Meet Esme...

Esme came to GoodSwim with a love for the water but wanting to progress from breaststroke and become more efficient in her freestyle stroke. Also wanting to become more relaxed and comfortable in open/ocean water.

​Need to get more confident in the ocean – contact Goodswim today and chat to Linda about a tailor made solution.

---

What was your swim ability before you started swimming with GoodSwim?
I am a breaststroke swimmer who loves ocean swimming, I wanted to learn freestyle (the crawl) having stopped at some point as a kid. I had previously learned a few pointers at a few group lessons elsewhere however my confidence was low and I needed someone to really look at what I was doing and needed to do. 

How did you feel after your first few sessions?
My first lesson I was nervous and embarrassed, I’m not very good with direct attention especially relating to athletics. It was exactly what was needed though. The first thing that Linda did was enable my confidence as a swimmer, highlighting my strengths and investigating areas for improvement. The classes were challenging in the best possible way and I could feel myself improving.

How did GoodSwim help you on your swim journey?
I feel that I have been given excellent tools to help me become a better swimmer and have valued all of my swim lessons and ocean time with GoodSwim. Linda is supportive whilst being analytical so my stroke and ability are continually improving. GoodSwim is an extremely apt name both the lessons and regarding becoming a (better) swimmer. 

What was a breakthrough/stand out moment for you?
Linda asked me when moving from oceans pools into the open water, can you feel it when you move into a current, I couldn’t I was still thinking about too many things, other swimmers, the massive waves, the open water, where the shore was, sea life, my breath, my arms, my legs, my body in the water, my foggy goggles, a rogue swim cap and my ability. I love it now when that’s all I feel, I’m moving through the current swimming. It's not all time, it's just a really lovely moment.

Do you have a goal or personal achievement you are working for in 2020?
I still have work to do on becoming the capable swimmer I want to be, I’m focusing on technique, fitness and confidence all of the time, as an adult learner slow and steady is ok by me. Then it's time to join some open water swimmers freestyle. ​

Coaches notes:
Esme came to GoodSwim looking to learn freestlye and gain knowledge of how to breathe efficiently and effectively. 
As a breaststroke swimmer Esme relied upon that stroke whenever she got out of breath and was feeling uncomfortable. But from a couple of pool sessions she begin to gain more distance without stopping and to  breath more comfortably. We also did a couple of sessions in the ocean to gain more confidence without walls to rely on. Being in the open ocean comes with its own set of challenges both physically and mentally. Esme was able to work on both of those elements whilst feeling the freedom of ocean swimming and trying to overcome being pushed outside her comfort zone.