Swimming Lessons/Clubs

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2009-04-01 1:24 PM

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Member
24

Vancouver, BC
Subject: Swimming Lessons/Clubs

Hello all,

As is the case with most of us, swimming is my weak link. I'm trying to improve my swimming by joining either a masters swim club or taking some adult lessons. I can swim 1,000m+ but my times are slow and inefficient ~2:30/100m.  I would like to be <2:00/100m but yet still have energy left as I look to tackle the Oly course at the Vancouver Tri in Sept.

I would like to find a master swim club in Vancouver (preferably on the West side) that has some evening swims.  I did find http://www.mastersswimming.bc.ca/clubs.htmlbut don't know where to begin.  Can anyone recommend a club ?  Can I join now or only at the beginning of the year ?

Alternatively, I thought lessons might be another way to go.  I did see a posting for learning the TI method (seahiker.com) - thx for that info.  Any other places for front crawl lessons (not beginner lessons but efficient technique lessons)

Any info/comments would be appreciated.

Signed,

A forty+ yr old in a mid-life crisis (aka wanna-be triathlete)

 

2009-04-01 4:03 PM
in reply to: #2054718

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2009-04-01 4:46 PM
in reply to: #2054718

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs

I am a member of the EBSC (English Bay Swim Club) and we have 4 workouts a week at the VAC. It's not the only club that swims out of the VAC, but I think the club is great. Here's a link to our website . The coaching is really good and you can get a lot of feedback on your stroke. I do find the swimmers faster than a lot of clubs though. I used to swim in one of the fastest lanes in my old club and now I swim in one of the slowest. I'm at about 1:45/100m over a longer distance. There are slower swimmers than me though and they keep coming out, so I don't think it is a problem if you are not at that pace yet.

I would recommend a masters club over some lessons as the masters club offers both correction and swim fitness.

Let me know if you want to come and check it out and I'll keep my eye open for you and introduce you around.

 

Jen

 

2009-04-01 9:17 PM
in reply to: #2054718

Expert
1110
1000100
Pitt Meadows, BC
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs
Also check out the classifieds section on the TriBC board http://www.tribc.org(and choose Classifieds from the drop down). I've seen one or two people post on there that they'll coach anyone who wants it.
2009-04-01 10:21 PM
in reply to: #2054718

Extreme Veteran
665
5001002525
Vancouver, British Columbia
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs
the pacific spirit tri club also has 2-3 evening swim workout.  While I have never been a friend training for Ironman loves them.  He was not a swimmer at all but the coaches and feedback had dramatically improved his swim stroke.
2009-04-02 1:09 AM
in reply to: #2054718

Master
1748
100050010010025
Port Moody, BC
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs
I second jeng suggestion. I tried out a Master's club (Hyack in New West, Canada Games Pool) and saw a huge improvement. Not only do you get a coach to help you out but you can watch others and their forms / styles. As well as swimming with others will probably help to push you to go faster and get your goals faster. Mind you I have only had a couple of paid lessons and just did not like what the coach was telling me or his teaching style, just my 2 cents worth.

2009-04-02 2:04 AM
in reply to: #2054718

Extreme Veteran
325
10010010025
Victoria
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs

Haha Mind if I ask who the coach was Chris?  I think I probably know who it is based on what you said...

 Regardless.. I wish I was staying in Vancouver this summer, since I have done a few private lessons with aspiring Triathletes out of UBC AC, and I've been able to use my facility owned underwater video camera to do some fairly precise swim analysis.  That said, there's one other guy there, while he's fairly busy might be able to help you with your stroke.  He's a cyclist but coaches swimming and is extremely knowledgeable about the technical aspect of freestyle.  It's worth checking out if you want a few private 1 on 1 lessons that will focus primarily on technique.  

 On the other hand, if you are also looking to improve endurance and technique simultaneously a masters group is the way to go.  One of the UBC Thunderbird coaches does coach one of the masters groups (UBC Dolphins Masters) at UBC and she is probably the best coach I've ever known.. That said, I dont have experience with Pacific Spirit Tri, but I know they tend to attract the most run/cycle based triathletes, and therefore you would be right around the level of the average triathlete that is swimming with them.  Definitely something to look into as well.

 Hope this helps!

 Derek

2009-04-02 4:42 PM
in reply to: #2054718

Member
24

Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Swimming Lessons/Clubs

Thanks everyone, all the info has been quite helpful.

I've contacted both UBC Masters and Pacific Dolphins - also at UBC.  UBC Masters has a wait list so I may give the Dolphins a shot.  Its $200 for 12 weeks starting next week - what timing !

The only question now is 2x/week starting at 5:30 am Tongue out or 3x/week in the evenings - much more civilized Smile

Thx again !

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