We just got done with swimming lessons at Swimtastic.
Super Swimming Lessons!
What I think...
I loved the fact that I could see progress with my kids in swimming. They actually got the strokes down that were being taught to them. The instructor is in the pool, and shows the kids the correct strokes.
Another place we had lessons at before said, "They'll get it eventually." There were times then that the coaches never even got into the water. I was super impressed that Swimtastic didn't take this approach.
Swimming lessons always started on time. That's a huge perk for me!
They have their rules posted. Not all kids shower before lessons. I feel like the staff should enforce that more. I wasn't sure what the rule was for lightening. There was a storm here. We called to see if they were still conducting lessons. They were. I'm not sure how safe that is.
They take more of a personal approach. There's a board in the hallway that has the instructor's name and picture on it. There's also a screen in the waiting room that has the instructor's pop up to see their names, and what their interests are. The screen wasn't always on, or working, but I liked when they had that going.
I liked how they have everything you need there. The boy's goggles were leaking, so we bought some at Swimtastic. The girl at the front helped us pick out the correct size, and adjusted them. They have shirts and bags to.
I don't like that they have a glass counter full of junk food when it's a place to get fit. Snacks are great! Have nuts, seeds, and trail mix. There are healthier options for snacks.
The Pool taken with my fisheye lens.
What does Mica think?
Mica was the least excited about starting up lessons. He was so into it once he began. Mica is actually bummed it is over.
He liked how Swimtastic works more one on one with him. He was really getting his strokes down! He was more serious about learning this time around. I don't know if it was the coach, the place, or possibly he's more mature.
There was only one thing that Mica didn't care for. His coach said that she'd have Mica's progress report one week, didn't have it, and had it the week after. Mica remembers stuff like that. I didn't think it was a big deal.
Pretending to hold his breath underwater. Taken with my fisheye lens.
What does Isaak think?
Isaak was excited to start swimming lessons. He laughed at every lesson.
He loved their flippers, and learning the frog kick.
Isaak did miss the previous place's deep end. Isaak loved how the place before would get out a pole, put it in the deep end, and he'd have to swim to reach the bottom. That apparently was his favorite part of swimming lessons. We heard about him missing this aspect of swimming lessons each and every time. He's at this stage where he thinks everything needs to be fun. The practical application is what I care about.
Taken with my fisheye lens.
Swimtastic is a hidden gem that's behind PE 101 in Omaha, Nebraska.
If you don't live in Omaha, Swimtastic is in other spots in the US: Lincoln, Nebraska | Captive, Florida | Fox Cities, Wisconsin | Waukesha, Wisconsin | Franklin, Wisconsin
Everyone was happy every time we went. The staff was eager to help.
Overall the kids enjoyed their lessons. Their skills really grew. I wanted to continue them. They are fairly pricy, and I have the summer booked with camps already.
Swimtastic also has birthday parties that you can book there.
Last week our boys started swimming lessons at Swimtastic. It's a hidden gem that's behind PE 101 in Omaha, Nebraska.
If you don't live in Omaha, Swimtastic is in other spots in the US: Lincoln, Nebraska | Captive, Florida | Fox Cities, Wisconsin | Waukesha, Wisconsin | Franklin, Wisconsin
It's been about a year and a half since they've had lessons. I wasn't sure where they'd fit in. I'm glad the staff at Swimtastic was willing to work with them. Later we found the lessons they are more suited for, which they start tonight.
When we went in there was a desk where the staff greeted us. Everyone seems very happy to be working there, and eager to show us around.
It has a really open floor plan once you enter the spot where parents sit. It's called the Observation Deck.
Inside the Observation Deck There is:
Open space - One can sit close to the pool, or in the back to be on bathroom duty for their little kids
Some toys for little kids to play - Fun for siblings not in swimming lessons just yet
Signs about pool safety - I'm not sure how much they are read, but certainly important
Fun fish that hang from the ceiling - Added fun to the room
Patio plastic chairs for parents to sit - I liked sitting on these chairs over bleachers
Concession stand filled with candy - I kind of wish this spot had more things like Protein Bars and other healthy snacks
Swimtastic merchandise - To make them a one stop swimming place
A monitor - That shows Swimtastic instructors
I'm not used to being behind glass to view my kids in their lessons. I didn't mind it. It was less noisy. It keeps the establishment cleaner with less traffic into the pool area!
If I could add something to this area it would be small cubby lockers.
Shower and Bathrooms:
I have to be honest I didn't get a good look at this area. I'm only going off what Travis, Mica and Isaak said.
They are clean, but pretty small. There are no lockers in this area. Plan on having a big swim bag.
They have a boys and girls bathroom. I do like that they have 1 added family shower and bathroom. This is something I always wanted when we were at the Y.
Shower time after swimming lessons was always the most stressful time of the week. The kids were wound up after their lessons, it is close to bedtime, and kids act like they can't get their wet suit off their body. It's nice to have one room that a whole family can go to take care of the showering part.
There are colored spots in the hallway of the bathrooms where kids stand to show they are ready for their lessons.
The Pool:
The pool has 90 degree water. Isaak looked cautious when jumping in because he was expecting it to be cold. It wasn't.
They have lanes marked off for different swimming classes. I love that they could get both my boys in at the same time!
There is a slide, but as you can see in the picture below there's no diving allowed. It's too shallow of a pool to dive in.
At Swimtastic the instructors seem like they really want the kids to learn what they are there for - to swim.
My boys forgot so much of what they learned in swimming lessons before. Isaak said, "I hate swimming backwards." I said, "I'm glad they made you! It's important for you to learn how to swim like that!"
It did seem like younger kids go there. That might change with our lessons tonight. Mica will be in a class with kids more his age.
Overall the kids are enjoying getting back into their lessons. I'm glad I was asked to do this. Did you take swimming lessons when you were younger? What's something you remember about them?
Follow Swimtastic on twitter, and like their facebook page.
Disclaimer: I received free lessons for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine. I will be blogging about their lessons again towards the end.
The opinions on this blog are my personal take on products and topics relating to motherhood. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.
I am not compensated to provide opinions on a variety of topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. If I claim to show knowledge of certain topic or product I will only endorse products or services that I feel, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.
If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: anapeladay@gmail.com
