Swim Instruction
Whether your a first-timer or a more experienced athlete, it’s more important than ever to prepare adequately for ALL legs of a triathlon, particularly the swim. A 2010 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that 13 of the 14 deaths in triathlons from 2006 to 2008 took place during the swim legs. Training in a pool, while helpful, will not adequately prepare you for the conditions and heightened stress you will face on race day in open water, amid a huge mass of swimmers with adrenaline pumping. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to incorporate open water swimming, as well as formal swim instruction, into your training plan so you can learn to improve technique, speed and efficiency under racing conditions.
Whether you’re training for your first tri, looking to improve your stroke or gain increased efficiency and speed in the water, Empire is excited to offer a range of options for swim instruction from small group swim camps, to open water clinics and private or semi-private coaching led by our stellar team of experienced swim coaches. Read more about our swim coaches below.
Open Water Swim Clinic
Whether it’s your first tri or your 20th, it’s crucial to train in open water conditions prior to racing. Join us for our 3rd installment of our Open Water Swim Series this summer on Sunday, July 21st and get all the information and practice you’ll need to feel ready on race day!
What: Empire’s Open Water Clinic
When: Sunday, July 21st
Time: 10am – 12pm
Details: Helpful open water tips, information, Q&A with coaches, Zoggs goggle demo, plus open water swimming, practice & instruction!
Cost: $50 for Non-Members
FREE! - All Empire Tri Club Members & Beginner Program Participants (it pays to be a Member!) - Members can RSVP on our Facebook Event Page or by emailing us at info@empiretriclub.com.
Where: Coney Island – West 8th St./Aquarium stop on the F/Q is the closest. Meet on the boardwalk by the Aquarium. There is a big mural on the wall along the boardwalk, just over the walkway from the subway at the Aquarium stop.
Private Swim Instruction
What: 1-on-1 instruction
When: Contact us to schedule an appointment. Session can be purchased here via the Empire website.
Where: Multiple locations in Manhattan. Please inquire within. (pool fees not included)
*Cost:
1 session: $100.00
5 sessions: $475.00 ($95.00/session)
10 sessions: $900.00 ($90.00/session)
20 sessions: $1,700.00 ($85.00/session)
*Cost may vary based on coach. Sessions with our Master swim coach, Carlie Brown, are slightly higher. Please email us for more info and to request a coach.
Semi-Private Swim Instruction
What: Swim instruction for 2-3 ppl.
When: Contact us to schedule an appointment. Session can be purchased here via the Empire website.
Where: Multiple locations in Manhattan. Please inquire within. (pool fees not included)
Cost: *Prices are calculated per person per session
1 session: $75.00
5 sessions: $350.00 ($70.00/session)
10 sessions: $650.00 ($65.00/session)
20 sessions: $1,200.00 ($60.00/session)
More About Martin:
Martin Russocki has over 22 years of experience coaching swimmers and triathletes. He has participated in 9 Canadian National Championships and 2 Olympic Trials, and was a powerhouse on the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Swim Team. Whether you are a beginner or advanced swimmer, Martin will show you how to become faster & more efficient in the water, discuss tips for open water swimming and explain common swim drills. All abilities welcome.
More About Sean:
Sean Lane is an All-American swimmer, who competed for UNC Chapel Hill for 4 years, captaining the Varsity Swim Team. He is an Olympic Trials Qualifier, who holds 8 Nassau County Swim Titles, and was awarded the Matthew Lynch Leadership Award, for exemplifying great leadership and responsibility.
Sean has many years of experience coaching swimmers of all ability levels in both the pool and ocean. In 2008, Sean established and built a successful swim coaching business, working with both children and adults. He served as a lifeguard at Jones Beach and is a member of the International Life-Saving Team. Additionally, Sean captained the Jones Beach Race Team and was a Lifeguard National Finalist. Sean is a certified in CPR, WSI & NSCA.
More About Carlie:
Carlie completed in her first triathlon as a college senior, and finished the race feeling completely exhilarated. Since 2005, she has raced numerous triathlons from sprint to 70.3. Carlie loves triathlon, but her real passion is swimming. She began swimming competitively at age five and continued through high school. While in college, Carlie started coaching her local swim team, and hasn’t looked back. She moved to NYC in 2005 and coached for Asphalt Green for a year before joining the coaching staff at Chelsea Piers where she now coaches the Masters Swim Team. ”There is nothing more gratifying than giving someone the skills and confidence to be a strong swimmer,” says Carlie.
How to Self-Asses Your Ability Level:
Beginner
1. Has trouble swimming freestyle for more than a length or two without stopping
2. Has a fear of the deep end
3. Has trouble with breathing and doesn’t feel comfortable submerging the head or diving to the bottom of the pool
4. Has trouble treading water
Intermediate
1. Can swim continuous freestyle for at least 4 lengths
2. Feels comfortable submerging the head
3. Can tread water
Advanced
1. Can swim continuously for an indefinite amount of time ( at least 15 min )
2. Can do most basic drills
3. Can reach the bottom of the pool comfortably
