PIONEERING ADVANCEMENTS IN OPEN WATER TECHNIQUES
Our system is designed around you as a person and the environment
ABOUT SWIM LANZAROTE & ME
Paul Cardwell
Swim Lanzarote was created out of a clear need—so many strong pool swimmers struggle in open water. I saw coaches stuck in outdated routines and swimmers missing the bigger picture. Open water isn’t just about speed—it’s about awareness, adaptability, and confidence. You don’t have to be the fastest to "win" in open water. It's like running through a forest without noticing the trees or the light above. I’m here to help open your eyes to everything this environment offers.
I’ve been coaching swimmers of all levels for years. I started volunteering at 14, became a full-time school and club instructor by 16, and never looked back. As much as I loved rivers and lochs, the call of the ocean grew stronger—helped along by Hawaii 5-0, Old Spice ads, and a bit of Baywatch. Eventually, I swapped cold water for blue skies and warm seas, and Swim Lanzarote was born.
All Sessions
Checkout our
Popular Sessions
With so much miss information out there regarding styles of swimming,
creating confusion, anxiety and a misunderstanding.
We feel its important to go back to root
cause to help you progress faster with confidence.
Group Session
Structured group training in open water, designed to improve fitness, technique, and race readiness in a supportive environment.
1:1 Sessions
Personalised coaching tailored to your goals, technique, and confidence level in open water.
Swim Analysis
Our most in-depth session using video feedback to break down your technique and create a personalised plan for improvement.
TRIATHLON COACHING PROGRAMS
Complete swim coaching support for triathletes, focused on performance, endurance, and open water confidence.
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Our benefits
HOW WE TAKE YOUR SWIMMING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SWIM LANZAROTE OPEN WATER COACHING.
- ANXIETY MANAGEMENT
- STROKE CORRECTION AND TECHNICAL SWIM STRUCTURE
- OCEAN ENVIRONMENT AND OPEN WATER SAFETY
- OPEN WATER SKILL SET
- GOAL SETTING
- RACE PLAN AND EVENT TACTICS
- SESSION PLANNING
- ADVANCED VIDEO ANALYSIS
Testimonials
What they say
I swim several times a week at 'Swim Lanzarote' and besides enjoying swimming, the group really feels like a family to me! Paul's knowledge, humor and enthusiasm is amazing! He is a great person with a really good heart.
Ilse Verlaan
Paul - thanks for an awesome open water coaching session yesterday. Didn’t stop laughing from start to finish. Will have to plan another trip here for more sessions. Thanks for all the advice. Will keep you posted with how I get on. Can’t rate Paul highly enough.
Amy Fonseca
From not knowing how to swim at all in July 2021 to being able to participate in October, Ocean lava 2021 speaks it all, that what a brilliant swim coach Paul is. He's the best coach anyone can ever have.
Rachna Joshi
I had the privilege of training with Paul for a while, and let me tell you, he's an incredible swimming coach. If you're looking to level up your swimming game, you're in the right hands. Paul's approach is something else. He's not just a coach; he's a mentor who really knows his stuff. He bases his training on real studies, which means you're not only going to see physical improvements, but your mental game will also get a massive boost.
Britanico Merida
I swam last year with 'Swim Lanzarote' together with my daughter. It is impressive to hear how much Paul knows about open water swimming. His enthusiasm and passion radiates off and he knows how to get this across to everyone! He is professional and lets everyone achieve their own goals.
Marijke Lafeber
I would challenge anyone to find a better coach than Paul. He knows his stuff and you will learn so much. His authentic, encouraging, kind nature is refreshing. I had one to one lessons and they were the highlight of my holiday. His wife Borgie does his admin and she is lovely. I can’t recommend Paul enough. Trainers like Paul are near impossible to get he will build your confidence and skills and you will have such a great time.
Poppy
Swim Lanzarote delivered 110% - Brilliant sessions; Great Location and all of my training needs met. Huge Thank You to Paul for his patience and expertise. Looking forward to more sessions on next visit. Top Tip: 'Relax & Trust in Paul !'
Will Boyce
WATER
The fountain of youth, better skin, less cravings, more energy, better digestion, less headaches, a higher metabolism, better mood, and an ability to concentrate. That’s just from drinking it . Getting out and playing in it is a whole new ball game…..
