Meet Naomi...

Naomi contacted GoodSwim wanting to progress with her swimming ability and also to feel more comfortable in the ocean. As a keen surfer, Naomi felt she needed more confidence with waves, moving water and reading the ocean.

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

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​What was your swim ability before you started swimming with GoodSwim?
My body knows how to float and swim short distance in a pool or in the shallow part of the ocean. I have never thought about ocean swimming.

How did you feel after your first few sessions?
I was never able to swim freestyle but I did it on our first lesson! Linda’s instruction was super clear that all I had to do was practice. Swimming long distance (i.e. one end to the other end of a pool) has never been a fun activity for me but I began to enjoy it.

How did GoodSwim help you on your swim journey?
It was amazing! I was given full support, physically and emotionally. Linda was always there whenever I needed help. In fact, she notices my fear before I speak and guides me to a ‘safe’ place where I can balance the rhythm and flow of my breath.

​What was a breakthrough/stand out moment for you?
Participating Cole Classic ocean swim in February 2020!

Do you have a goal or personal achievement you are working for in 2020?
Yes, I would like to free dive and swim 1km without many stops in between. However, first thing I would like to achieve is to have graceful strokes and flow of breath.

Coaches notes:
Naomi came to GoodSwim looking to gain confidence in the ocean and learn how to breathe efficiently and effectively doing freestyle. 
After several pool sessions to work on her breathing and ability to stay calm and relaxed Naomi became too reliant on the pool walls for comfort and they also created distance barriers. So we progressed slowly into the ocean where Naomi started to feel at home and loved to watch the fish as she swam along. In fact it was getting harder and harder to get Naomi to continue swimming and not get distracted by the fish! We also did some small wave body surfing which she also loved and I have never seen a smile so BIG.

Naomi also reached her goal of swimming Manly to Shelly beach and it was beautifully captured by another great friend and swimmer @hesgallery. See video here >

As surfers we need to be sure of our own ability to be in the ocean and being able to swim is both essential and potentially life saving! Always respect the ocean and look at the conditions and ask yourself... 'If my leash breaks whilst out surfing could I swim to shore or safety?'.

If you are looking for ocean or surf swimming lessons get in touch today!