In this episode of Smarter Than Yesterday, Darren and Alex sit down with Ed Collins — a highly experienced swim coach with over 40 years of coaching behind him, specialising in open water and endurance swimming.

Ed shares his journey from outdoor education and sailing to becoming a leading swim coach, helping athletes of all abilities improve their efficiency, confidence, and performance in the water.

This episode dives into the fundamentals of swimming technique, breaking down common mistakes and myths that hold people back. From body position and reducing drag, to why strength matters less than skill, Ed explains how to move through the water with ease rather than fighting against it.

The conversation also explores the realities of open water swimming, including sighting, breathing, adapting to conditions, and how technique needs to evolve outside of the pool.

Packed with practical advice and honest insight, this episode is a must listen for anyone looking to improve their swimming, whether you are a beginner or training for triathlon or endurance events.

🎧 Tune in to learn how to swim smarter, build confidence in the water, and take your performance to the next level.

https://www.smartperformancecoaching.co.uk

CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
02:15 Meet Ed Collins
07:30 Why swimming feels hard
12:45 Common freestyle mistakes
18:20 Body position and reducing drag
25:40 Breathing and rhythm
32:10 Open water confidence
40:30 Strength, mobility and swimming
48:15 Advice for triathletes
55:20 Final thoughts

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