Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from Sugar Land Swim School

Thank you for choosing Sugar Land Swim School for your swim lesson needs.  Our goal is to provide the best swim instruction in Sugar Land for both children and adults.  As a new company, we are constantly working to improve our service and are grateful for your support over the last 2 summers. 

Summer 2013 will be our third summer of operation.  Registration will open March 1, 2013 and will once again be online at our website.  If you are a returning customer, you will be able to login to the Customer Portal to register for lessons.  Lessons will take place in New Territory & Chelsea Harbour this summer.  Lessons will start in mid-May and continue through the end of September.  

Thank you again for your support and hope to see you at the pool this summer!

Picture: Top Row (L-R): Amy, Hannah, Crosby, Kyle, Chris, Connor; Bottom Row (L-R): Catherine, Valerie, Sarah, Shelby, Christy, Faye, & Lily.

SLSS Staff Recalls Learning How to Swim

During the Summer of 2012, Sugar Land Swim School's staff consisted of 25 instructors and 8 water watchers.  From mid-May to mid-September SLSS served 421 swimmers.  Learning how to swim is an unforgettable experience - read below what our staff members recall about learning how to swim!  

"I learned how to swim when I was 4 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was floating in the water with empty milk jugs in my hands.  It was so much fun!  I was never afraid and always wanted to try new things in the water, which led to joining a swim team when I was 7 and my lifelong love of the sport."

-Catherine, Founder & Owner

"I learned how to swim when I was 6 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was not bending my knees too much while kicking."

-Jeffrey, Water Watcher

"I learned how to swim when I was 7 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was jumping off the blocks in rec league and just moving my arms and kicking.  We also used to practice our kicks laying flat out on the concrete in the hot summer sun."

-Christine, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 3 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was being independent for the first time. I loved being able to get in the water and just play around with no support of floaties or my parents. This love of being independent led to the love of the sport and thats why I have been swimming year around since 1999!"

-Sarah, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 8 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was my dad teaching me and my brother how to swim in our neighborhood pool! We always hung on to our dad in the deep end. He taught me how to dive and do flips off the diving board. Then I started swimming summer league which lead to club swimming."

-Valerie, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 3 years old, but it wasn't till I was 7 that I could swim above water.  I remember when I was 5 and not a very strong swimmer I went to the club pool and asked my grandma to slide down the slide. She was waiting at the bottom of the slide and looked over at the diving board to see me jumping in the pool. Swimming is an important skill to know no matter where you go with it."

-Faye, Water Watcher

"I learned how to swim when I was 3 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was always being terrified of the water when the lesson started, but as the class progressed and my instructors coaxed me out of my fears, I never wanted to get out of the pool when the class was over. Then the cycle would start again day after day until I figured out how to float on my back. My hair has basically never dried since then because after that was accomplished, I have never stopped swimming."

-Natalie, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 6 years old.  I lived in Saudi Arabia when I was younger and I remember just playing in the pools with my friends because it was so hot. Whenever I moved back to the US my best friend and I loved to swim so we joined Torpedoes together, and ever since then I have just loved swimming. Learning to swim, and learning to correct techniques can be difficult at moments, but everything is worth it for that moment when you finally get it."

-Christy, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 5 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was that getting into the water was the most difficult obstacle that I faced as a swimmer. Everything else just came naturally! Swimming helped me to form lifelong friendships and to learn to challenge myself to do better."

-Oscar, Instructor

"I learned how to swim when I was 5 years old.  What I remember most about learning how to swim was to stay relaxed in the water.  Swimming can be the easiest sport to learn or the hardest.  For me it was hard to learn but after sticking with it, I learned to love living in the water for multiple hours each day."

-Crosby, Instructor

2012 Summer Season Finale: Stephen

Stephen worked as a manager at the Club Pool this summer.  He ensured lessons started and ended on time, helped swimmers find their instructor, and answered questions from parents.  

Sugar Land Swim School will be back next summer in mid-May.  Class schedules will be posted in February 2013.  Stay tuned to this blog and our facebook page for all of the latest updates throughout the year.  

Instructor Spotlight: Peter

Peter has been teaching children and adults all summer at SLSS.  He has an extensive swimming resume, like all instructors at SLSS.  There is 1 session left for this summer: class starts Tuesday August 28 and ends Thursday September 13.  The class will meet Tues/Wed/Thurs for 9 lessons at Ellis Creek Pool.  If interested, you can register online at our website: www.sugarlandswimschool.com.  

Who's Your Favorite Olympic Swimmer?

We asked our instructors who their favorite Olympic swimmer is, past or present, and their answers are somewhat surprising!  Nobody chose Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time!  Read below to find out who SLSS instructors claim as their favorite Olympic swimmer:

Kyle:

Ryan Lochte.  I was able to meet Ryan and swim with him in Daytona as a 10 year old right before his first Olympic Trials. Ever since then I've always been a huge fan of his as his career has taken off. He's a real nice guy and just loves to win and have fun.

Oscar:

Ryan Lochte. Despite his laid-back style, Lochte works hard both inside and outside of the pool. Although he has swam in the shadow of Michael Phelps for most of his career, he continues to train and looks to perform well this summer. His flashy clothing also adds to his overall original style as a unique swimmer.

Jason:

Ryan Lochte. He's my favorite swimmer because he is very diverse in swimming; he can swim each stroke very well.  I also like that he is laid back and at times, pretty funny.

Christy:

Ryan Lochte. Ryan Lochte is my favorite swimmer because he is an amazing swimmer. Even though most people think of Phelps when they think of Olympians, Lochte proves to everyone that he is still a force to reckon with.

Charlie:

Ryan Lochte. The reason I like Ryan Lochte is because he is a great swimmer and I like the mentality he has about swimming. Also, he was the underdog at the last Olympics and I would like to see him succeed.

Natalie:

Ryan Lochte. Lochte hasn't always been on top, but has always been a talented swimmer. After riding in Phelps’s shadow at the 2008 Olympics, he found the motivation to work even harder and will conquer at the 2012 Olympic games. Lochte is incredibly motivational because he never gives up and is incredibly humble.

April:

Amanda Beard. She's a breaststroker and she won a lot of medals at the Olympics.

Hannah:

Amanda Beard.  She is my favorite Olympic swimmer not only because I admire her ability to swim breastroke (my worst stroke!) but also because she has had to overcome a lot in life to get where she is now. An eating disorder, abusive relationship, drug abuse problem, in addition to the ups and down of swimming itself were all huge ordeals which she worked through while still striving for her Olympic dream. Not only is she a great swimmer, but a great role model, and recently a great mother and businesswoman as well!

Diana:

Rebecca Soni.  She is my favorite Olympic swimmer because not only she is an amazing swimmer, but also her strongest stroke is breaststroke, which makes me kind of biased because breaststroke is my favorite stroke ever! She swims with such agility and determination. That's what makes her stand out and strive for success.

Amy:

Aaron Peirsol. First off, he's a backstroker. Then there's the fact that he holds the world records in both the 100m and 200m back.  In 2011, Aaron retired from the profession of swimming.  He said that he "did everything (he) set out to do."  I love that Aaron had goals in the swim world, achieved those goals, and then was able to move on with the satisfaction that he accomplished what he wanted.  

Kirsten:

Natalie Coughlin.  I admire that Natalie Coughlin is a well-rounded individual in addition to her many Olympic triumphs; she is not only known for her athletic talents, but also for her class, intelligence, and engaging personality. In that, I think that she is a great role model for swimmers and women everywhere. As an 11-time Olympic medalist, she is the epitome of perseverance and displays the benefits of following one's heart.

Instructor Spotlight: Jason

It's been awhile since we posted an episode of SLSS's Instructor Spotlight Series.  
Episode #7 focuses on Jason.  Jason, like all instructors at SLSS, has an extensive swimming background which allows him to provide highly effective swim lessons.  By choosing SLSS as your swim lesson provider, you can rest assured that you are learning from the best.

Instructor Spotlight Episode 6: OSCAR

This is Oscar's 2nd summer as an instructor at Sugar Land Swim School.   He is one of our private lesson instructors and teaches group lessons as well.  For class schedules, visit www.sugarlandswimschool.com.  

Episode 5: KIRSTEN

This is Kirsten's first summer as an instructor at Sugar Land Swim School.  She has extensive swimming experience and enjoys teaching both adults and children.  Her energetic attitude and passion for helping others learn how to swim makes her a wonderful swim instructor!  

Instructor Spotlight Series Episode 4: KYLE!

This is Kyle's 2nd summer as an instructor at Sugar Land Swim School.  Kyle is not only great with kids but really excels at teaching Adults how to swim.

Instructor Spotlight Series Episode 3: VALERIE!

This is Valerie's second summer as an instructor at SLSS.  Valerie, like every single SLSS instructor, has competitive swimming experience, which is why SLSS is the BEST place to learn how to swim, improve strokes, and/or gain swimming endurance.  Every Monday throughout the summer a new episode of SLSS's Instructor Spotlight Series will post to illustrate why SLSS is the best swim school in the Sugar Land, TX area.  

What is Streamline?

Webster’s Dictionary definition of the word streamline is: a teardrop line of contour offering the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, etc. In swimming terms, streamline is a body position in the water that produces the least amount of drag, resistance, and turbulence while you swim. It takes countless practices to perfect the art of being streamlined in the water. Top Olympic athletes like Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, and Natalie Coughlin have the tightest streamline positions the sport has ever seen. Being streamline can make or break your race, event, or stroke all together. During a competitive race, if you are not in a close to perfect streamline position, your stroke falls apart right when you need it the most. Streamline position can be the easiest or hardest thing to learn in the sport of swimming. You have to have flexibility, relaxed shoulders, and core strength to keep your body from breaking perfect streamline position. Below is a picture of Michael Phelps in perfect streamline position. As you can see, his head is tucked tightly in between is biceps, his core is flexed in a manner that would help him not break stroke, and his eyes are pointed down to the black line of the pool. Also, his flexibility is incomparable to many other swimmers, which took him years of stretching, exercises, and training to reach this point.

Example of Perfect Streamline: Michael Phelps

There have been many races when I broke perfect streamlined position and went into a sloppy stroke. There are very few instances when a swimmer can muscle their way through a race and come out of it satisfied with their time. When a swimmer breaks streamline position their race is more likely to end in defeat and/or a poor performance. Like I said before, the top swimmers in the world have perfected the art of streamline position through hard work, patience, and dedication. Sometimes it takes athletes months of training to get one step closer to achieving their goals. In the end, it’s the satisfaction of success that drives swimmers further.


Written by: Crosby Johnson

SLSS Instructor Spotlight Series Episode 2

SLSS Instructor Spotlight: CHARLIE

Sugar Land Swim School has THE BEST swim instructors in the Sugar Land, TX area.  Our instructor spotlight series illustrates why Sugar Land Swim School is the best place to learn how to swim!

SLSS Instructor Spotlight Series Episode 1

SLSS Instructor: LILY

Sugar Land Swim School has THE BEST swim instructors in the Sugar Land, TX area.  Tune in each Monday throughout the summer to find out why!

Instructor Spotlight Series Premiere: NEXT MONDAY!

SLSS Instructor Spotlight Series Premiere: 
Monday June 4th


The SLSS Instructor Spotlight Series will highlight what makes Sugar Land Swim School the best swim lesson provider in the Sugar Land area: the INSTRUCTORS! Every Monday, starting next Monday June 4th, SLSS will upload a new episode featuring an interview with a SLSS instructor. Check the blog, facebook, or youtube channel to view each episode!


Also, Happy Memorial Day!  SLSS thanks all past and present members of the armed forces who protect our great nation - the best nation on Earth - the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!  Thank you for your service!

Online Registration Summer 2012

We have a new registration procedure in place for this summer.  It will increase efficiency and allow you to register at any time of the day from your own computer.  The steps are outlined below.

FIRST TIME USERS

1. Find a class that fits your schedule based on the swimmer's age and ability.  If none of the posted schedules fit your schedule, email sugarlandswimschool@gmail.com.

2. Click the "Register" link to the left of the class.

3. Fill out the Registration form.  

4. To add more people from your family who want to sign up for a class, click the + sign next to Student #2.  

5. You will then be able to add a class for Student #2 by clicking the "Search" button.  Add Student #3, #4, #5 if needed.

6. Enter your credit card information.  We accept Visa or Mastercard.  If you do not have a credit card, please email sugarlandswimschool@gmail.com to discuss an alternate form of payment. 

7. Click "Submit."

8. You will receive 2 confirmation emails.  1 will come immediately after you hit "submit."  The other email will be sent when I confirm your registration in our system.  Save these emails. They include your class schedule.

RETURNING CUSTOMERS

1. If you want to register for more classes later in the summer, you must sign into the
Customer Portal.

2. The first time you sign in, click "I don't have or don't know my password."

3. Enter the email address you used when you registered for the first time.

4. Once you receive the Portal Password, Login with that password and your email address.

5. Inside the Customer Portal, you will be able to view your class schedules and register for more classes.

As always, if you have any questions, please email sugarlandswimschool@gmail.com.

How To Swim Backstroke Without Sinking

Many beginner swimmers are afraid of Backstroke because of their fear of sinking.  Floating on one's back is a scary concept for some beginners but is the first step that must be learned before attempting Backstroke.  The floating sensation is second to none and takes awhile to get used to.   Therefore, when learning how to swim Backstroke, swimmers must allow plenty of time to acclimate to floating on their back.  Swimmers should be able to float comfortably and unassisted before attempting to swim Backstroke.

Once the ability to float is accomplished, the next step is to learn the kick.  Using a kickboard is very helpful for beginners.  Kickboards help swimmers get their hips up on top of the water, which is crucial to prevent sinking.

Once swimmers are comfortable kicking on their back with a kickboard, swimmers should practice kicking on their back without a kickboard in order to have more success when the arms are added.  Swimmers should simply remove the kickboard from their hands and kick on their back with their arms in the same position.  Swimmers need to practice this until they can make forward progress by only kicking on their back.  In order to make forward progress with the kick, legs should be straight, toes should be pointed, and the kick must be rapid.  Always make a splash with your kick.


Swimming Backstroke without sinking can be accomplished through the series of methodical steps outlined above.  If you find yourself sinking once you add your Backstroke arms, go back to the root of the problem: you are not floating correctly.


A great drill to practice if you are having problems with sinking while swimming Backstroke is the 6-beat kick drill.  Take 6 kicks per 1 arm pull.  Keep one arm at your side and the other arm stretched back above your head on top of the water.  Kick 6 times, then switch your arms.  Now your other arm is by your side and the other one is stretched back behind your head on top of the water.


Always remember to RELAX.  You can't float unless you're relaxed.