Stewart swim school starts Friday

Craig Stewart is back on the rock after winning this year’s Boiler Swim and coming fourth in the Air New Zealand International Triathlon.

This time Stewart wants to share some of his trade secrets with local swimmers who want a competitive edge or just want to improve their skills in the sea and pool.

The seven-day swim-school starts June 25. There will be morning and afternoon group swim sessions as well as the chance for each attendee to have a private one hour one-on-one lesson.

“The local people were so friendly and welcoming when I was in Rarotonga for the triathlon that I wanted to help them in the best way I know how: passing on as much knowledge and skill as I can about swimming,” Stewart said.”There is a lot of potential on the island and I would really like to be part of helping that develop.”

Stewart has racked up an impressive record in competitive swimming: he won the NZ Lake Taupo race which involved crossing the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere seven times. He was a finalist in 1500m freestyle at New Zealand Commonwealth Games trials 2002, and has come in the top 10 in the Taupo Half Ironman, the World Age Group Triathlon Championships, as well as the Air New Zealand Rarotonga International Triathlon.

Stewart’s girlfriend Nathalie Bernard will also be helping out on the Raro swim school. Bernard represented New Zealand in swimming at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and the Pan Pacific Games in 2002, as well winning numerous national titles and breaking many NZ age group records. This is the place to be for swim-skills!

Both Stewart and Bernard are studying Sport and Recreation at Auckland University, and Craig is also working as junior coach at Parnell Swimming Club. He said he is hoping develop the kids there into future Olympians.

When CI News asked for any top secret tips, Craig laughed.

“If I told you that I would be out of a job! The secret to a good swim is to stay relaxed, keep your technique under control and make sure you have done the correct training leading up to the event.”

The swim school is $100 and there are still places available contact Shannon at the CITC pharmacy if you would like to sign up.