We were in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. The fear of contact in enclosed spaces contrasted with the anxiety to start living again, socializing, and practicing the hobbies that fulfill us the most. It was at the end of 2020 that André Santos, founder and CEO of SwimTogether Swimming Holidays, decided to bring open water swimming into everyday life, introducing this activity to those who love to swim. The goal? To provide a new sense of freedom in these uncertain times and slowly restore the hope that life was returning to normal.
To share this vision, RTP joined André Santos and a group of swimmers for a morning of pure adventure, diving into this unique experience and sharing an inspiring interview with the country.
This is how SwimTogether Open Water Swimming School was born, the first open water swimming school in Portugal! Based at the beaches of Oeiras and Cascais, it offers group classes and individual training for all levels, from beginner swimmers to athletes looking to improve their technique and performance in races.
To ensure a more complete training, SwimTogether established partnerships with Solinca Sassoeiros Pool and, more recently, with Vale Fundão Municipal Pool. This way, open water training is complemented with focused work to improve performance.
Pool lessons are also a great opportunity for those taking their first steps in outdoor swimming, allowing the acquisition of essential skills before venturing into the sea. After all, the safety and well-being of students have always been — and will continue to be — SwimTogether's priority.
Group Classes in Open Water
To ensure the most personalized teaching possible and rapid, effective progression, the groups are divided into three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Each level has specific requirements and skills, allowing greater homogeneity within the groups and, consequently, better results for each swimmer.
Beginner Level:
Minimum swimming capacity of 300m non-stop
Average swimming pace above 2:30 min/100m
Rudimentary crawl technique
Low autonomy and confidence in the water
Body imbalance
Lack of breath control
Intermediate Level:
Swimming capacity between 1000m and 2000m
Average swimming pace between 2:00 min/100m and 2:30 min/100m
Improved crawl technique
Lack of confidence in deep water
Disorientation
Advanced Level:
Swimming capacity above 2500m
Average swimming pace below 2:00 min/100m
Refined crawl and backstroke technique
Autonomy and confidence in any aquatic environment
The classes last 1 hour, except for the Advanced level groups, whose training extends to 90 minutes. This allows swimmers to swim longer distances, complete more varied routes, and perform crossings from point A to point B.
Group Classes in Pool
As a complement to open water training, there are two pool classes, also divided according to the students' level.
These lessons are taught by coach Gustavo. With over two decades of experience as a Swimming and Triathlon Coach, and his past as an athlete in the National Team for the Olympic Project Athens 2004, Gustavo brings with him vast knowledge and a genuine passion for teaching swimming, which he passes on to his students in every session.
Individual Sessions
SwimTogether's private lessons are designed to meet the specific needs of each swimmer, offering a completely personalized experience. Each session lasts 1 hour and is led by one of our qualified coaches.
These 1-1 sessions, which can take place in open water or in the pool, are the perfect opportunity to familiarize oneself with the Ironman Cascais swim route, certify readiness for a particular race distance, or even complete the 6 hour qualification for the English Channel swim crossing.
Theoretical-Practical Component
To help improve swimming technique and pass on knowledge to its swimmers, SwimTogether has developed various workshops, including the Swim Clinic, which is now in its 4th edition, where, over 2 hours, both theoretical and practical, you can take your swimming to the next level.
Other topics, such as care for the wetsuit, swimming techniques, weather forecast analysis, and even first aid, are areas of interest that are also part of the workshops offered, providing swimmers with a comprehensive and enriching experience both in and out of the water.
The SwimTogether Team
To ensure the best quality in teaching, SwimTogether has a team of swimming coaches with vast experience, both as instructors and athletes.
In addition to coach Gustavo Caraça, responsible for pool swimming classes and Swim Clinics, coach Miguel Falcão dedicates his limited time to most of our open water groups, whether at the intermediate or beginner level. A swimmer and water polo player for over a decade, currently the Technical Director and Head Coach at Cascais Water Polo and Assistant Coach for the Senior Women's National Team, coach Miguel doesn’t let his busy schedule prevent him from sharing his passion and helping students progress.
Weekend classes are run by the Vice-European Champion in the 25km distance, with two Olympic Games participations, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Coach Arseniy Lavrentyev ensures that students in the advanced group on Saturdays are challenged every weekend with long distances and workouts that motivate them to start their day in the best way possible. On Sundays, beginner and intermediate students can enjoy dynamic training, ensuring they are ready to face Monday with energy.
To support Sunday classes, and with 20 years of experience as a federated athlete, Pedro Silva decided to pursue a coaching career and put his knowledge and experience into practice with the European 3km Champion at the Masters European Championships. His commitment to the development of his athletes and his teaching ability are a great asset to the team.
As for individual training, coach Joana Amaral ensures that no swimmer is left without a spot. A member of the swimming and open water federation, she complements her knowledge with first aid experience, providing safety and peace of mind to swimmers who wish to venture further into this sport.
Recently, SwimTogether had the pleasure of welcoming a new coach who has been enriching the classes and individual lessons with his vast experience as a swimming instructor, Junior World Champion in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, former national record holder in the 100m breaststroke, and a long-time member of the Romanian national team. With coach Tudor Florin, fun and good vibes are guaranteed!
