Our Hybrid Approach

 

During my speech on the 20th June, I explained my thought process around the need to innovate DCT as a result of the worldwide impact that COVID-19 is having.

There is still something very special about swimming in Dover.  It’s steeped in history and emotion.  It’s swimming in the environment that any channel crossing will take place in.  It’s familiar.  It’s good for the soul and mental wellbeing for some.

Thing is, we are a large group.  With social distancing we take up even more space when we’re on the beach.  That brings risk to us in an uncontrollable environment, and risks to people local to Dover and who also like to enjoy the beach. 

Through working with a group of loyal and knowledgeable DCT supporters, we came up with a new model - a hybrid approach.

What does that mean? Instead of the weekend only training offering that we’ve offered to date, our revised offering includes:

  • Supporting training plans and training remotely: we’ll do this by offering different types of subscription that you can choose from to get the level of support where you are, from us, but remotely. This will include either explaining how to create a high level plan & approach or creating a detailed training plan with weekly catch up calls

  • Keeping a community feel

    • Weekly blog: I won’t be there to witness all the training in order to write a round up blog. So if you sign up to one of the subscription packages then send in snippets of what you’re up to and they’ll be included in the new type of blog.

    • Facebook: keep the conversation going with our very active facebook group

    • Community call: join in the conversation with our weekly community call. It’s currently set to run for 30 minutes each Wednesday at 7.30pm (UK time), but if you would collectively prefer a different time, that can be arranged.

  • Mentorship programme: we also have a mentorship programme within our facebook group. If you have experience that you would like to offer as a mentor, please sign up. If you’re looking for support, please look for one of the mentors who are waiting to help you.

  • Ramp-up training camps: there to help you safely ramp up after the extended break. This is even more important if you’ve had COVID-19 or may have had it without knowing.

  • Short Sunday training swims: the beach is too busy on the weekends for a large group like ours to meet. These short swims are there if you really need a little fix of Dover though (we all do from time to time!

Recognise though, that the main focus is going to be supporting you where you are whilst still having a community around you and access to support online.

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pricing

The table above shows you what is included in each of the options. There are some things that will always be free. Then, a bit like our Dover subscriptions, there are some things where a subscription fee is required. The pricing has been set in line with DCT normal pricing. For example, if you were to do a solo drop in for both days of a weekend, it would cost you £14. The two packages span that price range.

The basic package provides you with:

  • A high level structure to create your own training plan

  • A weekly 10 minute 1:1 call with an experienced member of the DCT team

  • Access to the find a buddy scheme

  • Access to any member only content on the website and those webinars which are not made available to all for free

  • A weekly briefing video

  • Be part of the weekly blog

  • A weekly community call

The tailored package goes a lot further. In addition to all of this, you also get:

  • A tailored training plan, one that adapts with you

  • A weekly check-in call to keep you on track and accountable and to also answer any questions that you have

  • A weekly briefing for two of your sessions that is tailored just for you

If you’re not sure what you want, you can chop and change whenever you want and cancel at any time. There are also optional extras that you can choose from to supplement your package or instead of a package. Those that involve sessions in Dover are priced in line with our 2019 drop in prices. The remainder are commercially priced.

If you have taken out a weekly subscription you are entitled to a 10% discount off of any of the commercials priced optional extras booked during your subscription period.

If you have already paid for a season subscription then you are entitled to the following at no additional cost:

  • Basic subscription package

  • One of the ramp-up camps relevant to your membership category.