DP Swimming
About
I've been coaching "wannabe" swimmers for 20+ years. Mostly I coach adults looking to get through the swim part of triathlons. I currently coach Masters Swim at the Madison East YMCA and at Madison College (near Truax Airport). I have coached children and adolescents for purposes of survival.
I attend clinics whenever I can. I've swam with Hall of Fame Swim coaches. I still swim in meets. My stroke is butterfly. In 1989 I was the #1 in the world in the 100m butterfly. I was a diver in the US Coast Guard.
I love coaching wannabe swimmers! I love seeing them reach their personal goals!
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For swimming I watch their interaction with the medium - Water! I introduce a couple of simple exercises that will make them understand the medium of the "water" in order to demonstrate the physical power of "Buoyancy".
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I swam competitively in high school and college. My stroke that earned me a "free ride" to a Big 10 university was butterfly. I was in the Coast Guard for four years and was a certified diver on an Icebreaker. I've learned a lot about "Balance & Alignment" from coaching and competing in Masters.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard price is $75 for ~ 45 minutes. Sometimes more than one session may be needed, but rarely.
How did you get started teaching?
I started "teaching" swimming when I was just out of high school working for a local pool in Lakewood, California. I was swimming in a Masters program in Madison (East Y) and our coach quit, so I said I would coach if no one else would. I found I really loved it! I've been coaching three programs for the last three years: East Y; Madison College and UW-Madison. The East Y since 1972(?); Madison College since 2002(?); UW since 2013.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with experienced swimmers who are out of shape and with bad swimming habits. With swimmers with little experience and uncomfortable in water. I get a lot of people who want to do "IronMan" but don't know how to swim. I have a fellow coach in Bend, OR who has this greate expression: "The Path to the bike and the run GOES through the water.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Last year I watched a friend of mine who I've helped with his swimming, finish Ironman Wisconsin! Yeah Tim!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a swim coach with a knowledge of swimming based on experience. Is He/She going to be there to watch your event? And cheer you on? Will your coach be there for you when you have another goal to reach?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Prospective students should ask about experience, knowledge of the subject. Is the coach going to be there for the next event?