Swimming is one of those skills every one of every age should master and there are few better ways to take the plunge than during a break at the Budock Vean Hotel on Cornwall's Helford River. The luxury hotel has teamed up with expert coach Len Hatcher to provide lessons for all ages and abilities starting in their own pool and graduating to open waters including the hidden creeks and coves of the Helford and the surrounding coastline.
“There's nothing quite like swimming where no-one else is around and the Helford has some of the most magical spots in the world for wild swimming,” says Len. “But you need confidence in the water to enjoy the experience safely and that's what we offer in our teaching courses, whatever the age or experience of our students.”
For more than thirty years Len has been coaching swimmers from the tiniest tots to UK Triathlete competitors and a young team of Channel Swimmers - with the backing of the National Open Water Coaches Association and the Swimming Teachers Association.
With the Budock Vean he builds bespoke swimming courses which combine a relaxing break with acquiring a new skill, either one to one or in small group sessions. He can help people overcome their fear of water, analyse and help them improve their strokes and offer therapeutic exercises - including for people with limited mobility.
As confidence grows he offers open water swimming tuition and Wild Swimming excursions with the locations tailored to people's abilities, requirements and the weather.
“Len has an amazing way with people and such an enthusiasm that if anyone can get you swimming it will be him,” says the Budock Vean's owner Martin Barlow. “Gaining such an important new skill really adds an extra dimension to the relaxing breaks we offer here and we've seen our guests get such a sense of achievement – particularly if they've been a bit scared of the idea of swimming before.”
Swimming is just one of the many activities on offer from the Budock Vean, set in 65 acres of gardens and woodland on the Helford River, with its own golf course, tennis courts, pool and leisure area, Natural Health Spa and top notch restaurant. Popular kayaking and river boat trips set off from the hotel's private foreshore and walkers and garden lovers can forget their cars while they explore the coast and countryside of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
