A total love for sea swimming has enticed three regular Swim The Wight members to undertake the very tough STA Open Water Swimming Coach qualification.
Earlier this year Wendy De Vallancey, Stefanie Oliphant and Christina Conroy (all Isle of Wight residents and regular Swim The Wight members) chose to undertake the demanding STA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coaching qualification.
They completed this under the guidance of The Swim Surgery on a cold and windy day in May on Hayling Island. Prior to the final practical exam, the three had attended (many hours of) online classes as well as face to face study and practise.
Tough exam
Wendy, Stefanie and Christina are all passionate sea swimmers who wanted to take their knowledge and experience to the next level having spent many hours in the seas around the Island.
All three passed this (very) tough exam and have now been awarded their certificates enabling them to join the coaching team at Swim The Wight CIC to provide more safe swimming sessions across the Island.
Oliphant: It has changed my life and my menopause
Stefanie Oliphant, newly qualified swimming coach and Founder of Menopause IOW, said,
“A year ago I didn’t even think that sea swimming was a very good idea, but in that time I have gone from sea swimming adverse to a fully qualified open water swimming coach because of the support of Swim The Wight – it has changed my life and my menopause.”
Conroy: I was able to achieve my goal of swimming the Solent
Christina Conroy said,
“Although I was a regular pool swimmer I really valued the coaching by Swim the Wight last year to become a competent open water swimmer.
“I was able to achieve my goal of swimming the Solent and raising money for the Wessex Cancer Trust in 2023.
“In the light of this I wanted to give back and train as a coach for Swim the Wight to help others realise the fantastic benefits of open water swimming.”
Swim The Wight
Swim The Wight has grown hugely since its inception in 2020 and now takes over 120 people a week into the sea, year-round on guided sea swimming sessions across the Island.
Members sea swim for many reasons but all agree that the support & training that they get from the qualified coaches at Swim The Wight provides them with confidence, camaraderie and fun.
Members find that their regular swims improve physical and mental health, helps with menopausal symptoms and provides a place to meet new like-minded friends.
News shared by Emma on behalf of Swim the Wight. Ed
