HOWSC | Henley Swim

Henley Open Water Swim Club

The club has been founded to offer a safe environment for open water swimmers of every ability to train and develop their open water skills; whether they are on the build up to their next triathlon or are just working towards their first open water swim event.

This region is rich in potential, both in the number of capable swimmers living within the club’s catchment, but also in the huge choice presented to us for ideal places in which we can swim. The Thames has a long history of swimming and since the Henley Classic has now evolved into the must-do event that it is today, we’ve found an increasing number of swimmers have been contacting us to express an interest in group swim training, finding a way to improve their stroke and asking about new events, which is why we have founded HOWSC.

HOWSC Membership

We are pleased to announce that HOWSC 2012 Membership is now open, with two membership types available:-

Standard Membership £20
Racing Membership £50 – this includes an entry into the 2012 Henley Mile

The minimum age for membership is 18. If you would like to apply to become a member, please download this HOWSC Membership Application Form, complete and return to the provided address with payment.

The important thing is to tell your friends about it and encourage them to join; with a larger membership we will have a louder voice. We have close links with the Environment Agency, who are very supportive of the idea, mainly because we can create a safe approach to swimming in the river. HOWSC will work closely with the EA in terms of saying what, where and when we swim, and they can inform us of events to be wary of, such as steam boat rallies, etc.

We feel this is a fantastic chance to create something special that could be around for a long time to come. During the early days of the club, we welcome any interested parties to join us in our regular swims arranged via the Henley Swim Facebook page.

HOWSC Activities

Membership will a number of open water swimming activities, such as:-

Regular training

There is a substantial group who meet regularly from April. We will continue to find more spots and coordinate regular training from a website forum. Through the winter when the water gets too cold we can coordinate some indoor training at a number of different swimming pools in the local area. There are many (and nearly all of them are better than Gillots!!).

Coaching

We know a number of top level swim coaches who would volunteer their time for occassional technical coached sessions.

Competitive swimming

There will of course be a competitive group who could target ASA open water and BLDSA (British Long Distance Swimming Association) events. We could pre-agree a calendar of events at the beginning of the year and try and make sure we have groups attending events (car sharing and such) rather than individuals heading off on their own.

Adventure swims

The more adventurous could decide whether the summer aim would be to swim Loch Lomond, Lake Bala, or something more exotic, and of course tell the less adventurous all about it!

Spiritual/Relaxing swims

These could include full moon swims.

Holiday swims

There are some fantastic places to swim around the world with a little bit of thought and coordination, I’m sure we can get groups to head off together.

Socials

Once we have done all our swimming, there is nothing better than telling people all about it, down the pub.

Code of Conduct

If you would like to join HOWSC, please read through the HOWSC Code of Conduct & Rules, which all members will need to be aware of and abide by.

Club Roles

The roles that are involved in fulfilling the above activities include:-

Club Captain

Overall coordination and direction.

Vice Captains

For mens and ladies squads, to direct and support additional squad needs.

Membership Secretary

Managing membership adminstration for the club.

Events Secretary

Working with the club to find out a good cross section of events to attend throughout the year; coordination of member applications, etc.

Meals/pub or other.

Kit Secretary

Sourcing bespoke design kit for the club and managing sales to members.

Media Officer

Stories and photos to newspaper and updating content on website for other members.

Technical Support

Website management and payment mechanisms.

We have now appointed all positions required to launch HOWSC, but as the club grows we will always be on the lookout for additional support and new positions may then be required. If you are keen to take on a role within the club or have any skills you think could help, please mail us at howsc@henleyswim.com