The Effortless Swimming Podcast

I recently joined the That Triathlon Show Podcast with Mikael Eriksson for a deep dive into freestyle technique and what I call the "swim technique hierarchy of needs."

 

In this conversation, we break down the key elements of efficient swimming including breathing, body position, rotation, catch mechanics, timing, and how to adapt your stroke for open-water racing. We also discuss some of the most common mistakes triathletes make in the water, how to fix them, and why many swimmers plateau even when their technique looks good on video.

 

We also get into topics like kick timing, front-quadrant swimming, stroke rate, drills that actually transfer to faster swimming, open-water skills, and what it really takes to become a strong swimmer as an adult-onset triathlete.

 

If you're looking to swim faster, feel more efficient in the water, or better understand how to prioritize your technique work, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights you can apply right away.

03:37 A hierarchy of needs for freestyle technique

 

07:50 Building the frame of the body

 

12:20 Kick tempo and stroke rate

  

17:05 Training the Kick for racing options

  

18:40 Rotation

 

23:30 The catch and pull

 

29:32 YMCA Drill

 

35:10 Timing and creative freedom in racing

 

38:20 Speed versus stroke appearance

 

41:15 The importance of purposeful drills

 

46:05 Capturing your technique on camera

 

48:00 The nature of swim talent

 

52:46 Swim frequency and distance

 

57:00 Structuring swim workouts

 

59:01 Intensity distribution across swim sessions

 

01:03:30 Open water versus pool technique

 

01:07:20 The importance of drafting

 

01:08:36 Drafting and preparation for open water

 

01:15:50 - Racing bravely in the swim

 

01:18:42 -The Goggles

 

01:23:50 - Choosing the right lens for conditions

 

Why does swimming feel so hard after just a short break from the pool? In this episode, we talk about the importance of consistency in swimming and why regular time in the water is the key to feeling faster, smoother, and more comfortable. We also cover how drills like front scull can help improve your feel for the water and regain confidence after time away from training. If you're searching for the "secret" to better swimming, this episode breaks down why consistency beats shortcuts every time.

00:11 – Why consistency matters so much in swimming
01:04 – How regular swimming helps you feel comfortable in the water
02:35 – Using front scull drills to improve feel for the water
03:17 – The real secret to swimming faster: consistency

What if the key to swimming faster is actually ignoring your watch? In this episode, we explore how constantly checking pace, splits, and stats can take swimmers out of the moment and disconnect them from the feel of the water. Learn why being present during training can improve technique, effort control, and overall performance — and why taking a break from your swim watch might be the reset you need.

From Strava habits to flow state training, this episode challenges swimmers to focus less on data and more on awareness in the pool.

Accurate Timestamps

00:14 – The cliff road analogy and being present

01:06 – Why swimming is all about feel for the water

01:56 – Watches vs using the pace clock at the pool

02:38 – Manually tracking swims instead

In this episode, we sit down with professional triathlete Steph Clutterbuck to break down the real secrets behind efficient freestyle swimming. Instead of grinding harder in the water, Steph explains how better technique—especially rotation, body position, and connection—can dramatically improve your speed.

We dive into why many swimmers struggle with a flat, disconnected stroke and how that leads to wasted energy. Steph shares practical tips on how to stay long in the water, engage your core, and create a smoother, more powerful stroke.

If you're stuck at a plateau or feel like swimming faster requires exhausting effort, this episode will completely change your approach.

0:11 – Introduction Overview of freestyle technique and common mistakes swimmers make

0:20 – Why swimmers struggle to get faster.

1:10 – The problem with swimming "flat".

2:10 – Why a flat stroke wastes energy.

3:15 – Importance of body rotation.

4:20 – Timing and coordination.

5:30 – Catch vs whole stroke.

6:40 – Staying long in the water.

7:45 – Using your core in freestyle.

9:00 – Common beginner mistakes recap.

10:10 – How to swim faster with less effort?

In this episode, Brendan Cullen recounts his remarkable transformation from a non-swimmer to successfully completing the demanding English Channel swim. He reflects on how mental resilience, disciplined training, and a strong sense of community support helped him overcome one of the world's toughest endurance challenges. Brendan also shares how his rural upbringing shaped his mindset, and how personal motivation and strategic preparation played key roles in pushing beyond perceived limits.

00:50 Introduction to Brendan Cullen: The Desert Swimmer
01:50 Brendan's Unique Background and Journey to Swimming
05:27 The Decision to Swim the English Channel
06:55 Training and Preparation for the Channel Swim
10:48 The Day of the English Channel Swim
24:17 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned
24:40 The Impact of Open Water Swimming on Life
30:37 The Release of Brendan's Book: The Desert Swimmer