Rebecca Wetten

🏅 Triathlon Swim Training

Triathlon Swim Training: Why the Swim Deserves More Attention

Progress
August 11, 2025

Most triathletes underestimate the swim - here’s why it’s worth your focus.

Triathlons are oddly addictive. One minute you’re Googling “how to fix a puncture,” the next you’re signing up for another race because “this one looks fun.” They keep your training varied, your brain engaged, & race day? A full-on endorphin party.

But let’s be honest… the swim leg often gets the short end of the stick. For some, it’s the bit they dread most. For others, it’s just overshadowed by the bike & run. Either way, it’s often underestimated. & that’s a missed opportunity. Because the swim isn’t just something to survive. It’s something you can actually excel at – with the right support.

🏊‍♀️ 1. The swim needs more than just “more training”

Here’s the deal: Running & cycling? You get better with volume. Swimming? Not quite. In the water, more metres don’t always equal more progress. Swimming is a technical sport – you can’t just grit your teeth through it. That’s why Catch’s triathlon swim courses are built around technique first. We’ll help you: Fix your body position so you glide through the water

Nail your breathing rhythm so you’re not gasping for air

Learn how to sight efficiently in open water

Build swim fitness that actually translates to race day

It’s not just swim training. It’s smart swim training.

🚀 2. A strong swim sets the tone for your race

Let’s face it – the swim can be the most physically & mentally demanding leg of a triathlon. You’ve got:

  • Cold water
  • Crowded starts
  • Not much visibility
  • Adrenaline through the roof

But when you feel confident in the water, that energy carries into the rest of your race. You don’t waste your strength fighting the panic. You come out of the water fired up & ready to go.

Investing in the swim helps you start strong & finish stronger.

3. The swim is your secret weapon

Most triathletes under-train the swim. They treat it like a warm-up for the ‘real race’ which starts with the bike. You know what that means? Opportunity. If you invest in your swim - with the right technique & training plan - you can:

  • Exit the water ahead of the pack
  • Save energy for the bike & run
  • Gain a mental edge over competitors who still dread it

Two wins for the price of one.

4. Swimming is a skill for life

Even when you’re not training for a triathlon, swimming sticks with you.

It’s:

  • Low impact (great for injury recovery & longevity)
  • Brilliant during pregnancy or postpartum
  • An easy way to stay active as you age
  • A skill you’ll always be glad you’ve got

Learn to swim well now, & you’ll reap the rewards for years.

‍

Introducing: Catch Triathlon Swim Courses

Whether you’re gearing up for your first Sprint or smashing longer distances, our triathlon swim courses are here to help you train smarter, swim stronger, & race better.

You’ll get:

  • Personalised training plans matched to your ability & race distance
  • Weekly video lessons focused on open water technique
  • Community & coaching support to keep you on track
  • It’s everything you need to feel confident, efficient & ready on race day.

👉 Check out our triathlon swim courses here.

Progress
August 11, 2025

Most triathletes underestimate the swim - here’s why it’s worth your focus.

Triathlons are oddly addictive. One minute you’re Googling “how to fix a puncture,” the next you’re signing up for another race because “this one looks fun.” They keep your training varied, your brain engaged, & race day? A full-on endorphin party.

But let’s be honest… the swim leg often gets the short end of the stick. For some, it’s the bit they dread most. For others, it’s just overshadowed by the bike & run. Either way, it’s often underestimated. & that’s a missed opportunity. Because the swim isn’t just something to survive. It’s something you can actually excel at – with the right support.

🏊‍♀️ 1. The swim needs more than just “more training”

Here’s the deal: Running & cycling? You get better with volume. Swimming? Not quite. In the water, more metres don’t always equal more progress. Swimming is a technical sport – you can’t just grit your teeth through it. That’s why Catch’s triathlon swim courses are built around technique first. We’ll help you: Fix your body position so you glide through the water

Nail your breathing rhythm so you’re not gasping for air

Learn how to sight efficiently in open water

Build swim fitness that actually translates to race day

It’s not just swim training. It’s smart swim training.

🚀 2. A strong swim sets the tone for your race

Let’s face it – the swim can be the most physically & mentally demanding leg of a triathlon. You’ve got:

  • Cold water
  • Crowded starts
  • Not much visibility
  • Adrenaline through the roof

But when you feel confident in the water, that energy carries into the rest of your race. You don’t waste your strength fighting the panic. You come out of the water fired up & ready to go.

Investing in the swim helps you start strong & finish stronger.

3. The swim is your secret weapon

Most triathletes under-train the swim. They treat it like a warm-up for the ‘real race’ which starts with the bike. You know what that means? Opportunity. If you invest in your swim - with the right technique & training plan - you can:

  • Exit the water ahead of the pack
  • Save energy for the bike & run
  • Gain a mental edge over competitors who still dread it

Two wins for the price of one.

4. Swimming is a skill for life

Even when you’re not training for a triathlon, swimming sticks with you.

It’s:

  • Low impact (great for injury recovery & longevity)
  • Brilliant during pregnancy or postpartum
  • An easy way to stay active as you age
  • A skill you’ll always be glad you’ve got

Learn to swim well now, & you’ll reap the rewards for years.

‍

Introducing: Catch Triathlon Swim Courses

Whether you’re gearing up for your first Sprint or smashing longer distances, our triathlon swim courses are here to help you train smarter, swim stronger, & race better.

You’ll get:

  • Personalised training plans matched to your ability & race distance
  • Weekly video lessons focused on open water technique
  • Community & coaching support to keep you on track
  • It’s everything you need to feel confident, efficient & ready on race day.

👉 Check out our triathlon swim courses here.

Rebecca Wetten

🚲 First Tri Swim Guide

First Triathlon Swim? Here's What You Really Need to Know

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