Members of Propulsion have the opportunity to participate in various camps throughout the year. These camps are an integral part of Propulsion's program.
Different camps are offered, depending on the needs of swimmers and availability of venues. Our main camps over the last several years have been to interstate State Championships and our training camp in Cairns. Propulsion has also introduced an overseas training camp aimed at providing international training and competition experience. In 2019, this camp was in the USA.
Our inaugural camp to the SA SC state champs took place in 2023. This camp was targeted at our State Age squads, and provided high quality competition, as well as experience with competition travel. It also saw highly trained nutritionists provide advice to our squad, as well as senior swimmers acting as mentors to provide advice and guidance. It provided an excellent opportunity to achieve qualifying times, multiple PBs were obtained, and there were several finalists. It also provided great team building opportunities for swimmers across our several squads.
Widely regarded as a swimmer's best chance to qualify for nationals, Propulsion's trips to the Tasmanian State Championships have seen countless swimmers in breakthrough performances. This trip remains close to the hearts of many of our swimmers who have excelled at the championships with the season's hard work finally paying off.
Despite the heavy event load and pressure of the competition, swimmers always arrive home eager to return next year and motivated for the new season ahead.
In preparation for the long course/national season Propulsion has often run a week-long interstate training camp. Generally held during the summer break, this camp tests the swimmers physically and mentally as they complete a large number of training sessions and other fitness related activities. This also serves as the base training for the season ahead.
Despite the hard work, swimmers find this camp to be extremely enjoyable. It builds camaraderie within the squad and swimmers also get the opportunity to train with various interstate clubs. Previous trips have also included a variety of activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, wildlife parks, ropes courses, theme parks, movies and more!
Propulsion has been fortunate to be able to provide a select group of our senior swimmers the opportunity to attend a training camp overseas. In 2019, this camp was in the USA. On 7 June 2019, following world championship trials, Propulsion sent their first international training group to the USA. Head coach, Seb Bettiol, along with swimmers Thomas Pearson, Adam Selwood and Liam Laidlaw, made their way down the west coast, beginning in San Francisco, spending the majority of their time in Santa Clara. Here, they trained along-side the esteemed Santa Clara Swim Club. They finished in Coronado, San Diego with a technique session with Race Pace head coach, Gary Hall Sr.
The time spent in Santa Clara was a highlight, as our swimmers were able to swim with internationally acclaimed coaches and swimmers, as well as making friends for life. The swimmers also enjoyed the squad's 'Cannon Ball Friday' routine, in which swimmers had to begin the set with a bomb off the blocks.
Among heavy training sessions and vigorous dryland sessions, the swimmers were also able to take in the sights, visiting the Meer Redwood Forest for a day with Coach Logan of Santa Clara, the Google Complex in Silicon-Valley, Alcatraz and Santa Cruz. Another highlight was riding bicycles across the Golden Gate Bridge - a truly surreal experience.
The swimmers were also lucky enough to be invited to compete in the Coronado Swim Club 4th of July Open Water Race, in which all 3 swimmers, plus Seb, braved the cold water to race the half-mile. Everyone swam very well through raging seas, with the majority placing, but overall MVP was Seb, taking first place in the 30+ category.
For several years, the club has organised a team trip for our performance squad to swim at the NSW State Open Championships. The event is held at SOPAC, and many of our swimmers have had the opportunity to swim against past and potential Olympians. Several of our swimmers have also made finals. This trip has provided another opportunity to hone skills in the lead up to the Australian Open Championships.
For several years, the club has organised a team trip for our performance squad to swim at the Queensland State Open Championships. This event is prime preparation for the Victorian Long Course Championships, and the team obtains valuable race experience against a quality field. Several swimmers have also made finals. This trip equips them with the skills to race under highly competitive conditions.
2015 saw the first of our volunteering camps in India. Swimmers and coaches from Propulsion travelled to New Delhi and Jaipoor, India, for our international training and community volunteering camp. Our swimmers have been able to assist some of the world's most needy children, volunteering at a children's home in India.
Find out more about our India Camp on our Community and Social Programs page.
