About Us
SwimWell is a leader in Adult Swimming Improvement in the pool and Open Water.
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From complete beginners to elite swimmers and triathletes we've got you covered.
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Based on the proven Total Immersion methodology, we coach in the water with you all the way.
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Based in Melbourne, Victoria we conduct Swim Clinics and Camps Australia wide.
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SwimWell Founder Peter Hendriks
Unlike most other coaches, Peter started his swimming career later in life. Having learnt the basics as a child, he did not actively start swimming again until the year 2000.
As a result he is very empathetic and understands the challenges faced by the majority of Adults and triathletes wanting to either learn or to improve their swimming.
Peter learnt to swim the Total Immersion way with Terry Laughlin (founder) and loved it so much that he Advanced to coaching several years later.
Peter’s knowledge, patient style and passion for teaching is what sets him aside from other coaches and has a proven track record with complete beginners, water phobics through to elite and National level swimmers.
People have travelled from all parts of the globe to learn from him.
Peter is an accomplished Open Water Swimmer and has participated in 1000’s of Open Water Swims and Marathons and taught in excess of 1500 swimmers how to reduce drag in the water and swim more efficiently so that people can swim easier, further and faster.
Peter’s goal is to educate swimmers on how to enjoy swimming as an activity where each person can swim efficiently at whatever speed they choose to swim at, either for performance or pleasure.
Total Immersion
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TI is a unique Adult swimming education program
Swimming in Australia is ever increasing in popularity, however the percentage of swimmers with good technique is relatively small.
Recent Government research suggests that 85% of school children leave school without being able to swim. This has sparked enormous funding in an effort to reduce that number. 90% of the children asked if they could swim said “Yes”, but could not meet the minimum standard of being able to swim 100M in less than 4 minutes.
These children turn into adults that say they can swim.
Total Immersion (TI) is a Global technique correction program that brings results far quicker than conventional methods and helps any student master a fluent, effective and efficient technique that makes swimming more satisfying and enjoyable.
Different programs have been developed to meet the needs of All levels from beginners to elite swimmers and from teenagers to seniors.
Total Immersion founder, Terry Laughlin, has always dreamed of “A world where people can swim any distance as easily as they might go for a stroll” and TI Melbourne senior coach Peter Hendriks is passionate about making that a reality.
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Terry Laughlin passed away in October 2017 as a result of prostate cancer. His goal was to teach as many people how to achieve “walking”, “jogging” and “running” options in water. Peter’s life ambition is to continue the great work started by Terry.
FAQ
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Where do I start if I am learning how to swim?
That is a great question, and there is so much information made available to us online it is hard to know who to trust and where to begin. We would suggest heading over to our Complete Beginner page which gives you the rundown of your options when you are beginning your swimming journey.
Where can I find people to open water swim with in Melbourne?
We would love to welcome you to one of our Open Water Squads (link this) where you will meet a range of open water swimmers. You can also have a look at our Open Water Community (link this) page which shows you a list of the community swims that we are aware of.
Why do I find it so hard to swim fast when I am a strong athlete?
Swimming quickly and efficiently is based around technique and simply trying to turn your arms over as quickly as you can will often have the opposite effect and actually make you slower. Therefore your fitness levels may be high but that will not help you swim faster until you take the time to slow down and understand about technique and build from there.
How do I get over my fear of jellyfish?
Exposure tends to be the best way of dealing with nervousness around jellyfish and other sea creatures. One of our community members says that she imagines the jellyfish as her own personal cheer squad cheering her on which is a fabulous way of turning that fear around.
How do I train for a long swim?
If you are training for a 10km marathon swim or for any other swimming challenge please talk to us (link to Peter email) as we can provide you with a training plan. If we have enough interest in a particular event we would look at creating squad sessions centred around this event, so please reach out if you have an event in mind as other people may have expressed an interest and we can create a training package for you.
Is open water swimming in cold water good for you?
There are so many benefits of open water swimming in cold water, starting from increased blood circulation as well as creating an exhilarating natural high. Furthermore you are burning calories as well as creating a positive outlet to deal with stress. There are, of course, risks that are associated with swimming in cold water and you should never swim alone.
SwimWell Coaches
Our coaches have been active in the Bayside Swimming Community for many years and are very proud of having helped many swimmers achieve their dream of competing at Kona or swimming the English Channel.
Peter Hendriks
Peter is a certified Total Immersion Swim Coach and is passionate about all things technique and open water swimming.
Charlie Evans
Charlie is an accredited ASCTA Swim Coach and instructor and Open Water Enthusiast.