Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
Billybagpuss · 16/06/2022 20:02

How was it? Hope you had fun.

Original poster
ofHardey · 16/06/2022 20:54

Omgggggg!!!!!

So. I got to the swimming centre , got into the cubicle, had a mini panic attack and thought briefly of going back home. When I got to the swimming pool, I was so nervous I was almost in tears! The head of swimming was there and he was sooo nice, he helped calm me and stayed till I got in the water, then explained to the teacher that I was very nervous. And then I was in the water and trying to kick my legs ! It was both exhilarating and terrifying all at once 😂

Omg I still can't believe that I got in, never mind anything else!

OP posts:
Dilbertian · 16/06/2022 20:59

Fantastic!

FourChimneys · 16/06/2022 21:04

Fantastic, well done. I have a friend just the same as you except she was a bit older. She was absolutely terrified at first but improved. She has her 25m certificate proudly framed and displayed in her hall.

Billybagpuss · 16/06/2022 21:04

Well done that’s awesome, when’s your next lesson?

balalake · 16/06/2022 21:09

Well done, also good to read of the support you had once there.

Augend23 · 16/06/2022 21:11

That's fantastic, I'm so pleased you did it!

I have taught a friend to swim. Originally she was so scared of the water she had to have me standing behind her under the ladder while she got in. She still doesn't like putting her face in the water (though if you can get to not minding this I would really recommend it as swimming is much easier once you don't mind), but she's got to the point now where she'll duck under the ropes rather than get out the pool to walk round. She can happily swim a good 20 ish lengths if she stops for breathers.

Keep going, you'll be so glad you did!

addler · 16/06/2022 21:15

Wow, I hope you're incredibly proud of yourself. To face a fear is something that most people find so difficult, and you did it! Star

AdaColeman · 16/06/2022 21:23

@ofHardey Well done you! Being frightened, but still doing it, is really brave.
It will be much easier next time!

Vanillazebra · 16/06/2022 21:30

I'm really proud of you, well done!!!

ActionNeeded · 16/06/2022 21:55

Ah well done you!!! I hope you’re feeling really pleased and proud of yourself for doing it despite feeling so anxious. Lovely to read :)

CaptainMyCaptain · 16/06/2022 21:58

Well done!

RomanMum · 16/06/2022 22:03

Well done!

Taking lessons in my late 40s and wish I'd done it years ago. It does get easier/slightly less frightening, and swimming is very therapeutic once you get over the first hurdle.

AgathaMystery · 16/06/2022 22:08

That’s fantastic!

Walkingtheplank · 16/06/2022 22:41

Wonderful news - put a smile on my face, I hope you're smiling too. Grin

MushyPeasPrincess · 16/06/2022 22:44

Well done OP and please keep us updated so we can all cheer when you get your first badge!

Original poster
ofHardey · 16/06/2022 22:47

Thanks sooo much everyone, seriously your hype literally carried me into the pool 🤣🙌🏻

OP posts:
MzHz · 16/06/2022 23:26

I was training myself tonight

great swim actually, in spite of the heat!

im so proud of you! Wish I could be there with you to swim beside you

Furries · 17/06/2022 00:50

Blooming well done, was thinking of you today (actually, yesterday!)

You've taken the hardest step. Now you can have the confidence to keep going. Hopefully you’ve got another lesson booked?

Original poster
ofHardey · 17/06/2022 07:50

@Furries yes definitely, there's two sessions a week and im going to try and make both !

We have a big holiday booked for end of july. I was supposed to do this in January but I guess I wasn't mentally ready and having the pt and exercising in the gym has given me the confidence to do this. So I want to at least be able to get in the water with the girls and dh without being petrified ! Maybe I should have posted this thread six months ago 😂

Also, how draining is it ?! I wasn't even swimming yet but I was exhausted after!

@MzHz aww that would have been amazing. ❤️ you're all there with me in spirit!

OP posts:
CaptainBeakyandhisband · 17/06/2022 08:01

Yes to the mentally draining aspect - I actually miss the ‘panic calories’ I used to burn when just being in the water was a big deal.

Billybagpuss · 17/06/2022 09:43

Definitely yes to the mentally draining thing. It’s a huge new activity for you, it’s exhausting.

pointythings · 17/06/2022 09:55

Congratulations, that is a huge step you've taken!

However long it takes, you'll get there. And feeling at ease in the water with your family is definitely achievable, the rest will come in time.

addler · 17/06/2022 09:58

I find the pool absolutely exhausting. I went swimming (badly) after not going for years and thought I was doing alright considering how shit at it I was. Got out the pool, my legs gave way and I fell back in sideways Blush

hoorayandupsherises · 17/06/2022 10:54

Yay, well done😃

Swipe left for the next trending thread