Learn2Guide

Free clinic for volunteers to learn how to be a sighted guide.

Two women riding a tandem bicycle.

About this program

Every year, Dare2tri hosts a series of Learn2Guide clinics that teaches participants how to be a sighted guide for a triathlete who is blind or visually impaired. 

Athletes with visual impairments perform every stage of a triathlon with a sighted guide beside them. During the swim and run portions, a sighted guide may be tethered to the participating athlete. During the bike segment, athletes with visual impairments must ride a tandem bicycle piloted by a sighted guide.

Our Learn2Guide Clinic is not just an opportunity to learn, but a chance to become an integral part of the inclusive triathlon community. Throughout the sessions, you’ll acquire essential techniques for guiding athletes seamlessly through swimming, cycling, and running, fostering a sense of teamwork and shared accomplishment.

No previous guiding experience is required, however, participants should be skilled in each triathlon discipline of swimming, cycling, and running. Open to all ages!

Session Schedule

  • Tuesday, April 28 — Indoor Swim, 6:15-7:45 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 13 – Bike & Run, 6:15-7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 10 – Bike & Run, 6:15-7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 7 – Open Water Swim, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Session Info

Running Session: During this session, participants should be able to run consistently for a minimum of 10 minutes. You will learn the skills of guiding an athlete through pacing, turning, and avoiding obstacles.

Cycling Session: Participants should be confident in their bike handling skills. During this session, you will learn how to ride a tandem bicycle and the different skills it takes to mount, dismount, turn, and communicate.

Swimming Session: Participants should be confident in their swimming abilities as they will be responsible for guiding a tethered athlete in the water. We will discuss types of swim tethers as well as practicing communication, pacing, sighting, turns and in the water.