Taplow Open Water Swim is a swimming lake and sports club located in Maidenhead, New Zealand. Offering open water swimming sessions, the club provides a safe and enjoyable environment for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The swimming sessions at Taplow Lakeside OWS take place on Wednesday mornings, Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday mornings during the summer months. In winter, sessions are available on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. The club features two courses: the Swim Secure course at 400m and a 100m course for beginners or those who prefer to stay closer to the shore.
Taplow operates under the NOWCA safety system, requiring swimmers to have a NOWCA wristband to use the facilities. However, the club allows a trial swim for those who wish to experience the lake before joining NOWCA. Swimmers can register for a NOWCA membership and book swims through the ACTIO app, available for both Android and iPhone users. The cost of joining NOWCA is only 15.
00 per year, which includes the wristband and insurance. Swimmers can purchase 10 swim credits for 60. 00 or single swims for 6. 50.
For newcomers to open water swimming who would like some support, Taplow provides swim buddies who will accompany swimmers during their first few sessions. Tow floats are also available to provide additional support and safety. For further information on Taplow Lakeside OWS, individuals can call 01628 782113.
The club has specific rules in place to ensure the safety of all swimmers. All swimmers must be registered with NOWCA and scan in and out of the water using their safety wristband. Swimmers are required to wear brightly coloured swim caps while in the water, excluding green caps worn by professional medics who swim with the club. Those who choose not to wear a wetsuit must sign a waiver form accepting the risks.
Additionally, all swimmers must wear a tow float for safety reasons.
Taplow Lakeside OWS welcomes children aged 8 to 11 with open water swimming experience, as long as a responsible adult accompanies them in the water at all times within a 2-metre range. For children aged 12 to 17 with open water swimming experience, an adult must be present on-site, ensuring direct sight of the child while in the water. Both adults and children swimming in the lake must wear a tow float.
Those interested in experiencing open water swimming at Taplow Lakeside can book a trial session for just 7. 00 per person. The club offers various pricing options, including 20 swim credits for 126. 00, 10 swim credits for 66.
50, and single swims for 7. 00. Session times vary throughout the year, and bookings should be made in advance using the Actio App.
Taplow Lakeside OWS also offers coaching services, led by resident coach Stephen Gould. With extensive experience in open water swimming, including English Channel crossings and long-distance achievements, Stephen is an ISA qualified Swimming Teacher and an STA qualified Open Water Swim Coach. He also serves as a Swim Guide for SwimQuest, an adviser to Outdoor Swimmer Magazine, and an Open Water Swimming Goodwill Ambassador for Zoggs. Stephen's expertise includes cold water/ice swimming, which the club aims to develop at Taplow.
Taplow Open Water Swim provides a welcoming and safe environment for swimming enthusiasts in Maidenhead, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle through open water swimming. Join the club and experience the thrill of swimming in the beautiful surroundings of Taplow Lakeside.