I first learn to swim with my father at the mobile home park pool as a 7 year old. Then I took lessions in the summer time at the community pool in our area thru Red Cross. I went to a swim school to learn butterfly.
I grew up across the street from the Clackamas river and spent everyday when not in school (summers) at the river with all my friends. Had to learn to swim on my own and my goal was to be able to swim across the river without the current carrying me all the way downstream. In the afternoon they used to let out the dam upstream and it got really swift so it made the challenge all the more interesting. I learned and haven't stopped yet. Only difference was that river in the spring was mighty cold and it took along time to get in and get used to it. I used to train in it with sweatshirt, gloves and shoes when in high school, where I started competive swimming. Now the pool is 79 to 81. Much better temp than the river but I wouldn't trade those days for anything. It was great.
I grew up across the street from the Clackamas river and spent everyday when not in school (summers) at the river with all my friends. Had to learn to swim on my own and my goal was to be able to swim across the river without the current carrying me all the way downstream. In the afternoon they used to let out the dam upstream and it got really swift so it made the challenge all the more interesting. I learned and haven't stopped yet. Only difference was that river in the spring was mighty cold and it took along time to get in and get used to it. I used to train in it with sweatshirt, gloves and shoes when in high school, where I started competive swimming. Now the pool is 79 to 81. Much better temp than the river but I wouldn't trade those days for anything. It was great.
