+ How much do training sessions cost?

Track, brick and open water swim cost $6.00. Non-BTC members are charged a $10.00 fee. Junior members train for free.

+ Do I need to book training sessions?

There is no need to book. Just be at the training location and ready to go at the session start time.

+ Do I need to be a member to train with BTC?

Regular attendees at all BTC training sessions must be members of Triathlon NSW for insurance purposes.

Members of other local triathlon clubs who are members of Triathlon NSW are welcome to attend BTC training sessions for a $10.00 fee.

If you are not a Triathlon NSW or BTC member and are interested in seeing what the club and its sessions are like, you are welcome to come along to one of our training sessions for free before deciding if you would like to join the BTC. Interested? Get in touch with the BTC New Member Liaison.

+ What is the minimum age for attendees?

BTC is a junior friendly triathlon club. We have a junior training program that is designed to help junior athletes (aged 7 to 17 years) devolop their core triathlon skills in a fun, safe environment.

Depending on the age and ability, juniors are welcome to join the weekly open water swim and track sessions but must first contact our BTC Junior Coordinator.

+ I'm new to BTC - what happens at my first session?

If you are attending a BTC training session for the first time, make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time so that the Session Captain can welcome you and introduce you to the coaches.

The Session Captain and coaches will tell you about what you need to do before the session, what will happen during the session, and will keep an eye on you throughout.

Newcomers and beginners are always welcome at any of our regular weekly training sessions, subject to a couple of minimum requirements - take a look at our club session prerequisites for more detail.

If you are nervous or apprehensive about attending one of our regular weekly training sessions, consider coming along during New Member Week, when we will have extra coaches on hand at each training session to specifically focus on the needs of beginners and newcomers. You can find the dates of the next New Member Week here.

Still got questions? Get in touch with the BTC New Member Liaison.

+ What do I bring?

You will need to bring a swimsuit, goggles, towel, debit/credit card or mobile for payment of $6.00 for the session and (recommended over the winter months) a wetsuit. We will provide you with a BTC swim cap.

+ Help! I am a terrible swimmer!

Everyone has to start somewhere. Our open water swim sessions are intended to help attendees improve their open water swim skills (including sighting, turning buoys and drafting), and build open water swim confidence and swim fitness.

We welcome open water attendees who think they are too slow, or who feel their swim is ‘just not very good’ or ‘is letting them down’ subject to meeting our minimum swim ability requirement of 1km continuous freestyle.

If you cannot yet swim 1km continuous freestyle, our open water swim session probably isn't for you just yet. We suggest you head along to a swim squad or consider booking some adult swim lessons to bring you up the minimum standard. Check out the resources page for a list of swim squads and coaches that may help.

Once you have built up your swim in the pool and have a bit more confidence, come along to open water swim. If you want to come along to a session to have a chat to a coach and watch the session, you are more than welcome (no booking required).

+ I'm nervous about open water swimming!

That’s why coming along to open water swim each week at Balmoral Beach will help. Balmoral Beach is a harbour beach so it is not normally affected by significant ocean swell or currents.

During the session, we remain within 100 metres of the beach so if you are having a panicky moment you can head back to the shore, regroup, and try again. We also have a coach on hand, either on the beach or on a board, to keep an eye on participants and provide help if needed.

If you want to come along to a session to have a chat to a coach and watch the session, you are more than welcome (no booking required). Also, consider coming along during New Member Week, when we will have extra coaches on hand at each training session to specifically focus on the needs of beginners and newcomers. You can find the dates of the next New Member Week here.

+ what distances do you cover at swim?

Open water swim runs for 1 hour and attendees can expect to cover 2-3kms during the session, dependent on speed.

The coach organises attendees into 2-4 groups based on pace and will suggest shorter swim intervals for those who are slower in order to keep the groups together. You can always bring fins along if you are concerned about keeping up.

+ What do I bring?

You will need to bring a drink, towel, a warm top, and debit/credit card or mobile for payment of $6.00 for the session.

We suggest you arrive in your running gear, however there is a change room at the oval if you are coming straight from work and do not have time to change beforehand.

+ Do I have to be fast to come to Track?

Track sessions are inclusive and suitable for all abilities. We start and finish together on a circular oval (faster people will complete more laps, slower people will complete less laps).

You will encounter some very fit and fast people at track but, don’t worry, they are all friendly and will push and encourage you to run at your best.

+ What distances are covered at Track?

The coached Track session runs for 1 hour and attendees can expect to cover anywhere between 5-10km during the session, dependent on speed.

+ Whats does the Track session involve?

The Track main session runs for 1 hour in total, including, cool down, core and stretch.

The main session involves running intervals at different speeds for different periods of time. The coaches will provide options for both short and long course athletes.

The content of the training sessions vary according to the time of year, becoming more race and speed specific as the season progresses.