Hi, I taught swim lessons many years ago and am now trying to teach a friend of mine to swim. She is a cyclist who wants to do a tri. She is a complete beginner, she can dog paddle and thats it. Where do I start?? I use to teach kids and you would start with the " Missle" float...then add the kick...then the arms. I know there are some much more experienced teachers out there and was hoping for some guidance...drills etc. Thanks! Paul
If this is a total beginner I would start really really basic - bobbing! Your student needs to be completely comfortable with blowing the air out under the water and not hold his or her breath. When your student can take a breath, drop under the water and blow it out and come up for a breath and repeat without a pause, for however many bobs you think necessary (100 isn't too many) then move on to body position and the streamline position. I just start people in the shallow water so they can just bend their knees and drop under the water, straighten the knees and come up, very non threatening and relaxed. You would be amazed and how many adults can't get comfortable with the water on their faces and how to accomplish the rhythmic breathing.
If this is a total beginner I would start really really basic - bobbing! Your student needs to be completely comfortable with blowing the air out under the water and not hold his or her breath. When your student can take a breath, drop under the water and blow it out and come up for a breath and repeat without a pause, for however many bobs you think necessary (100 isn't too many) then move on to body position and the streamline position. I just start people in the shallow water so they can just bend their knees and drop under the water, straighten the knees and come up, very non threatening and relaxed. You would be amazed and how many adults can't get comfortable with the water on their faces and how to accomplish the rhythmic breathing.
