TriOpenWater Swim Lab
This week’s Feature Friday is a little different. Instead of looking back, we’re looking ahead – as we welcome a brand-new tenant preparing to open their doors this June at Terry Dicken Business Park.
Meet Matt, the face behind TriOpenWater Swim Lab. A coaching business built around a passion for swimming, performance, and mental wellbeing.
From the classroom to the water
By day, Matt works as a school teacher supporting children with special educational needs. However, outside of the classroom, swimming has always been a constant.
Matt explains, “Swimming is what I love most. In the water, you’re away from everything – especially underwater where you can’t hear anything. There’s no pressure, you just focus on being strong and present.”
Over the years, that passion has grown into something more. Matt has been coaching professionally since 2018, alongside nearly two decades of voluntary coaching at swimming clubs. Now, he specialises in stroke development and performance coaching – with a clear goal in sight.
“The plan is to be coaching full-time by summer 2026. I’m lucky to have a really supportive boss who’s behind me 100%.”
Discovering open water swimming
Although Matt has competed in swimming for years – and still competes at national level – his journey into open water swimming started unexpectedly.
He said, “A colleague asked me to help him train for a triathlon. I’d never tried open water swimming before, so I bought a wetsuit, jumped into a lake… and loved it. I never looked back.”
Then, during lockdown, as pools closed, more and more people turned to lakes, rivers and the sea.
“It really took off during lockdown. I spent most afternoons swimming in the local river.”
As a result, open water swimming has continued to grow in popularity: not just as a sport, but as a way to support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Where technique meets the individual
Through his coaching, Matt noticed a common trend – particularly among triathletes.
“You often hear people say, ‘I’m just going to get through the swim.’ They’ll spend a fortune on bikes but completely overlook the swimming.”
However, as Matt explains, improving in the water isn’t as simple as following a textbook.
“It’s not one-size-fits-all. There is a textbook way to swim, but it has to be adapted to the individual – your body, your movement, even how you think in the water.”
By focusing on each person’s physical and mental approach, Matt helps swimmers become more efficient – not just stronger.
Introducing TriOpenWater Swim Lab
Now, Matt is bringing that approach to life with the launch of the TriOpenWater Swim Lab.
“I’ve always wanted a facility where I can focus on one-to-one coaching. The pool we’re building is five metres long, but you swim against a current. Think of it like a treadmill for swimming.”
Designed for open water swimmers of all levels, the TriOpenWater Swim Lab focuses on improving stroke efficiency, confidence, and performance.
“We’re not just training swimmers,” said Matt. “We’re helping people become a better version of themselves in the water.”
Real-time feedback, real results
One of the biggest challenges in swimming is visibility – quite literally.
Matt explains, “Your body is behind you, so you can’t actually see what you’re doing. That makes it one of the hardest sports to get real-time feedback in.”
That’s where the TriOpenWater Swim Lab stands out.
“We’ll have monitors and screens so you can see your movement as you swim. That’s when real improvements happen.”
Matt recalls a recent example:
“I coached someone who was trying too hard – putting loads of effort in but not getting anything back. It’s like going downhill in first gear. Once we adjusted his technique, everything became more efficient.”
Not just for athletes
While the concept may sound high-performance, the Swim Lab is designed to be accessible.
“It’s for anyone – from age 10 upwards – who wants to improve,” Matt said. “Ability doesn’t matter. In fact, the controlled environment makes it far less intimidating than a busy pool. If needed, clients can hold the side and I can support them directly. It’s a much more comfortable way to learn.”
Building the TriOpenWater Swim Lab
Since getting the keys in March, progress has been well underway.
“We’ve been busy designing and building the space”, shared Matt. “The steelwork is in, insulation is on – next comes the pool liner and fitting the motor and electrics.”
With everything moving forward, the goal is clear:
“We’re aiming to open from 1st June.”
Why Terry Dicken Business Park?
For Matt, the location felt like a natural fit.
“I live locally and train at Stokesley Leisure Centre, so I’ve known the estate for years – and I’ve spent plenty of time in TK’s Café!”
In fact, this wasn’t the first time he’d explored a unit here.
“I approached Mark a few years ago, but the timing wasn’t right. Then, out of the blue, he got back in touch when another similar unit became available. Thus everything just fell into place. Mark has been proactive, flexible and really accommodating. It made the whole process straightforward.”
Reserve your lane
With opening just around the corner, bookings are now open for June.
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer, a triathlete, or simply looking to build confidence in the water, the TriOpenWater Swim Lab offers a unique and supportive environment to improve.
📧 To find out more or reserve your session, email Matt at mhaycroft@hotmail.com
Further launch details – including the new online booking system – will be announced soon.
The TriOpenWater Swim Lab can be found at Unit 35, Terry Dicken Industrial Estate, Station Road, Stokesley TS9 7AE
If you want to stay up to date with the progress of the pool, follow on Facebook and Instagram
Want to keep up to date on news and events from the Terry Dicken Business Park? Sign up today using the button below.