For ages 7-10, the lessons focus on stroke development, improving safety skills and incorporating a bit of competitive fun to the lesson in the form of games or races.

Beginner Adults and Teens

In terms of approaching beginner adults or teens with fear, we will try to discover the source of the fear and begin understanding water principles. Through experience and lots of patience and vigilance, we will learn to manage the fear so that the skills become more comfortable and easy to execute.

Intermediate Adults

For those who are already comfortable with the water, but would like to swim more efficiently or comfortably, we will set foundations described in James' Approach whilst incorporating understanding of water principle, we will be able to spot the issues while we are swimming. Then we will be systematically and progressively learning the the proper movement of the different aspects of the front crawl or any other stroke that is desired. Through identifying priorities, meticulous adjustments and practice, our stroke will eventually become smoother, more powerful and efficient. Treading water, a great safety skill will be incorporated as it is very similarly tied in with stroke development.


Competitive and Fitness Swimmers

For competitive, fitness swimmers, or those who train for triathlons that are already comfortable with swimming in the water but desire to strengthen their stroke or just want a professional opinion, we will assess the stroke and make the adjustments as we see fit to the stroke in terms of efficiency and power. Swimming efficiently is gained by striking an acute balance between power and grace. The more power that is involved with a stroke, the more glide you will be able to achieve consequently, thus making the stroke smoother and efficient. Finally, through drills and sets, we will be able to make the adjustments towards a comprehensive swimming stroke as well as know what to expect when swimming certain distances and at different paces.

     I believe in building skills from strong foundations. So it makes sense that many won’t find the first lesson very challenging, but all the skills starting off lay the building blocks for the more advanced skills to follow.

    The first skill I teach is rhythmic breathing. How so often that breathing properly is overlooked. Although it may not seem like a “skill” for the fact that it is almost effortless to breath above the water, the ability to breath regularly and comfortably in the water is a skill that takes timing as well as understanding of the water.

    The next step to getting comfortable in the water is to learn how to float. Because the position that you float in is a similar position that you will swim in, it is essential to get comfortable with this skill. My approach is simple and precise. Head and hip positions are the two factors in succeeding with this skill so I will help you in a progressive manner to achieve proper hip and head position. The back float is a skill that many people, even experienced swimmers have yet to come to terms with. The reason being, being on your back is nerve wrecking for the fact that it is a submissive position, but also includes the risk of having water come over your face which may for many people be extremely uncomfortable. The one saving grace of this skill is that it is an extremely important safety skill. If you are able to float on your back, you will be able to breath which is extremely helpful in any safety situation. With this skill, the key components are also head and hip position, but moreover, the recovery because if you are able to recover from any point in the skill, the skill won’t be as daunting anymore.

    Lastly, the one skill that most people wouldn’t think of learning during a swimming lesson is to learn how to sink. Of all the reasons that the general public give for learning how to swim, going on vacation seems to be a great motivator. So it makes sense to learn how to sink properly with ease. What is the point of being comfortable on top of the water, when all the things you would like to see is on the bottom of the water. I will teach you in a progressive manner the skills needed to sink with ease and comfort.

    These three skills round out my water orientation phase of the lesson. Building these simple skills will help you understand the water, so that the more advanced skills i.e. kicking, treading water, pulling and breathing to your side will be a cinch being that you are more aware of your body and what you are doing in terms of the water. Many may think less of these very important skills, but master these skills and learning how to swim will be a breeze.