Advice for first adult swimming lesson needed

[Pixiesmoke]

Hi all,
I'm 36 and I've just booked a one-to-one swimming lesson next month. I'm not confident when it comes to swimming and I don't like to go out of my depth. I had swimming lessons as a child/teenager, but I would go as far as to say that I no longer know how to swim. I haven't been to a swimming pool in years and I can't remember the rules.

I'm very nervous about my first lesson. Can anyone give me some guidance on questions such as:
-What should I wear for a one-to-one lesson? I have a bikini but do I need to buy a swimming costume?
-Do I need to buy some goggles?
-I have long hair. Do I need to tie my hair up, do I need a swimming cap?
-Is there anything else I need to know?
I'm hoping the instructor provides some guidance before the lesson. I've also just realised that I'll be on day 4 of my period, and I haven't used a tampon for about 20 years. Fuck! Feeling very anxious

Following. I’ve forgotten how to swim too even though I had regular lessons and passed all the levels. Now in my 30s and can hardly manage a width in the kids pool when I take my children swimming.

Sorry no help but you’re not alone!

I don't think you need a swimming costume; plenty of people swim in bikinis. However, I would personally rather wear a one piece as then I don't have to have a proportion of my brain wondering if I'm still contained! Sports direct will do you a comfy basic slazenger costume for £12 ish I think.

The same thing applies to goggles. They aren't essential but it's a lot easier to get a good stroke if you aren't trying to keep your head out the water. I have been perfectly fine with cheap goggles - I have a pair of prescription goggles off Ali express which were about £6 and they're fine. Equally, if you normally go in the pool without them you could try for lesson one and order some if you decide you want them.

Hair - tie it up. I usually go for a ponytail, plaited and then put into a bun. This is the hairstyle that after much experimentation seems to result in there least tangling of my hair. Alternatively a bun and swimming cap also works but I find getting a cap on quite hard so I don't think I'd add to my stress by trying until I had seen how I got on without one.

Make sure you take a brush for your hair in the shower after, it will need it. And I would consider taking a bottle of water and a snack - it will be pretty hard work on muscles you haven't used for ages.

I would go in a swim suit of any type you are most comfortable in. Only wear goggles if your eyes get irritated by the water. I would wear a cap with long hair if you swim regularly and practice getting it on.

I would get a one piece swimming costume. In my local pool you'd get some funny looks in a bikini as it's not the norm. Ideally I'd also have a swimming hat and goggles but they aren't strictly needed for a first lesson so it depends if you are going to carry on. I hope it goes well.

I would say, yes to a full swimsuit, goggles and hair tied back preferably also a swim cap. If learning to swim and/or improve you will likely spend a lot of time putting your head under water so goggles are a must. I attend a swim lesson for intermediate swimmers weekly. The beginners are in the pool beforehand and all are kitted out the same.

I’ve been having lessons for the past couple of months. It was a bit intimidating after all this time but it’s been great!

Yes to goggles and I’m much happier in cossie than bikini. I don’t wear a swim cap. Hair tied back is better.

You can get period proof swimwear if that helps at all! Hope you enjoy it and your instructor puts you at ease. Well done for learning something new!

You're grand OP, well done you for being willing to do this. You'll be fine.

Swimming is about managing the breathing, because your face needs to get in water eventually. I can't put my face in water without goggles. I flipping hate water in my eyes. My kids swim fine without goggles. I suggest you try first lesson without and can ask advice how to choose a pair. I need 'man size' goggles myself (big head), but Aquasphere seem to suit many female small heads.

Ditto for me hat -- I need hair out of my face. You can try tying back but hats are handy. If you have big head + big hair, there are extra large size hats (ebay ones fine).

Tampon: you can do this.

ps: most bikinis are lousy for swimming. A boring one-piece is sensible.

Oh and also menstrual cups are great for swimming. After a short learning curve they’re nicer than tampons in my opinion

Thanks so much everyone. It's really useful to hear from people that swim regularly. I'll buy a cheapish decent basic one-piece swimsuit and some goggles. Apparently they are going to give me a free swimming hat!
I had no idea about period proof swimwear so I will check that out!

I would definitely go for swimsuit and googles. You definitely need your hair tied up and off your face. If you have particularly long and/or thick hair then not all swimming caps may fit you. I have a Speedo silicone one that stretches more as the cheaper rubber ones just don't go near my head! For one lesson you should be fine without one.
I have a cheap pair of flipflops that I wear onto poolside and in the showers as i find the floor really slippery in bare feet. I also take my water bottle onto poolside, useful if you swallow pool water by accident!
A lot of pools use £ coins to lock the lockers so have one to hand.

Best of luck OP!
I was a good swimmer when younger but just float around now. I hope your enjoy the water as much as I do, it's just a very comforting place to be for me.
I need googles now although never had them when younger, I think we get a bit wimpish as we get older!
I have to psych myself up to get in the Atlantic now and used to argue with my DM as a child when she made me get out because my lips were turning blue

Two piece costume/bikini is fine as long as it’s one that holds everything in place - I have one that’s great for lounging by the pool but boobs pop out if I try serious swimming!! I have a long body so tend to wear bikinis and I’ve never had any ‘funny looks’ - but they’re not skimpy numbers!

Goggles definitely help with feeling comfortable with your head under water.

Swimming lessons revolutionised my ability to swim. I used to barely be able swim and length and was terrified of putting my head underwater - I can now swim open water in triathlons. Good luck!