Returning, as I am, to Jersey in the next few days for both a RJ solo and a RJ Relay, I’ve been putting finishing touches to the mental aspect of my challenges. I first met Sally in September 2014 on St. Aubin’s beach in Jersey after a 5km open water race, not long after my father told me he never wanted to see or speak to me again and, more hurtfully, that he wanted nothing to do with our two boys (now young men). I knew of the Jersey legend of EC swimming, saw her on the beach, walked up to Sal and asked her, ‘can you get me round Jersey?’ She said, ‘sure’ so I decided to turn a powerful negative emotion into a positive one by deciding, there and then, that I would swim around my father (who still lives on Jersey).
I attended the first of four successive swim camps the next May (2015) and so began a series of life-affirming experiences centred on swimming in the stunning waters that surround Jersey. Sal’s motto, ‘a bay a day’ rings true as the programme endeavours (within the limitations of the massive tides) to give swimmers a varied experience from glorious sandy beaches around the south and west, through picturesque harbours along the north coast that provide access to cliffs and hidden coves and caves and the deep water of St Catherine’s in the east where most qualifier swims of up to 6 hours are done (for those wishing so to do).
The camps are about much more than just swimming and, over the years, I have had the privilege to swim with inspirational people, whether it be Help for Heroes amputees training for an ‘Arch to Arc’, EC swimmers or those new to open water swimming. The camps never feel too large, the atmosphere is always conducive to sharing stories and experiences, and I know that I have gained a lot of knowledge in the process. I think, too, that everybody departs having gained in some way, whether it be open water technique, confidence in the water or just happy memories.
Lastly, Sal’s camps always include a healthy dose of socialising centered on charming, sometimes quirky, cafes (such as the Hungry Man and Mad Mary’s) visited after swims, evening dining at memorable locations (such as El Tico’s, watching the sun go down over St. Ouen’s bay) and special trips (e.g. to France for dinner or to the Minquiers by rib when, more often than not, you will see dolphins right up close).
Sally and fellow campers, I’d like to thank you all for those shared experiences as they will stand me in good stead when I swim around my father.
Jon M
My son, was taught by Sal, from age 6-7, approximately! He has various neurological conditions including autism and developmental coordination disorder and he is hearing impaired. Sal had a wonderful attitude towards Keir and always geared her teaching techniques to accommodate his needs. She would work both in the water and poolside with him depending on the lesson and always ensured that he understood what she wanted him to do by speaking directly to him. Thanks Sal for being a truly understanding and adaptable swim coach.
Angela and Keir
My three boys over the past 24 years have been very lucky to have had Sally Minty-Gravett teaching them to swim from the age of four months through parent & babes, toddler and children’s swimming lessons and even Jersey Long Distance Swimming Club – as a result they are happy, strong confident swimmers.
Katrina R
Sally has such a passion for swimming and for enabling all abilities to share her love.
Both my children flew under her guidance. She sets clear boundaries, knows what the children’s individual needs are and helps them to quickly make progress and achieve their best.
I was thrilled with how quickly my children moved forward with their swimming and living on an island the skill of swimming is a vital one.
Sally has a real gift for teaching swimming and I have no hesitations in recommending her to anyone in need of an excellent teacher.
Rebecca R
Sally first taught my son from the age of 2.and half. Although he was confident in water, at that stage didn’t have any idea of how to swim. 9 months later he was swimming without armbands. He went from strength to strength until age 10 decided 2000 meters was enough.
These 8 years had given him the strength, technique and a passion for the water in particular lifesaving, which enabled him to compete nationally and internationally.
14 years after his first lesson with Sally, he is now a lifeguard at the same place he started his lessons.
I believe without the Sally’s enthusiasm, he would not have found a hobby he still enjoys and which hopefully will lead him to a lifelong love of swimming
Linda Le Geyt
Wow what a lady… I first had the great pleasure of meeting Sally almost 30 years ago!
Sally actually taught me to swim freestyle so that I could enter my first Triathlon (in my mid 20s), working with me tirelessly & encouraging me that I could do it.
With Sally’s drive, vast knowledge and amazing teaching skills, I went on to represent Jersey in the Island Games.
Five years later I was still attending her early morning swim sessions and also Aqua aerobics, with ‘bump number one’ under her watchful eye and providing great advice on what to do and not to do, trusting Sally implicitly, so much so that I think baby number one felt so comfortable he nearly arrived in the pool ☺
Sally then went on to teach both my children to swim and she certainly had a task on her hands with one stubborn child that wanted to do their own thing, but with understanding, gentle persuasion and guided rules, they were both swimming like fish in a safe manner in no time at all.
I can comfortably and highly recommend Sally as a swimming and aqua aerobics Instructor for persons of ALL ages, she is definitely the ‘go to’ person!
Sue Greig
I first met Sally when I had to improve my swimming strokes for my GCSE in PE, this then soon went to coaching support for a round Jersey swim and I regularly swam with Sally in the sea and in the pool. Sally spent time with me correcting and tweaking my stroke so that I could be more efficient, I got to know drills and a pullbuoy very well!
Sally is a font of knowledge with all things swimming and felt very safe in her hands with any swimming goal I was aiming for.
KC Fitness
Sally taught both of my children from 4 months old.
She has a brilliant manner in the way that she engages with babies, toddlers and young children, as well as the parents.
Sally’s confidence in the water is superb, and both of our children responded very well to her and continue to thoroughly enjoy swimming. George was even encouraged to take part in a Halloween day sea swim aged 3 which is still one of his proudest memories!
William Church
My daughter has been swimming with Sal now for 4 years, she has gone from strength to strength, she has always loved the water, but never to the extent she does now! She was introduced to sea swimming by Sal a year later and since then is determined to swim the Island, the Channel and Jersey to France following in her idols footsteps!!! She has been nurtured, loved and supported 100% by Sal and for that I will always be very grateful! Thank you
Ocean Brown
Over 24 years ago I was introduced to Aquanatal and Post Aquanatal through Sally Minty-Gravett. This then lead me to doing Aquafit which I still enjoy today – being my favourite sport to keep fit.
Katrina R