Just a thought on swimming lessons:
I've always been afraid of the water, terrified of drowning or going beyond my depth, though as a child I loved paddling and splashing in the sea, and when the weather is warm (on holidays rather than at home sadly!) it looks lovely to glide into the water and swim.
Although I would love to be able to swim, the thought of swimming lessons never appealed - childhood memories of freezing cold pools, horrible changing rooms, disgusting chlorine all added to abhorrence at the thought of being seen in my swimsuit and doubt that I would learn anything. Excuses all, I know but I decided to stay warm and dry and on land.
Recently a friend gave me a birthday present of private swimming lessons - four half hour sessions at a fairly recently built leisure centre. I thought the instructor so good I paid for another four. The first week she made me put my face in the water (still don't like that much)... over the next few weeks she got working on my breathing, the crawl, the backstroke, treading water in the deep end, a sitting dive, and at the 7th lesson, a standing dive into the 2 meter end!
The first time she made me go in the deep end, I was petrified, though I forced myself in. I'm still nervous but no longer sick with fear, cos I know if I don't panic, I can always float, crawl or tread water long enough to reach the side.
I'm only posting this to boast of my standing dive yesterday (I lost my hearing in one ear for 24 hours afterwards). I never expected to be able for the deep end, never thought I'd be able to dive in a million years. I don't think I would have made so much progress with shared classes, although each private lesson is very intensive, gruelling and tiring, and I always dread going.
So far I've learned something new at each one. I wonder what she has in store for my last lesson next Wednesday?
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5 comments:
Wow! THat's amazing. Congratulations. You are very brave. It just goes to show - in a short space of time you can turn around life long fears. I am very impressed. Well done.
It's funny how Wednesday comes around so quickly :)
Although I will be glad once completed, I have found the lessons very good - though gruelling!
I still don't like putting my face in the water, even though I keep my eyes open now.
I am sure I will notice a huge improvement in your swimming if we go to the pool at the weekend. Even in the week between we went swimming the last time you had improved. I think lessons are really worth while, and there is alot to say for the private lesson. You are a good pupil because you did everything even though you found it hard.
Yes, intensive, tiring and terrifying!
I think my teacher is very good, always pushing me that little bit further (but only cos I want her to). I work with her, trying to make the most of each class.
I can't believe Iactually dived into the deep end!
What did you learn this week DNOTY 07?
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