Common questions and answers about Bayside Multisport Triathlon Club
We’ve put together a list of common questions and answers about triathlons, training and joining Bayside. But often the best way to find out what we’re all about is to come along to a swim or run session. You’ll love it – we promise!
If you have a question though, don’t hesitate to contact any of our Committee or submit it in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
Where are you based?
We are based at the Manly Pool on the Esplanade in Manly Queensland.
I’m not very fit, can I come to training?
We cater for all fitness levels our motto is ‘Family, Fun Fitness’ the coaches will ensure that the sessions are tailored to each individual.
Do I have to book into the sessions?
No, come along and join in.
I am new to Triathlon what can I expect?
Triathlon is a fun way to keep healthy and fit we offer a variety of sessions to help you train for your goals or you can just come along to the social events throughout the year. The equipment requirements are minimal and any of our coaches or committee members would be more than happy to discuss any questions you may have.
How much will it cost to join Bayside Multisport?
We have an annual membership fee that runs from 1 July to 30 June for both adults and juniors. All membership fees are paid directly to Triathlon Queensland and you must join Triathlon Queensland to join a Triathlon club. On top of that you then pay for any coached session you attend. All pool entry is paid directly to the team at Manly Pool.
How do I join the club via the Triathlon Qld website?
Membership of Triathlon clubs is now affiliated to membership of Triathlon Australia. As a member of an affiliated club you will receive a reduction in Triathlon Australia membership (current prices are $130 for adults, $32 for 5-11 years, $65 for 12-19 years) and then select Bayside Multisport as your nominated club (current annual club fees are $87 for adults and $40 for juniors), and it is all done in one online transaction. For all details go to our membership page.
Can I try the club sessions out before I join?
If you’d like to come along for two weeks and meet some of the members under our Tri Before you Buy scheme, please feel free. After two weeks you must join Triathlon Australia and the Club. This is a condition of Triathlon Australia’s insurance. For details of membership refer to the membership page.
Our coaches are Toby Somerville, Head Coach and Nicola Somerville, Junior Coach. Toby is also the Head Swim Coach at Manly Pool and runs squads at the pool Monday to Saturday. The staff at the pool desk will be able to point you in our direction.
What do I need to bring?
You need to bring all of the equipment you need for swimming, riding and running. This would include, swim cap, goggles, towel, togs/trisuit, bike, helmet, runners, hat, sunscreen, water and nutrition/food. Don’t forget money for a coffee afterwards. We are a pretty social bunch and tend to hang around afterwards for a coffee.
What training do you offer?
Our Saturday squad session is held at Manly Pool. Summer start time is 6.00am and Winter is 6.30am. Session duration is typically 2 hours. Arrive 15 minutes early to set up and sign in. We swim, bike and run, so bring all your gear.
Cost is usually $10 plus pool entry (if required).
For up to date information on upcoming sessions check our Facebook page and our training calendar.
What are the other coached sessions you offer?
Tuesday: Run club 5.30am (begin outside Manly Pool) $6 to coaches
Wednesday: Run Club 6.00pm (begin outside Manly Pool) $6 to coaches
Monday – Friday: Swim Squad 5.30am, payment to Manly Pool
Tuesday and Thursday: Swim Squad 6.00pm, payment to Manly Pool
Saturday: Swim squad 6.00am (90 minute session), payment to Manly PoolSunday is our social ride day, watch our Facebook page for details.
We also operate a number of non-coached sessions, which are free to members (long bike rides, long runs, open water swim practice) plus social activities and newsletters.
Please note, all our club organised sessions require membership of the TA or payment of a one day licence fee to comply with our insurance policy.
Do you train if it is raining?
Training is always on! If there is thunder and lightning we can’t use the pool, that’s a BCC rule, and the coaches will devise alternative plans.
If the weather is really, really bad – the coffee machine is still working!!!
Where do you ride at your Saturday sessions?
We do ride on the roads, although we have a set of wind trainers for some sessions. Our rides may involve 10k loops of the Wynnum/Manly/Lota waterfront, or sometimes we group ride out to Thorneside and set up out there for ride/run sessions.
Do you cater for all abilities?
We have a broad spectrum of members with complete beginners, junior squads all the way up to iron men/ iron women. All levels are catered for so you can have a challenging workout without over or under doing it.
Don’t be worried at all about your level of skills or fitness. The sessions are always structured so the stronger athletes go further or faster, our coaches are great and will really take care of you.
Who are your coaches?
Toby Somerville is a Performance Level Triathlon Coach with 30+ years’ triathlon and running experience.
Nicola Somerville is a Development Level Triathlon Coach and has competed at the World Championships at Kona.
We also have six volunteer Development Level Coaches who assist the professional coaches on a regular basis. More details are available on our coaching page.
Do you have Uniforms and how do we purchase them?
Rocket Science Sports are the suppliers of our racing apparel. We take orders several times per year. Please view our Facebook page for further information.
We also work with a local supplier for our Club warm up kit, t-shirts, accessories etc. Details of when orders are being taken are publicised through the Facebook page.
Where can I find additional information about the Club?
We have the official club Facebook page that you can like: https://www.facebook.com/brisbanetriathlonclub
This is a public page and can be followed by any Facebook user. However only committee members (Facebook admin) can post here.
We also have a Facebook group where lots of informal chat takes place. You can find the group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/baysidemultisport/This is not run by the club, but is made up of members. If you make a request to join the page another member will have to approve it. Anyone who is a member of the Facebook group can post, and it is used for organising rides and non-structured training session etc.
Do you cater for juniors?
We have a junior group who train on a Saturday morning after adult squad. These sessions focus on fitness and fun in a structured session. The distances vary greatly, and generally speaking we can tailor your child’s activities to his/her abilities. Minimum requirement for inclusion is the ability to swim at least 50m continuously.
Do you offer any other sessions for the juniors?
Tuesday Run Squad – 4.30pm (session is held at the park beside the Sea Scouts Hall, The Esplanade, Manly)
If you are training for the school trials, this session is a great way to work on fitness and technique. And if you aren’t interested in the trials, it’s still a fun session!Monday and Thursday Triathlon Swim Squad (Manly Pool Session) – 5.00pm
These sessions are aimed at juniors who are competent swimmers in all four strokes. The focus of the session is to improve swim stamina and technique.
What is the best session to attend first?
You can come along to any of our sessions. Our helpful coaches and committee members will talk you through the club organisation and sessions.
Do you cater for beginners?
Yes, we welcome beginners at Bayside Multisport. We were all beginners once, after all. We offer swimming, cycling and running sessions to suit all abilities.
While this isn’t every “frequently asked question”, we think it covers most of them. If you still have questions that you’d like answered, put them in the comments section below or send us a message. (Comments will be moderated and will not appear immediately)