Club Swim Gala

The Roehampton Club pool was buzzing on 17th May as we hosted our 125 Inter Club Swim Gala, welcoming junior swimmers from The Hurlingham Club and RAC Epsom for an afternoon of fast racing and friendly rivalry. With four tiers of medals and a club trophy on the line, every race felt like a final.

Nearly 50 swimmers aged 7–13 represented their clubs across 26 events. RAC Epsom joined us for the first time — a milestone we hope becomes the start of a long‑running tradition.

The gala opened with a packed schedule of 25m individual races in all four strokes. The standard was superb, with swimmers pushing themselves to the limit and showing brilliant support for their teammates.

Excitement peaked during the freestyle and medley relays, five swimmers in each freestyle and medley team — giving plenty of children the chance to take part and cheer each other on.

Once the splashing settled, everyone gathered in the Juice Bar for medals and celebrations. Marc Newey presented the winning club trophy to the Hurlingham Club, who clinched victory by just three points. A huge well done to every swimmer, and heartfelt thanks to the Health Club Team for making the event run so smoothly.

Alcatraz To San Francisco Escape Swim

Read about Club Member Michelle’s epic San Francisco swim!

Alcatraz to San Francisco Escape Swim? It sounded like maybe a fun thing to do. Why not?  I was going to San Francisco for a work conference, and I had one day free before my conference started. I had previously enjoyed open water swimming in warm, calm waters: why not try this swim? So, one week before I travelled to San Francisco, I signed up for the swim. The advice was to wear a wet suit against the cold (though I had never worn one before), so I organised renting one when I arrived in the US. I then talked to Sue Wilson at Roehampton Club and sought her advice and asked for tips for open water swimming in cold water. Sue was very helpful and gave me lots of tips and encouragement.

Not knowing the area, I arrived an hour too early and watched the mist slowly disappear from the Golden Gate Bridge. We had a briefing about the trip and were put in swimming ability groups and set off across the bay. I was in the fast group with three guys who had done a lot of cold-water open water swimming before. At the start point, my three experienced colleague swimmers entered the water, then swam. By the time I had acclimatised to the cold and general situation, they were way ahead! I tried to catch them and couldn’t: the cold, the wind, the waves, the tide, the current (at right angles, and strong) took me aback. I got back onto the safely boat, where the captain said, you just need to slow your breathing down. He was right. In the cold water, your body starts to panic. I got back into the cold, murky, wavey water, and thought, just breathe. The swim was tough, with waves in the face making breathing in swimming rhythm difficult, and the right-angle drag of the (strong) current and the cold. It was easier nearer the land, and the last bit was quite enjoyable, as I had acclimatised and regained my long swim and breathing patterns, which had suffered a bit!

The organisers were fantastic, and it felt great to get to shore in San Fransico. I can see why it was hard to escape from Alcatraz! Thanks to Sue for her advice.

Michelle Pratt

Summer Intensive Swim Crash Courses

Weekdays 6th to 31st July

Boost your swimming skills with our private, intensive crash courses, designed for both juniors and adults of all ages and abilities. Led by our qualified instructors, these sessions focus on developing aquatic skills and teaching stroke technique. Crash courses are a great way to develop particular skills or jump start your child into our regular lessons. Suitable for children on our current courses, and for adults and children not currently attending any classes.

Open to adults and Juniors aged 3 and above. Each lesson is a 30 minute private one-to-one session.
All courses £258.

Available sessions and Swim Teacher:
Monday 6th to Friday 10th July, slots between 1–3pm with Anita or 4.30–6pm with Peter
Monday 13th to Friday 17th July , slots between 1–3pm and 4–6pm with Maciej
Monday 20th to Friday 24th July, slots between 1–3pm and 4–6pm with Zoe
Monday 27th to Friday 31st July, slots between 1–3pm with Darren or 4–5pm with Sue

Book at Health Club Reception, give the team a call on 020 8480 4245 or log in and book online via the Members’ website at www.roehamptonclub.co.uk

If you have any questions contact Sue Wilson, Swim Coordinator at sue.wilson@roehamptonclub.co.uk