Ponds Forge

[lane4]

Ponds Forge. By a long way! Easily Britain's best venue for competitive swimming, probably the best in Europe too. It just has something magic about it that you don't get anywhere else. Like it was designed totally with the competitive swimmer in mind and nothing else. They got everything just right. There are other pools that are very good but you can always find something not quite to your satisfaction. I can't say that about PF.

However, my fave place to coach would be any outdoor long course pool in a sunny warm climate right next to the beach. Best example I have found is the pool at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft Lauderdale although I am sure there are many other similar ones around the world.

[BigFish]

Originally posted by lane4:
There are other pools that are very good but you can always find something not quite to your satisfaction. I can't say that about PF.

Oh know? What about the changing room toilets? Ok, ok, I'm nit picking, but they do kind of spoil the atmosphere as you walk through the changing rooms onto the poolside http://www.swimclub.co.uk/ubb/frown.gif

------------------
David Cuthbert (www.dartes.co.uk)
news@DaveC.org.uk

[the_swimmer2001]

Originally posted by lane4:
Ponds Forge. By a long way! Easily Britain's best venue for competitive swimming, probably the best in Europe too. It just has something magic about it that you don't get anywhere else. Like it was designed totally with the competitive swimmer in mind and nothing else. They got everything just right. There are other pools that are very good but you can always find something not quite to your satisfaction. I can't say that about PF.

However, my fave place to coach would be any outdoor long course pool in a sunny warm climate right next to the beach. Best example I have found is the pool at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft Lauderdale although I am sure there are many other similar ones around the world.

I couldn't agree more! Pond Forge is a perfect pool and you don't get much better than that! I have swam at a camp at the Hall of Fame an it is a very well designed complex. The facilities are exelent although the pools could do with re-tileing!

[Bazza]

I have to agree with you guys - Ponds Forge is practically perfect, and I have fond memories of that pool (despite having only been there three times!) It's the only pool I've been to where there is enough space on poolside, except maybe CP(but that's only because there are so many seats in the spec area.) I have heard the new pool in Manchester isn't as good, which is a shame. One question: Why hold Nationals anywhere else?

[lane4]

Nationals need to be held elsewhere because everyone is now TOO used to Sheffield and suffer from familiarity syndrome in that ALL their PB's are set there, they stay in the same hotels every time, eat in the same restaurants etc. They need to learn how to swim PB's in pools other than Ponds Forge!

[Bazza]

Dunno 'bout you, but personally I can't swim PB's anywhere else (well, certianly not at Crystal Palace anyway. Or Coventry.). Having said that, I can't seem to swim any PB's at the moment, so I guess it doesn't matter...

[cheshuntswimclub]

Sheffield Ponds Forge it fantastic! I swam the b-grade meet there and apart from the poolside was too warm it was a great day and a good experience for a swimmer of my quality, used to Crystal Palace (dark and gloomy) and Coventry (too modern looking).

[Shamu]

:D :D
Hi this is my first post. I prefer Ponds Forge and think it is the best pool to host the Nationals. Last time i went i felt i swam really well!:)
By the way im up there (in Sheffield) all week for the Nationals, can any of u guys recommend any good places to eat?:confused:
:D

[bobby]

Go on the tram to Valley Entertainment where there are several places to eat. The tram stop is right outside the pool. Otherwise there are quite a few restaurants in the town which is walking distance from the pool and some pubs too! Lots of Italian restaurants so plenty of pasta/pizza.

Where are you staying in Sheffield? Are you there for both age groups and youth?

[Katie]

There's an ASK there too... don't know whether you've heard about it but the menu's a lot like Pizza Express! It's walking distance from the pool and the people there were really good -- they set up table for us so loads of us could eat together. There's also another pizza place really close to the pool, you come out of Ponds Forge, turnleft, walk up the road past the tram stop and follow the road around to the left... I realise this would all be a lot simpler if I knew what this place was called! All I remember about it is it was painted green and had signs for kareoke outside... I never remember hearing kareoke when I was in there though! :D

[Shamu]

Thanks Bobby and Katie! I will check those places out if i have time! Im up their for the National Age Groups only.:p
Im staying in a hotel very close to the pool - Holiday Inn/Hilton.
Thanx again

Shamu
:D :D :D :D :D :) :D :D :D :D :D

[splash]

i would agree ther i have done my best swimmthere all year at the British National Age groups.

[splash]

i do not know what my fav pool it it is between Ponds Forge and Tolcross. I have swam good in both.

[Bazza]

Same here and I am pleased to announce I will be returning to the north east next month for the first time in two and a half years.:)

[super_fish88]

I agree with Splash. I can't quite decide between Ponds Forge and Tolcross, i think i swim faster at Tolcross but i really like Ponds Forge too!

Super Fish xx

[water_babe_2003]

Yer i Ponds Forge has got to be my fave pool!! I've got good memories from there! (Nationals, NEC's, Yorkshire) But i would really love to swim at Manchester Aquatics.

[BigFish]

Ahhh, I thought that was you Chrissy. How you doin?

[water_babe_2003]

lol, hi Dave! Long time no chat! :o) How r ya?? Just fell across this website some how! How'd u realise it was me??? *cough*

[BigFish]

Your description of Hall X couldn't really have been any other pool in the country, and you're the only ex-dartes swimmer I could think of who matches your profile. BTW Edlington's lifesaving team compete at Manc Aqua quite a bit (not that I'm suggesting anything, of course). ;)

[water_babe_2003]

No of course you're not suggesting a thing! ;) lol. I go to Dearne Valley's lifesaving quite a bit, when i'm not working. A certain swimmer of yours from Edlo kept asking me if i'd join your club.....

[BigFish]

Well, you know, I had to try!

[water_babe_2003]

LOL, yup u did!!! Poaching swimmers! ;o) Typical coaches of Donny! (only messing!)

[Shamu]

Originally posted by lane4
Ponds Forge. By a long way! Easily Britain's best venue for competitive swimming, probably the best in Europe too. It just has something magic about it that you don't get anywhere else. Like it was designed totally with the competitive swimmer in mind and nothing else. They got everything just right. There are other pools that are very good but you can always find something not quite to your satisfaction. I can't say that about PF.

However, my fave place to coach would be any outdoor long course pool in a sunny warm climate right next to the beach. Best example I have found is the pool at the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft Lauderdale although I am sure there are many other similar ones around the world.

Totally! Ponds Forge is great! I love the whole atmosphere unlike other pools the temperature is just right both in the water and out!:rainbow:

I really like Ponds Forge and i dont know many who dislike it but some people do have very different opinions. I really hope @ Nationals this year loads of people do great times as its such a fab pool. The food @ the cafe is good to!:p

SO I GIVE PONDS FORGE A GREAT BIG THUMBS UP AND A CHEESY SMILE!
:)

[Natasha]

Wow - I love that pool, it's been my favourite for ages! And the water is so cold, it makes you swim fast! Although I would like to swim at Edinburgh, I've heard they've got a great pool there too. But for now - Ponds Forge is my favourite by a long way!

[EmBlo]

My vote goes to Ponds forge. After knocking out 3 pb's this year there, its just lovely to swim in. Prefer the ladies at the diving pit end though - more room to chat obviously!!
Aquatics in Manchester is nice too, but thats just my brain liking the fact that for a 100m I only have to do 2 lengths! :king:

[lozswimmer]

im swimming there tomorrow for the first time. looking forward to it :D

[GettingFaster]

My vote goes to Ponds forge. After knocking out 3 pb's this year there, its just lovely to swim in. Prefer the ladies at the diving pit end though - more room to chat obviously!!
Aquatics in Manchester is nice too, but thats just my brain liking the fact that for a 100m I only have to do 2 lengths! :king:
Absolutely - less than half as many turns as well - in fact if they had a 200m pool I'd probably vote that as fave. Don't say "well swim in the sea then", because that tastes disgusting and doesn't have anti-wave laneropes. Don't like waves - you only have to look at my un-wavy fly to see that!

Manchester is a very nice pool, and there's a brilliant pub round the corner does steak, chips and full trimmings for less than a fiver - perfect pre-200IM food, that! Yum!

Welcome to the forums, EmBlo :cool: .

[DaveT]

I swam at Ponds Forge for the 1st time last week & i can say happily that it is great pool...the best? Well, i'll need to go there again a few times in er.. better condition to see if it's a fast pool but the facilities are good & it's big :) I will always say tollcross (glasgow) is my favourite pool however due to millions of races i've been in there & the atmosphere that's always there. The pool still looks like it was built yesterday & although it doesn't seat as many perhaps as ponds forge, it's always full at competitions & buzzing with activity. Plus...the showers are good :rolleyes: The only dare i say, downside, is the area which is in. Not the nicest area of glasgow but then again, we are meant to be swimming :cool: The pool in Stirling is better but it's a training pool really, not a championship pool, so there's not much atmosphere there

Dave

[lozswimmer]

i love ponds forge. its freezing cold but thats a good thing when your racing. i love the time board too. there was a mess up with the results system yesterday though so we had to wait over an hour for my event results to come through, but it was still really good :D

[Top10ranking]

i love ponds forge. its freezing cold but thats a good thing when your racing. i love the time board too. there was a mess up with the results system yesterday though so we had to wait over an hour for my event results to come through, but it was still really good :D

how did you do?

[lozswimmer]

silver in the 100 breast. missed gold by 0.06 lol

[Gina]

Did anyone that went to southern counties this weekend see the six or so new plans for the development of crystal palace. Some are quite interesting, but i was puzzled when they had 'loose listed building status' as a con! Surely it will be a positive thing as they can do something good with the site!
Should please Katie as she seemed to detest the place!!! :p

[chris_lamb]

And if anyone didn't see it: http://www.crystalpalacepark.org.uk/

[Katie]

I don't detest the place, I have come to love each pigeon, cockroach and Gold Ranger for their own particular qualities that I have got to know so well :rolleyes: Actually the new laneropes did make quite a big difference to how the pool looked. I do actually think it's a pretty fast pool, but it clearly wasn't working for me this weekend!! Never mind, we're all human!

[FlyingBean]

I like Ponds Forge more now than I did a few years ago. I had started to associate Ponds Forge with slow times, but managed to change the pattern at this year's masters nationals. My only problem is the boom turns, it takes a very long warm up to judge the turns properly, but I normally end up doing a few duff turns during the weekend despite that. :banghead:

I also agree with you Lozswimmer about the board - it's great. :)

[Bazza]

Some are quite interesting, but i was puzzled when they had 'loose listed building status' as a con! Surely it will be a positive thing as they can do something good with the site!

It is a con because otherwise they would have the option to drop a bomb on the place and start again.

[KJ89]

I also agree with you Lozswimmer about the board - it's great. :)
have you seen all the videos they play on it they are really funny although its rather annoying since i never seem ti get a proper warm up done as i am watching the board lol

[FlyingBean]

have you seen all the videos they play on it they are really funny although its rather annoying since i never seem ti get a proper warm up done as i am watching the board lol
The graphics they had at the Masters Nationals were great - it was Halloween so lots of witches etc. Someone with a very good imagination spend a lot of time creating that - looks like it was worth it too.

[Chris]

I also love Ponds Forge.

Have only swum there twice, but I now absolutely love it (well, the South pool anyway!)

Scoreboard is also very cool!

[lozswimmer]

have you seen all the videos they play on it they are really funny although its rather annoying since i never seem ti get a proper warm up done as i am watching the board lol
yeah i was trying to watch them but i was in the area where you wait for your race and had a massive pillar-thing in my way so i couldnt see lol

[KJ89]

yeah i was trying to watch them but i was in the area where you wait for your race and had a massive pillar-thing in my way so i couldnt see lol
lol i never stay down there which really annoys the officials but i also get to my race at the right time

[Big Nev]

Got to be..can't wait for Rotherham Masters Long Course meet in January.

Won a bronze at the World's there in '96

[londoner62]

Got to be..can't wait for Rotherham Masters Long Course meet in January.

Won a bronze at the World's there in '96

See you there Big Nev, just take it easy on me please :cool:

[Spidey]

Ponds Forge is a great pool to swim in - apart from the boom - mind you did my first sub minute 100m Free there after 41 years of existance.

[Chris]

Ponds Forge is a great pool to swim in - apart from the boom - mind you did my first sub minute 100m Free there after 41 years of existance.

I love the boom. That pool in 25m form is great for me :p

[Natasha]

have you seen all the videos they play on it they are really funny although its rather annoying since i never seem ti get a proper warm up done as i am watching the board lol

I think some of the random ones they put up are really funny...like one time I was doing my swim down and all of a sudden this photo just came up of a car parked outside a house?! It was was up there for ages, but I couldn't work out why it was up there! They also seem to enjoy putting a dancing Homer Simpson up there too!

I thought it was really great at Youth Nationals last year, because if you were specatating you could either watch the pool, but they were also filming all of the races at the same time, so if you wanted to, you could follow the race on the scoreboard. And when you get to a final they show you on the screen when your name is called out! Which I think was really effective, but its so tempting to look up and watch yourself! But at the same time you want to keep your focus!

lol i never stay down there which really annoys the officials but i also get to my race at the right time

I was really annoyed at a meet in Sheffield in January, they kept telling us to go to the marshalling area, but every time I got sent up late! I remember doing the 100m freestyle and we weren't sent up until the heat before us had done about 30m of their race! So I had to run all the way to my block to get there in time! But I understand that it must be hard for the officials to keep on top of things all day.

[ace_swimmer123]

i gotta agree, i shud now because its my pool!! :clear:

It is really nice
way better than leeds or anyother one :rolleyes:

[sunset]

Ponds Forge needs a good clean, the bottom of the pool is disgusting.

The changing room toilets are awful as well now :(

[Spidey]

Ponds Forge needs a good clean, the bottom of the pool is disgusting.

The changing room toilets are awful as well now :(

The Gents, half way down the side of the pool. Is there ever going to be a door for the third trap?? :rainbow:

[H2o]

ponds forge is definatly the best pool around!! my daughter has swum amazingly everytime she has swum there. despite knocking her head and receiving a concusion in her first nationals in 2002!!! :D

[Ginsberg]

Hello -

Hope I don't come across all ignorant and stuff (I'm a runner really, only just started swimming, thanks to injury).

I'm just curious how it would be that someone might regularly swim faster in one pool than another, as a few of you have found? Surely water is water? I would expect a 50m pool to be faster than 25m (less turns), but other than that?

Or is it just state of mind - the better/more relaxed you feel, the better you swim?

Just curious really :)

Ta.

[Chris]

Hello -

Hope I don't come across all ignorant and stuff (I'm a runner really, only just started swimming, thanks to injury).

I'm just curious how it would be that someone might regularly swim faster in one pool than another, as a few of you have found? Surely water is water? I would expect a 50m pool to be faster than 25m (less turns), but other than that?

Or is it just state of mind - the better/more relaxed you feel, the better you swim?

Just curious really :)

Ta.

Welcome Ginsberg.

Water temperature, previous performances in the pool and the quality of the food in the cafe all contribute to speed in a particular pool!

25m pools are actually faster than 50m pools precisely because there are more turns!!

Chris

[octane]

I'm no competitor, but Ponds Forge is my without doubt my favourite pool I've been to and is now my local pool at which I'm a member since I moved to Sheffield. It is clean, modern and a good size.

The only downside is all the competitions that are on every weekend and interfere with me wanting to use the pool.

Saying that the underwater hockey championships they had on last month were amazing and they had a guy in the middle with an underwater camera so you could watch all the underwater action on the big screen (usually a scoreboard)!

[Spidey]

Surely water is water? I would expect a 50m pool to be faster than 25m (less turns), but other than that? Ta.

There are many factors, water temperature as mentioned above. The hieght and angle of the starting blocks, depth of the water, elasticity of the walls - yes, the boom at sheffield does move slightly as you touch it on the turn, like a springboard effect and of course the anti-wave ropes.

[fast-swimmer]

move a bit :o wen i was there and just before we got on the blocks to dive in, people in my heat were jumping up and down on the boom and it was bouncing! lol but i still think that it is brilliant pool

[just*swimming]

Ponds Forge!!!!!!! It is by far the best pool i have ever swam at i am not that old and i have swam in two 5om pools milfled and ponds forge out of the two i like that one the most!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I have just been too the western counties i swam in six events that is lots for me any!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

can any one think of a nickname for my t-shirt

[Gina]

My order of GB 50m pools ...

1st = Ponds Forge - You know what your getting there - ie pool temperature, poolside temperature. It has a proper scoreboard that works most of the time and lots of poolside space.

2nd = Manchester - I've swam really well there recently and I made my first senior national final there. Not much space on poolside as PF but they have a good swim down pool

3rd = Crystal Palace - Basically has everything you need in a competition pool. 50m long, wide lanes, swim down pool, lots of seating, space to walk around, occassional free parking etc etc. Shame it is about 30 years out of date, but it is still a fast pool

I've been to Crawley (not a fan), Aldershot (quite good but no swim down facilities), Coventry (out of date, but swam ok here), Millfield (good), Norwich (too warm and no swim down facilities), Bath, Loughborough and Ealing (good for training, but not the best for racing LC). I have never seen Leeds as I wasn't that good back in the day to make nationals there.

[James]

This is THE best swimming pool in the UK by far!

[Clairebear84]

i have to agree when i was a competitive swimmer i loved ponds forge and when i went to uni in sheffield i was lucky enough to work thereas a swimming teacher! it holds a lot of good memories for me and id love to go back one day :)

[Verity]

i have to agree when i was a competitive swimmer i loved ponds forge and when i went to uni in sheffield i was lucky enough to work thereas a swimming teacher! it holds a lot of good memories for me and id love to go back one day :)

Hey CB

all the best people went there ask Ivor

V

[Emosmum]

Hi anyone been there yet? whats it like and any tips for swimmers.
I have heard that at NorthWest Regional Yths, the pool was very chlorinated and swimmers didnt like it much, cos it made them stink... haha . Hopefully only a teething problem...

Were off up there for a nosey next weekend for the level 3 City of Liverpool meet with some of our clubs younger swimmers .

Cheers Emosmum ... :wave:

[RUBY]

We were at Manchster Aquatics last week for nw age groups and from a spectator point of view, it was marvelous. Light and airy, great music, nice cafe and lots of room. Son said the pool was cold, but I enjoyed watching.

[LAZy]

Manchester is definately on a parr with Sheffield in my book now -

and alot easier to find your way around the city - always have to go round Sheffield a few times and usually nipping down bus only roads/ oneway streets the wrong way to get back to the pool.