16-time Ironman finisher. Winner of the Cologne Long Distance 2014. Personal best: 7:57 hours.
With Johann Ackermann, RESTUBE is not only gaining one of the strongest swimmers in long-distance triathlon as a brand ambassador – but a coach who consistently connects performance, science, and safety awareness.
Development Instead of Chance
Johann has done more than just complete races. He has analyzed them.
“What drives me is development – physically, but also understanding what’s behind it. Not just trying to get faster, but understanding why you’re getting faster.”
With his company DeinSchwimmcoach, he combines elite-level experience with sports science-based training principles. His workshops are not built on anecdotes, but on verifiable scientific findings.
His guiding principle:
Performance through technique – technique through understanding.
A major athletic milestone was his victory at the Cologne Long Distance. Even more defining, however, was the realization behind it:
“Preparation beats talent. Structure beats ego.”
This mindset now shapes his coaching – especially in open water.
Open Water Is Honest
While the pool follows clear rules, open water brings unpredictability.
No line on the bottom. No wall. No constant environment. Currents, wind, waves, navigation, and group dynamics completely change the nature of swimming.
One technical detail many underestimate:
Many athletes combine sighting and breathing. Technically cleaner is to sight first and breathe afterward. Small differences – big impact. But technique alone is not enough.
Mental Strength Begins with Safety
Johann repeatedly observes the following problems in open water:
- Overestimating one’s own ability
- Lack of knowledge about currents
- Swimming in unsuitable waters
- Insufficient mental preparation
- Underestimating safety aspects
“Many enter the water with the mindset: ‘It’ll be fine.’ In open water, that can quickly become dangerous.”
For him, it’s clear:
Only those who stay calm can execute technique.
And only those who feel safe stay calm. Safety and performance are inseparable.
Why RESTUBE?
According to his own statement, Johann never goes into open water alone without a safety solution. For solo swims, he considers it essential.
Cramping, jellyfish, sudden exhaustion, or panic can affect anyone – regardless of performance level.
What convinces him about the RESTUBE Safety Buoy:
- Safety without permanent restriction
- No buoy dragging behind at all times
- Activation only in emergencies via cartridge
- Maximum freedom of movement
“Safety should create confidence – not slow you down.”
Less stress leads to better technique.
Better technique leads to speed.
Safety is not a brake – it is a prerequisite for performance.
The Mission: Professionalizing Open Water
With DeinSchwimmcoach, Johann pursues a clear vision:
- Teaching safe open water swimming for everyone
- Promoting deeper technical understanding
- Establishing safety as a standard
- Inspiring more people to engage in triathlon and open water
Entrepreneurially, he aims to anchor open water swimming more professionally and safely within the German-speaking triathlon scene.
Athletically, new goals lie ahead:
- 10 km open water swimming
- Participation in ÖTILLÖ in Sweden
- Long-distance swimming in Mallorca
- Reaching new personal performance levels
Freedom Is Preparation
What does freedom in the water mean?
“For me, freedom doesn’t mean risk – it means preparation. Entering the water technically, mentally, and safety-wise prepared.”
His central advice for open water:
- Train for problems before they occur
- Leave your ego on land and don’t exceed your limits
- Never underestimate the water and inform yourself beforehand
With Johann Ackermann, RESTUBE gains a brand ambassador who does not glorify performance – but safeguards it.
Together, we pursue a clear goal:
More performance. More safety. More awareness in the water.
