My first experience of Swimrun in Sweden took place with Stockholm-based Wolff Wear. An outdoor and sports outlet, Wolff Wear has become the retail hub for swimrun-specific equipment both locally and beyond with an online shop shipping worldwide (https://www.wolff-wear.se/en/)
From May to September they host a weekly swimrun training group. Participants of every level attend and while most come to sessions equipped, first-timers and athletes looking to upgrade have the option to demo the latest equipment.
I’d met one of the coaches, Andrew, earlier that day, one of many competitors I met transitioned in from other sports to become swimrun athletes. After the first swim the over 20 athletes were divided into beginner and intermediate groups of paired and solo athletes - each under the instruction of a veteran swimrunner. I’d injured my knee getting to Sweden but I’d managed to rehab it enough to tag along with the workouts and catch video highlights of both groups. Over the 90 minute session beginners were taken on moderate trails and short swimrun circuits to practice transitions, sighting and general conditioning. Intermediates were taken on longer runs and swims along more technical single track and rocky slopes.
More than just a solid session of training, the social vibe is friendly and welcoming. Participants are met at their level and lifted up, everyone encouraged and no one left behind. It is a perfect atmosphere to be exposed to the sport and improve the swimrun skill set.
To make a good thing even better, the close of the session features a bbq and drinks for participants.
If you are curious about swimrun and want to give it a try, or already involved and looking for a way to find a larger swimrun community to network with I recommend this group wholeheartedly. You will have a great workout, the widest available selection of equipment, peers of every skill level, and barbecue (complete with vegetarian options!). If you’re in the area, or just passing through like I did - it is well worth your time.
Important note - Wolff Wear has very kindly granted WestCoast Swimrun a 10% discount code: westcoastswimrun which you are welcome to use!