Beaches COVERED. Issue 34 Spring Style

mastery ROUGH WATER

There’s something undeniably magical about starting your day with a sunrise ocean swim. However, no matter how charming she appears, we must remember to respect the formidable power of the open ocean at all times. Beaches COVERED. caught up with seasoned swimming experts Narelle Simpson and Charmian Frend. They are on a valient mission to keep swimmers aware and educated in all aspects of swimming with their informative ‘Rough Water Mastery’ swimming clinic.

THE HARD FACTS

Our home is girt by sea and we have grown up with the ocean shaping our lives. At times this can leave us complacent to its perils. We are all guilty, at times, of feeling immune to its dangers.

Unfortunately, statistics paint a somber reality. Everyday, the waves claim lives. Between December 2022 and February 2023 alone, a staggering 90 lives were lost to drowning in Australia. Among these, 22 heart-wrenching incidents occurred between Christmas and New Year, leaving 22 families forever shattered.

THE EXPERTS

With a combined legacy of 65 years’ experience instructing in the open waters, Narelle and Charmian are true experts. If you can swim, chances are Narelle and Charmian had something to do with it.

Their clinic ‘Rough Water Mastery’ isn’t just about the techniques of open water swimming; it’s about empowering you with insights and skills that will have you enjoying the open ocean for years to come.

NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES

Lifeguards, coast guards, nippers, volunteers, swim instructors, coaches; we are incredibly lucky to be guarded by a formidable army of heroes. However, we need to take responsibility for our own safety. By enrolling in the ‘Rough Water Mastery’ clinic you are arming yourself with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating the open water

safely. Narelle and Charmian initiated the clinic to keep swimmers educated and aware. That deserves a rap, right?

THE CLINIC

Offering beginner, intermediate and advanced clinics, you can select the level appropriate for your individual goals. “Whether your dream is conquering the Bold and the Beautiful or swimming the English Channel, the fundamentals remain constant. You can’t say that one is more unattainable than the other because it is relative to your level of experience. Some may think Manly to Shelly Beach is their English Channel,” shares Narelle.

MORNING SESSION: Warringah Aquatic Centre

3-3.5 hours of immersive learning covering ocean reading, stroke, technique, basic nutrition and equipment. You’ll learn how to spot lurking dangers and identify safe access points. Narelle and Charmian will help you perfect your stroke through video analysis. From nutrition essentials to selecting the perfect wetsuit, no stone is left unturned.

AFTERNOON SESSION: Balmoral or Shelly Beach depending on conditions.

3-3.5 hours of ocean-bound adventure. You’ll learn the art of ‘sighting', a skill that allows you to maintain a straight course in open waters. The team will teach you how to lift your head, fix your gaze on a stable point on land and navigate the waves with precision.

“Swimming in a straight line seems simple but it is a skill that you must learn unless you want to add unnecessary metres or kilometres to your swim," says Narelle. "We are also looking at a one day clinic where the morning is at a pool and the afternoon in the ocean.”

Ready to conquer the waves? Join the ‘Rough Water Mastery’ clinic and swim with confidence. For all inquiries contact roughwatermastery@gmail.com. •