Here's my review published in the September 2013 print Hawaii Sport Mag. issue http://issuu.com/hawaiisportmag/docs/hawaii_sport_sept_2013_print :
PRODUCT: Swim Hawaii - Adult Beginner's Swim and Advance Freestyle Stroke Technique
AT: Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex UH Manoa
WHEN/TIME FRAME: June 15 - July 31, 2013
COST: $15/class
WHERE TO BUY LOCALLY: www.SwimHawaii.com - taught at UH Manoa Aquatics
DESCRIPTION: Group swim classes for kids and adults (taught separately) for beginner's and advance levels.
Adult Beginner's Swim
PROS:
1) Classes are limited to a maximum of five students. Small class sizes allow for individual attention from instructors - also great because you get your money's worth.
2) Classes are Saturdays at 30 minute intervals with two time slots: 4:30 to 5pm and 5 to 5:30pm; providing just enough time for participants to learn without overstraining.
CONS:
1) Parking is limited. Cost is $6.00 flat at the UH campus parking Structure, $4.00 flat at Puck's Alley or $2.00 for two hours at Church of the Crossroads (Diamond Parking Service). Otherwise, street parking is an option but it can be hard to find, depending on your class time.
I know many people that can swim. But I do not know many people that know HOW to swim. The difference between being able to swim and knowing how to swim, is technique.
I started the class with strokes that were jelly-like, laughable and my body movement in the water was overall very strange. I had learned to swim from friends and family with very little swimming teaching experience. Their advice was to just hang out in the water and it will come naturally. That might be true when it comes to feeling comfortable and floating, however, a skill needs to be studied, analyzed and refined. After only being in the class for seven weeks, I am already feeling extremely comfortable in the water. My freestyle stroke is decent and my body composition is much, much better than when I had started. I still have a few more classes to go before being able to swim from one length of the pool to the opposite end, but I will get there!
Adult Advance Freestyle Stroke Technique
PROS:
1) Freestyle Stroke Mechanics are divided into 8 parts, and spread out over an 8-week course.
2) The class videotapes participant's strokes above-water. A review and critique for improvement session is conducted in the following class. Also included is a lecture highlighting correct stroke patterns and common defects.
3) In addition to learning and focusing on different topics each week, the last 15 minutes of class is devoted to "interval training". This class structure encourages and forces participants to push harder than they would when training on their own time in a pool and in the ocean. This allows students to see constant improvement each week, preparing them for a race, to advance to the next fitness level or just for fun.
CONS:
1) Parking is limited.
The first lesson I learned in this class was interval swimming. When it comes to swimming, interval training is much different than interval training on foot. The concept is based on intense swimming within a given time frame and a given distance. The recovery period is the small window you are awarded within your given time frame when you reach the end of the set distance. In other words, your rest period is based on how much effort you place into getting to the end of your distance based on the time left over.
If you are curious about this concept, I highly suggest giving the class a shot. You may join the class at anytime. Check out www.SwimHawaii.com to see how you can sign-up.
WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT? Absolutely Yes.
REASON(S):
I have already recommended Swim Hawaii to one friend who is currently enrolled in the Advance Freestyle Technique class. Two additional friends will be enrolled in the upcoming Adult Beginner's Swim class.
RATING (0-5; 0 being terrible, 5 being as good as it gets): 5 - As good as it gets!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONTACT: Dr. Jan Prins, Founder & Director
EMAIL/PHONE: janprins@swimhawaii.com read more