Learning to swim as an adult

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

YC's fab he explains the technical side to it all which helps me understand it better as I like to know what forces are involved.

I'd forget the physics. The more you analyse it, the more unnatural it will seem. Just 'mess about' in the shallow end and you'll find you end up teaching yourself without realising.

My youngest had lessons and after months, she still couldn't get the courage up to get out of her depth. I took her swimming with me and within 20 minutes she had her 10 metre badge. 2 weeks later she did her 25 metre. I didn't 'teach' her anything, we just played around until I pointed out to her that she wasn't touching the floor anymore.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Suppose but to be honest I'd rather have someone I know and trust with me. I really do hate it when I go under suddenly and it's really comforting to have a friend/someone you love always there. And why waste money if someone is willing to spend the time and effort with me? :shrug:

I'd say because they're trained to train you how to swim. They also have floats/bands/devices to help you master the correct actions whilst not drowning in the process. They're also experienced enough to look out for common faults in the way you swim that might hinder progress. It does depend on whether you want to be confident in a swimming pool for a laugh or competent in an emergency where you might have to swim for several miles just to survive. If YC can teach you all this, then you're quid's in and can I come too?

Originally Posted by ophic

I'd say because they're trained to train you how to swim. They also have floats/bands/devices to help you master the correct actions whilst not drowning in the process. They're also experienced enough to look out for common faults in the way you swim that might hinder progress. It does depend on whether you want to be confident in a swimming pool for a laugh or competent in an emergency where you might have to swim for several miles just to survive. If YC can teach you all this, then you're quid's in and can I come too?

Well between him and his ma they did a pretty good job last night. I'm happy with the teaching standard so far The things you've listed there are all things they were doing last night, so I think I'm ok.

Why'd you want to come too, can't you swim?

Woz: about forgetting the physics, I know it sounds daft for me to even think about that side of it but for some reason it's strangely reassuring to know it's not actually possible for me to sink if i do this because of this this and this, if that makes any sense. Maybe it's just me personally liking to know what's going on but I see exactly what you're saying. I switch off when he jabbas on too much anyway

[ophic]

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Why'd you want to come too, can't you swim?

Not well enough to swim for several miles at sea. I never mastered the crawl properly either, and I always fancied trying butterfly. I'm very good at breast stroke. God that sounds wrong.

Just mess around, thats how we learned when we were younger, if you're having a laugh, you don't really don't get stressed if you're having a laugh and not thinking about it.

The key first isn't learning to swim, its being comfortable being in and under the water. If you don't have a pair of goggles get some, makes putting you're heading under the water easier.

Originally Posted by missyorkie_chris

Woz: about forgetting the physics, I know it sounds daft for me to even think about that side of it but for some reason it's strangely reassuring to know it's not actually possible for me to sink if i do this because of this this and this, if that makes any sense. Maybe it's just me personally liking to know what's going on but I see exactly what you're saying. I switch off when he jabbas on too much anyway

Don't worry, you can't sink, sh*t floats doesn't it?

Jokes.

I shall get my coat.

I'm totally the opposite Ophic, I can't breast stroke for shoite but my front crawl is really comfortable, and smooth.

I`d go for the lessons Maria.... A few years ago I went to lessons (they were about £3 for an hour) I could already swim but I wanted to know the correct breathing techniques as I tend to swim a length of the pool whilst holding my breath!.

It was an all female class and there were 3 levels........ beginner, average and advanced. It was great fun and all the women enjoyed it. I always think that as good as a partner might be if they`re teaching you anything there`s always the potential for an arguement

Very best of luck x

Originally Posted by Sally

If you don't have a pair of goggles get some, makes putting you're heading under the water easier.

It's the sound of water in my ears which I think is the main problem. Everything just comes flooding back (bdum tschhhhh oh dear...) and I panic. Although I admit I haven't got to the opening eyes underwater stage yet ...

[ophic]

Originally Posted by plowsie

I'm totally the opposite Ophic, I can't breast stroke for shoite but my front crawl is really comfortable, and smooth.

My dad was like that, before he had proper lessons. He started learning properly in his 40s iirc.