Over 50 Otters, along with family and friends, travelled to Club La Santa, Lanzarote, for our 2026 training camp, just weeks before Short Course Masters Nationals in Sheffield. This year, we extended the trip to eight nights and seven full days of training, giving us even more time to work on our swimming, try new sports and enjoy some well-earned sunshine.
With Josh back coaching and Gina stepping up to join the coaching team, this year's camp had a big focus on developing our skills and fine-tuning our racing ahead of Nationals.
Each day featured two two-hour pool sessions starting with a full team stretch using stretch bands to get us ready for the day ahead. There was a big focus on technique and skills ahead of Nationals alongside aerobic, VO2 max and threshold training. We worked on a range of skills through workshops covering open turns, crossover turns, backstroke starts, breakouts, relay takeovers, wall approaches and finishes, and race starts. We also had the use of an underwater camera to analyse our stroke technique and identify areas for improvement.
After a week of hard work, the final pool session was all about having fun. Having been split into four teams at the start of the week, the Otters came together for a series of fun relays to round off the training camp. A great way to put our skills into practice, have a bit of friendly competition and finish the week on a high.
Of course, there was plenty happening outside the pool too. The Otters wasted no time getting stuck into everything Club La Santa had to offer, kicking things off with a volleyball competition. From there, the week included aquathlons, windsurfing, surfing, cycling, tennis, reformer pilates, aerial fitness and plenty of time in the gym. Josh even put us through our paces with an explosive deadlift class!
Padel was another big hit, with so many Otters getting involved that we may need to start thinking about setting up a club team. There was also a paddleboard race, mini golf and, of course, the infamous hole 3. For those who preferred something a little less energetic, there was always the option of relaxing and sunbathing by the leisure pool.
Evenings were just as busy, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and refuel after a full day of activity. Our traditional make-your-own pasta night was a huge success, with plenty of carb-loading options on offer. We also enjoyed a team dinner in the local town, a pizza night on the beach and a quiz. To round off the week, we came together for a team BBQ followed by karaoke.
It was another brilliant week of swimming, learning, trying new things and spending time together as a club. With Nationals just around the corner, the camp gave everyone a chance to sharpen their skills, build confidence and enjoy training alongside teammates, while making plenty of memories along the way.