Thoughts from an early SWYMLINE user - Katie P

Editor's note, October 2026: since Katie wrote this review, SWYMLINE has launched on iPad and now also works with the KayakPro SwimFast Ergo. The app shows power, pace, stroke rate, distance and heart rate, and the current environments are a large lake and a 25m pool, with a 50m pool on the way. Katie's review is below, unchanged.

Back in 2018, I found myself recovering from a freak rollerblading accident that left me with a surgically reattached right hamstring and a very panicked realisation: I wouldn't be able to run, bike, or swim for weeks. That's when I discovered the Vasa Trainer. In a fit of desperation, I ordered one, and it turned out to be the best recovery decision I could have made.

For six weeks, I used the Vasa daily, mostly making up sets on the fly while blasting music to stay sane. When I finally got back in the pool, I was swimming 2–3 seconds faster per 100 yards. Magic? Maybe. More likely: consistency and dryland-specific training that actually worked. My plan was to keep using it 1–2 times per week… but life happened, and that didn't stick.

Fast forward to 2024. New year, new hamstring, this time the left one. Another surgery, another recovery period, and back to the Vasa I went. But this time around, I had a secret weapon: the TrainerDay app. Instead of winging it, I followed a structured six-week plan I created within the app. Having real workouts made it way easier to stay motivated, and even enjoyable. I've stuck with Vasa ever since, now using it twice a week. It's done wonders not just for my swim fitness, but also for my shoulder mobility. If I'm sore from too much swimming, a Vasa workout the next day actually helps loosen things up.

Enter SWYMLINE

In early 2025, I came across a post on Instagram about an app called SWYMLINE, a virtual swim training platform built for Vasa users, kind of like Zwift for swimmers. They were looking for beta testers, so I reached out and joined the crew.

Working with Mike, the app's creator, has been amazing. He's super responsive to feedback, and each update improved the experience in meaningful ways. What started as a cool idea quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to using.

Why I like it (SWYMLINE pros)

• Makes dryland swimming surprisingly fun and immersive.
• Gorgeous open water and pool environments to "swim" through, from tranquil lakes to epic oceans.
• Customisable features like rest intervals and swimsuit options.
• Real-time stroke count and distance tracking help you stay dialled in.
• A growing library of workouts and the ability to race yourself or others.
• A sense of community: it's motivating to see other swimmers tackling similar sessions.

What could be better (SWYMLINE cons)

• No iPad version yet, so you're limited to a phone or a laptop.
• Interface can be a little confusing mid-workout. I've occasionally found myself wondering what set I'm on.
• Still a limited number of built-in workouts, though that's improving with each update.
• Would love to see voice prompts or audio cues added for hands-free transitions.

Final thoughts

If you're a swimmer who enjoys visual, interactive platforms like Zwift, SWYMLINE is a great addition to your training toolkit. If you prefer a simple structure without the bells and whistles, TrainerDay might be more your speed. Personally, I like having both options. One keeps me focused, the other keeps things fun.

Recovering from two major injuries wasn't part of my master plan, but thanks to the Vasa and now SWYMLINE, I've stayed connected to swimming through it all. The consistency it's given me is genuinely hard to replicate any other way, which is why after months of beta testing I signed up for the ENDURANCE Annual membership. It just made sense for how often I use it.