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Original poster

My first ever swimming lesson at the age of 38 TONIGHT

132 replies

ofHardey · 14/06/2022 17:05

Eeeeek. I am absolutely shitting it!

But I'm going to do this for my 3 girls.

Any tips for absolute beginners very welcome !

OP posts:
5thHelena · 14/06/2022 17:57

No advice but I think what you're doing is amazing! You won't regret it!

AgathaMystery · 14/06/2022 17:59

Good luck! My dad learnt to swim when he was 42 - you’re awesome

BunniesBunniesBunnies · 14/06/2022 17:59

just popping on to say GOOD LUCK and that you’re amazing for doing this. I took some lessons at a similar age (though I wasn’t a total novice) and it’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself!!!

pointythings · 14/06/2022 18:00

I would say enjoy it, relax and don't pile expectations on yourself. It will take as long as it takes.

Swimming is the loveliest thing in the world once you've mastered it.

Original poster
ofHardey · 14/06/2022 18:03

Aww you lot are lovely ! Making me emotional ! Yes I was never allowed to learn as a child and all my three girls have lessons and my eldest is a confident swimmer now.

Urgh I just need to get through the first session. I'll be the idiot with three noodles around me !

OP posts:
Anyoldfuckingusername · 14/06/2022 18:05

Re swimming caps, you can use a fabric one which is gentler on your hair but doesn't keep it dry, or a rubber one which sort of does (not super effective though tbf) - if you use a rubber one, putting some talc in it makes it easier to get on and off.
Have a snack ready for after - if you're anything like me you will be STARVING afterwards and prone to stopping for chips on the way home.
And enjoy, and good luck!

PatchworkElmer · 14/06/2022 18:07

Well done you, that’s seriously impressive. Hope it goes well.

Atlantic252 · 14/06/2022 18:12

Good luck!! Can I live vicariously through this thread as my DH wants me to learn (in my mid-40s) but I'm still too scared.

You are amazing OP and you should be so proud of yourself.

LizzieSiddal · 14/06/2022 18:16

I’ve just got back from swimming and there was a lady having her first lesson! She was in her 60s (I could hear her chatting to the teacher) and she looked prettified when she got in but had a huge smile on her face after about 15 minutes.

Good luck!!

DoinMeDriving · 14/06/2022 18:17

Good job op, hope it goes well.

Ime learning a new skill when older means you understand concepts more quickly but struggle with muscle memory and skill building. And confidence. All of which can be overcome and I'm sure you will do so. Best of luck to you.

MushyPeasPrincess · 14/06/2022 18:21

What a brilliant thing to do! Especially setting an example for your kids.

Original poster
ofHardey · 14/06/2022 18:23

Absolutely shitting bricks now.

Will post a pic of me in my cossie to distract myself 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
ofHardey · 14/06/2022 18:24

Do these bloody chicken fillets sail around the entire time ?! 😂 😅😫

My first ever swimming lesson at the age of 38 TONIGHT
OP posts:
Ijustreallywantacat · 14/06/2022 18:25

I have taught two friends to swim (or at least, not be scared of water.) It is SO worth while OP!


  • Firstly, relax. I know it’s easier said than done, but remember the teacher will just want you to feel comfortable in the water first. Be honest about panicked you are. They’ll know what to do.

  • Tie your hair up fairly tight. Last thing you want is hair in your face!

  • if your face goes under, your first instinct might be to inhale! Don’t! Blow bubbles and try to relax your body/ stand up.

  • Get your shoulders (and when you can, head) under as soon as possible. It honestly feels much nicer once that’s out of the way.


good luck OP!! Well done!!

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 14/06/2022 18:25

There's nothing like the feeling of floating on your back weightless in the pool, it's my happy place and I can't wait for you to experience it OP. You are wonderful just for having the nerve to do it so as far as I'm concerned you're winning already!

choochoomama · 14/06/2022 18:25

Brilliant! I learnt to swim at aged 39 a few years back. 3 young kids and I wanted to do it for them too. So glad I did. Enjoy yourself.

LissyBooks · 14/06/2022 18:27

Absolutely love this thread, go OP!!!

Wiiiiiiilllllsssssonnnnnn · 14/06/2022 18:28

No tips but bloody good for you. What a fantastic thing to do.

RogueV · 14/06/2022 18:29

Well done!
I was an ok swimmer as a child but didn’t swim for years as an adult so took some lessons a few years ago. Not the best swimmer but I am confident in the water now!
Enjoy

crj123 · 14/06/2022 18:31

Love this thread. Only advice is that doggy paddle is always an option! Good luck and please keep us updated

Original poster
ofHardey · 14/06/2022 18:45

Omg you won't believe what happened.

Just about to pull into the car park and I got a call saying there had been an incident in the pool and the lesson has been cancelled 😫

It was the head of swimming and I know him because of the girls lessons, he was gutted for me because he knew how I've worked myself up for it ! Ah well... Thursday it is.

I feel like a deflated balloon and abit close to tears , which is rather pathetic! 😅

OP posts:
pointythings · 14/06/2022 18:46

I'm so sorry, OP. That's the last thing you need.

But bring on Thursday, the power of MumsNet is with you.

yellowponcho · 14/06/2022 18:51

@ofHardey Well done. I can't swim either and would love to go to lessons if I had the confidence. Please let us know how you get on .

yellowponcho · 14/06/2022 18:53

Oh no! Just read your update @ofHardey!! You'll do great next time I'm sure

CaptainBeakyandhisband · 14/06/2022 18:57

I’ve been teaching myself to swim for about the last 3 months. I need to get some lessons but they are fully booked at my local pool. I can now do a pretty decent breaststroke and I have found that getting my face under and working out how to blow bubbles is key. It really helps you power along and get into the rhythm of swimming. And I say this as someone who previously went to great lengths to avoid the water generally and definitely wanted to avoid getting my face wet. I’ve really surprised myself and am regularly swimming, 2-3x a week since March. You can do this!