In this post, I interview Kevin Koskella from TriSwimCoach.com. Kevin’s a well-known Triathlon swimming coach from California who I’ve recently gotten to know. He’s considered one of the best online (and offline!) swimming coaches around. He reveals some great tips to shaving minutes off your triathlon times.
Swimming background
Kevin became a swimming coach after he was laid off from his corporate job after the Dot com crash. It was something he always wanted to do, but never had time being a full-time employee. A lot of the swimmers he was coaching were triathletes and he noticed their technique needed improvement.
Learning correct technique and teaching it to others
You must “re-learn” freestyle in order to understand how to teach it. He taught himself how swimmers progress through each of the phases in freestyle. From learning to float and balance to moving through the water, he mastered each level so that anybody could learn smooth freestyle. he began teaching what he had discovered. You can’t do it in 1 or 2 lessons, it takes at least 4-6 lessons to get the hang of it.
Who can learn freestyle
Beginners are the easiest to work with because they begin with a ‘blank’ slate. All new swimmers will experience the ‘uh huh!’ moments when things start to fit together. Experienced swimmers sometimes take a bit longer to change habits in their technique.
Triathlon pacing strategies
Start on the outside so you have clean water and your not fighting with the pack. Find a rhythm as quickly as you can. Build into your race, so you’re getting faster as you go and you avoid burning out at halfway. Kick more at the end of the race to warm up your legs for the bike leg.
Wetsuits
Kevin prefers no wetsuit because of the warm Californian water, but if wearing a wetsuit he recommends a sleeved wetsuit for extra buoyancy. It does take a little bit of getting used to so be sure to practice with it.
Using fins in workouts
The Zoomer Z2’s are the best fins for swimming. The purpose of fins are to improve your balance in the water and to assist with drills. You won’t become reliant fins on them if you only use them for drills and kicking. Avoid the big, long diving fins. They’re not going to help you.
Common mistakes
Training harder and longer for swimming doesn’t work. It can work for running and cycling, but that type of training will send you backwards in the pool. Once you change your stroke and get the foundations in place, you can start training more and working harder.
Tri Swim Secrets
A membership site Kevin created for people which like more feedback, regular videos, advice and and new ways to improve their swimming to get ahead of their friends in triathlons.
How To Claim Your Bonus For Tri Swim Secrets
If you order Tri Swim Secrets and stay a member for 60 days or more, I will send you a copy of my new product ‘Its Not About Swimming Harder‘ for FREE as a bonus. All you have to do is order through my link here, and then send an email with your receipt/order number to [email protected]. It’s that easy!
Ugh! I already ordered! Can I still get your bonus?
Hi Christy,
Yes! If you’d ordered after receiving my emails that’s the same as ordering through my link. Send an email to [email protected] with your receipt number.
Brent