Who do you turn to when you need to learn to swim at 52 years old.  Remember, I can barely get to the other side of the pool.  We have a long way to go to get to 1.2 miles across Alta Lake in Whistler, BC.

I made some phone calls to local pools and was surprised to find out a few things.  First, lessons for adults seemed like something they had never heard of.  Second, none used taking video as a tool in the teaching process.  As a visual learner, this was a “must have” for me.  Third, most of the teachers were young competitive swimmers who had never done a triathlon or open water swimming.  Needless to say, I was frustrated and depressed at my inquiring results.  I was obviously not looking in the right place.

Then, completely by chance, I was at a culinary conference talking to a few people and one of them said I should talk to her dad.  He was retired and now trains people who want to do triathlons.  He lived in Carlsbad close to me too!  Could it be this easy?

I met Chuck at a coffee shop.  I rode my bike there so he could see the machine and let me know if it would be appropriate.  Lean, older than me, and a nice calm demeanor I was liking Chuck already.  He went on to tell me that he is actually a certified Ironman coach who had to pass tests etc.  Then, he pulled out his Iphone to show me the underwater video he takes of his students at each session.  Sold!