Resources for Adults

To have a breakthrough in the water, you have to be in 100%.

I started Barbara's lesson the way I start almost every single one of my swimmers- blowing bubbles. This is the most important part of swimming! Inhale, exhale. Relax. Breathe in, breathe out. Relax.

Fran emailed me with a worry. She has never really been comfortable with water.

She was adamant about learning to swim properly since her daughter, Alexis, loves to swim and her husband is ‘a fish.’ Well, I just received this picture and email from her..

Jana’s career is quite stressful, as she must be very detail-oriented and a lot of people depend on her. This other side of her chill personality came out as she became focused and determined once we got down to business in the pool.

Brenda pushed herself- she was adement about conquering her fear. Her two kids were there as well, which was an added push- she wanted to do it for them as well as for herself. As she began to successfully navigate the deep end, first with fins, then without, I could see her confidence building with the huge smile on her face.

He kept apologizing for not being able to swim. This is something that bums me out so much- when I see an individual that is embarrassed because they don't know how to swim. Embarrassed! Such a shame. Embarrassment only makes it more difficult to learn, to trust and to become empowered. I'm so glad this didn't get in the way of Richard's progress.

Kavitha entered the water with such confidence that I began to doubt why she was in the project. It seemed as if she was going to bounce off the bottom and start swimming laps. Until we got to about chest deep water, at which point I could see her tense up. She held on to the wall as she slowly submerged and blew bubbles.

I love to wear them. I prefer to wear them. Growing up, I wore contacts, so I had to wear them. I use them all the time when I teach. Buuuttt...I do not allow my swimmers to become addicted to them. They start the lesson without them and they jump in without them. Because if they ever accidentally fall in the water, they most likely will not be wearing goggles.

Karina was mellow, but serious, and clearly determined to push herself, showing me breaststroke with her head out of the water, After half a lap she was tired. Well, yea! She had to hold her head up so her neck was stiff. If your body is not relaxed in the water, the water will not hold you up. You have to trust the water. Although she was moving through the water, it was forced and she was fighting the resistance of her entire body. Her head was up, so her feet were down.

Two days after her lesson, I received the loveliest letter from Nicole that brought tears to my eyes. Here are some of the wonderful things she had to say…