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2014-11-22 1:34 PM

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Subject: Learning to swim
Seeing that duathlons (especially long distance races) are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past I've decided to give this triathlon thingy a try. Only problem is that I can't swim.. or at least not when the water's more then 3 feet deep.

I'll probably just take lessons that are offered in the local community guide starting in January but I was wondering if there were better options out there. Something that offers lessons more than once a week. I'm located near Guelph but I'm willing to travel in or around Toronto if need be.

Thanks..


2014-11-23 12:21 PM
in reply to: naptime

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Subject: RE: Learning to swim

Hi! I did the journey to learn to swim several years ago.  I did run of the mill lessons with the city.  It was great in the summer because the adult lessons were 2x a week for 4 weeks.  i think i took like 3 or 4 rounds of the swim lessons and then I felt like the lifeguard instructors couldn't teach me much more.

Once I had some basic skills I started to use the pool at my gym which was not very big and not very deep. And i used the beginner swim plan from this site that was a 3 month plan - i'll look around for the link and used that to get me in the pool consistently.  Consistency and frequency were big factors. 

Guelph has a pretty developed tri community so don't be afraid to ask but eventually one of the best things i did was join a triathlon swim group - kind of like masters but for athletes. this group also does open water swimming which will be something to think about when the weather gets nice next year ... 

Best of luck! 

2014-11-24 10:39 AM
in reply to: juniperjen

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Subject: RE: Learning to swim

Here is the beginner swim plan that i used - courtesy Shane who is regular poster in the forums (not in Ontario though)

http://beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=755 

There are 3 months. I found the swims do-able and it often focuses on drills to keep working on form.  

Consistency will be a big part of getting your swim down.

Again, best of luck! 

2014-11-24 3:07 PM
in reply to: juniperjen

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Subject: RE: Learning to swim
That looks like something I might try out down the road. Unfortunately I'm not close to that yet.

I'm scouring the internet looking for swim schools or classes.
2014-11-24 3:18 PM
in reply to: naptime

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Subject: RE: Learning to swim

No worries, I wasn't there for a long time but it helped once I'd taken the lesson and built confidence and technique ... 

 

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