I just had my very first swim lesson

And I didn’t die. I was nervous, but once I got in the water, it was actually quite fun

Before today, I only knew how to doggy paddle and swim underwater. Today, I learned how to kick my legs properly, float on my back, perform a breaststroke, and breathe from the side. The hardest part was the side breathing. I wasn’t ready for how much water I would swallow or get in my nose. My instructor told me I’d get the hang of it in time and reminded me that this was my first lesson. I tried not to take it too seriously. There were three others in my class. Watching them was helpful and cheering them on was enjoyable.

Oh, and my swim cap kept slipping up or off, so I eventually just tossed it aside. If anyone has tips to keep it in place, please share!

Anyway, I wanted to share my experience in case anyone else is thinking about taking swim lessons or feels nervous about their first lesson.

Same here! I just had my first lesson tonight and I had the same starting ability. I’ve always wanted to be a lap swimmer but felt too embarrassed to learn. It’s good to know I’m not alone.

Wishing you the best in learning this new skill!

@Thorne
It would be amazing to swim laps for exercise! I’ve always admired those who can do it. Soon, we will be those people!

Thanks for the support. I wish you all the best too. Go us!

Edit: fixed a missing word

That’s awesome! Starting is the hardest part, and you did it. Keep up the great work and soon you’ll be swimming laps with the rest of us!

Kit said:
That’s awesome! Starting is the hardest part, and you did it. Keep up the great work and soon you’ll be swimming laps with the rest of us!

I can’t wait! Thank you for your encouragement.

Way to go! I started slow with kickboarding about 6 months ago because I didn’t feel confident in my swimming. Now, I swim laps three times a week! I wear a snorkel and nose plugs because I’m not into choking, so it helps me enjoy it more. I’m still learning, but starting was the most important step. Keep it up!

@Lake
A diver’s mask will cover your nose. The OceanVuew mask fits comfortably without leaking.

Ripley said:
@Lake
A diver’s mask will cover your nose. The OceanVuew mask fits comfortably without leaking.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll check it out!

@Lake
I love that you’re enjoying your swimming so much! I’ll definitely look for nose plugs too. I felt like I was struggling for air today.

Drue said:

Thank you!

Keep it going!

Tavis said:
Keep it going!

Thanks a lot!

Congratulations, you learned what took me 4 months!

Daryn said:
Congratulations, you learned what took me 4 months!

Thanks! Everyone learns at their own pace, and I’m sure our starting points are different. Glad to hear you didn’t give up!

@Neve
Thank you, I’m still uncomfortable with my face underwater and often wear nose plugs.

Where did you take your lesson?

Eden said:
Where did you take your lesson?

In Sydney at the Cook + Phillip Park Pool through the city. It’s super affordable and a really nice indoor pool!

You did great for your first lesson! I started learning to swim at 39 with a fear of water. Even standing in the pool made me anxious. I switched instructors and found one who understood me. I can now float, do freestyle kicks, and the breaststroke without pausing for breath. I just need to master breathing while swimming to achieve my dream of swimming.

@Carter
Awesome that you are overcoming your fear! The breathing is tough, but we can get through it! Glad you found a good instructor!