Coach Farmer: Swim Instructor / Personal Trainer
About
Results! From 2 to 95 years old, girls, boys, men and women, from learn to swim, improving through competition at national level. From simple daily water skills to top level race-day performance. I focus on technique because whoever holds technique best, the longest wins. I include dryland exercises to complement and enhance the swimming work. I incorporate life skills and values in my teaching and coaching. My athletes frequently perform better in the classroom and at work as they improve their athletic / swimming performance.
I enjoy watching the children and adults grow and achieve, stand and walk a little taller, with greater self-assurance, seeing them realize that they can do it.
Experience: I competed as an age-grouper, high school, club, college and USMS swimmer. Set IM and butterfly records, swam LA City finals, 4-year varsity letterman in water polo in college. Current USMS competitor. I developed an age group team (4-18) from 10 to 300+ swimmers, some achieving national status.
Highlights
Specialties
Access to pool
Goals
Comfortable in water
Experience level
Student age(s)
Lessons length
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Together, we first assess the client's objectives and current level of abilities. Then, we establish a training plan of action for the short, medium and long term to focus on the client's goals. Training is then broken down into conditioning and technical development to improve and strengthen. Progress is measured during the program through improved performance in technique, style and speed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I competed as an age-grouper, high school, club, college and USMS swimmer. Set IM and butterfly records, swam LA City finals, 4-year varsity letterman in water polo in college. I am currently a USMS competitor - at regional and national competitions. I developed, and was head coach for 9 years, an age group team (6-17) from 10 to 300+ swimmers. My 9-10 and 11-12 boys and 11-12 and 13-14 girls achieved national rankings. Some later became NCAA champions, with one boy in the Olympics. I am a certified ASCA level 1-4 coach, and USMS level 1 and 2. Outside of swimming, I have extensive experience with strength and conditioning training (dryland, weights, etc.), nutrition, have taught dance, fitness, gymnastics, and weight training (also competed). My academic background includes a biology minor with kinesiology, physiology, chemistry, physics, etc. all useful for physical development and coaching. Majored in Political Science.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Standard Fees:
Hourly: $75.00 - $90.00
6-pack: 6 x 45 minute sessions: $390
Recommended: 10-pack: 10 x 45 minute sessions: $600.00 (95% will be swimming!)
Sessions may be longer or shorter (e.g. 60 minutes, 30 minutes) and fess may vary for duration and number in session (up to 3).
Request quote for group sessions and special requirements.
Sessions - time and frequency, goals and objectives - are individually established with each client. Talk to me about your needs!
How did you get started teaching?
Originally, coaching and teaching swimming was a college summer job which I turned into an all-year program, starting with 10 children out of the summer swim team. We grew over nine years to 300+ swimmers. I combined City, Board of Education and YMCA programs for greater continuity and for all children to have an opportunity to compete at their own level.
What types of students have you worked with?
Young to senior (14 months to 95 years old), boys and girls, young adults, Masters swimmers - men and women. Parents of babies to make their children water aware and enjoy the water. All of whom have a desire and a willingness to change and improve.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Working with a Master's swimmer for a couple of hours, dropped his time over 20 seconds on a 200 breaststroke. Another Masters swimmer now has race and workout confidence. She continues do shatter her own personal best times in competition and has begun to place in competition. A few hours work, but more importantly, continued encouragement and reminders to apply what she has learned. Recruited an 87 year old to compete in swimming for the first time in his life. He did and placed. He is now an avowed competitor.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
How good a teacher and coach are they? Being a great swimmer does not mean that one can be a great teacher or coach. Look for attitude: is the person a motivator who instills trust and confidence, who creates a positive environment with encouragement at any and all levels, yet who is disciplined enough to drive the client forward.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do they want to achieve with their project?
How willing and desirous are they to work hard, make changes, and overcome challenges to accomplish their goal?
How honest will they be with themselves?
As a concerned parent, are you prepared to step out of the picture, and leave your child to the instructor?
An investment in swimming is a life time benefit that will remain forever. You can learn at any age, you can improve at any age and you can compete at any age.