Learning to swim
Walking, but in water
Before any swimming, you walk through shallow water and compare it with walking on land. What feels the same? What's different? Those observations become the base for every exercise that follows.
Adult swimming lessons · Amsterdam Zuidas & Amstelveen
Learn to swim with confidence. Train with intention.
Personal coaching and small groups of up to five, for adults learning to swim and swimmers who want to learn or improve freestyle. Everyone starts with a private 30-minute try-out.
You choose a location and time in the live calendar.
Practise between lessons — independent swimming is included in your membership.
“He’s extremely calm and patient, and has a very clear, structured approach that works. He’s especially good at helping with anxiety around water and creates a safe, supportive environment to learn in.”
Lena · Google review, Amsterdam Zuidas · See on GoogleWhere are you starting from?
Choose what sounds most like you. You don't need to know your level; your coach works that out with you in the try-out.
Already a confident swimmer, or training for a triathlon? Private coaching is available now at both locations; mention your goal when you book. Swim Workouts are not running at the moment. All programmes
Starting from zero, or starting again
Many adults who come to us never had lessons, or had an experience in the water that stayed with them. Both are a good place to begin.
Private lessons suit complete beginners too, including if you can’t swim at all or feel anxious in the water. For most beginners, it’s where we recommend you start.
- Your coach starts by listening: what you want from swimming, and what makes you uneasy.
- You begin standing in shallow water. You don't have to put your face in straight away.
- The next step depends on when you're ready, not on a fixed schedule.
Your route
- Water Confidence & FundamentalsAFeel safe and in control, in and under the water.
- Safe Stroke FoundationBLeg movement and backstroke, towards 100 metres on your own.
- Breaststroke BuilderCArms, legs and breathing together, towards 100 metres.
- Celebration DayShow what you've learned in deep water.
Starting as a complete beginner
You don't pick a level yourself: your private try-out shows where you start, and your coach then recommends private lessons, duo coaching or a suitable small group, depending on what you need and what’s actually available. In a group, beginners normally start in A1. A1 isn’t running at the moment; the groups running now are A2 (Water Confidence & Fundamentals) and C (Breaststroke Builder), both in Amstelveen.
How long does it take?
As a planning guide, our coaches work with roughly 3 to 6 months with private coaching, or 7 to 9 months in a small group, if you swim twice a week. That can be one lesson plus one practice swim. Everyone's pace differs, so treat this as a guide, not a promise.
“In 3 months I am impressed with how relaxed and confident I feel in water as opposed to on my first lesson (absolute state of panic!!!)”
Neharika Saini · Google review, Amstelveen · See on Google
Learn or improve freestyle
Whether you're swimming your first lengths of freestyle or want the stroke you have to feel smoother, coaching starts from what you can already do. The aim: swim further with less effort, and enjoy it more.
New to freestyle
Body position, the rhythm of arms and legs, and calm breathing, one checkable step at a time.
Already swim freestyle
Refine your technique, find an easier breathing rhythm and build a distance you can keep up.
- Available nowPrivate and duo freestyle coaching, at both locations
- PlannedFreestyle small groups; not running yet
Freestyle Introduction starts once you can swim 100 metres breaststroke on your own. Not there yet? Start with the learn-to-swim route, or a few private lessons.
“…I was not able to do 25 meter front crawl without feeling exhausted. After 12 lessons, my front crawl has improved massively and I’m able to swim effortlessly.”
Manuel Schipper · Google review, Amsterdam Zuidas · See on GoogleYour try-out
What your first visit looks like
- What happens
- 30 minutes one-to-one in the water. You talk about your goal, your coach sees where you are, and you try a few exercises at your pace.
- What it costs
- €29, paid when you book.
- Afterwards
- Your coach recommends a format, how often, and where to begin. Within about a day, we get in touch to help you find a lesson time. There's no obligation to continue.
What to bring
Swimwear (a one-piece or close-fitting trunks work best) and a towel. Goggles are optional and sold at the pool; we provide a swim cap. In Amsterdam, towels are provided.
The TSA method
You learn to feel what works
Every exercise has one clear aim. Your coach shows you what to notice; then you learn to recognise for yourself when it works and what comes next. That is what lets you practise between lessons, and keep swimming long after them.
Freestyle
From wet to dry
Your coach explains what your arm does above the water. Then you notice the moment your hand moves from wet to dry, and touch your shoulder on the way forward. You can feel whether each small step worked, without having to picture joint angles.
Our founder developed this way of teaching, and every TSA coach completes the full TSA programme before they teach.
Lessons and investment
Choose how you'd like to learn
Every lesson lasts 45 minutes and every price is all-inclusive. Shown here: one lesson a week. Your coach recommends a format after the try-out.
Private
One swimmer, one coach · both locations
Your coach's full attention. Suits you if you feel very nervous in water or are working towards a date.
€99 per lesson
Once a week, Amstelveen · Amsterdam Zuidas €109
Twice or three times a week: €89 (Amstelveen), €99 (Amsterdam Zuidas)
Duo
Two swimmers, one coach · both locations
Learn with a partner or friend who has a similar goal.
€79 per person, per lesson
Once a week, both locations
Twice a week: €69 per person
Small group
Up to five swimmers at the same level · Amstelveen
A fixed weekly time with others on the same topic. Guidance, though not the attention of a private lesson.
€59 per lesson
Once a week · groups currently run in Amstelveen only
Twice or three times a week: €49
Before you book: how membership works
- Try-out first€29, with no obligation to continue. Recommended, not required: you can also start a membership straight away.
- First 12 weeksA membership starts with a 12-week commitment: three 4-week periods, each paid in advance.
- After thatIt continues every 4 weeks. To stop, you finish the current period plus one more.
Included in every membership
All-inclusive, at a premium club
With your coach
Your coached lessons
4, 8 or 12 lessons every 4 weeks, for once, twice or three times a week.
On your own
Swim as often as you like
Practise what your coach showed you during the club's swimming hours. This is practice on your own, not extra lessons.
The club
The club’s standard membership
Gym, group classes and wellness, with no separate membership or entry fee. Paid extras at the club are not included.
All prices per location and full membership terms
| Format | Each week | Per lesson | Every 4 weeks |
|---|
Try-out: €29
Single private lesson, no membership: €129
Small groups currently run in Amstelveen
Swimming twice a week doesn't mean buying two lessons. One lesson a week plus your own swims at the club is a common start.
- First 12 weeks
- Three periods of 4 weeks, each paid in advance.
- After that
- Continues automatically, one 4-week period at a time: 13 periods in a year.
- Stopping
- You finish the period you’re in, plus one more full period. Cancel in week 2 of a period, and you swim the rest of that period and the whole next one. The first 12 weeks always count in full.
- Moving a lesson
- Private up to 48 hours before, group up to 24 hours before.
- Making up a lesson
- Within the same 4-week period; lessons don’t carry over.
Why twelve weeks? It gives you time to train regularly and feel progress build. It isn't a promise that every goal is reached in twelve weeks.
Where you swim
Two calm clubs, one way of coaching
Coaches and method are the same at both. The pool, the lesson times, what you can book and the price differ.
Amstelveenat Special Sports · Escapade 1
±15 mLength
1.40 mDepth
±31 °CWater
- You can book
- Private and duo lessons, with the most after-work times. Small groups A2 and C, currently at weekends. Current group times
- Price
- Private €99 per lesson, once a week
- Good for
- Beginners who like extra-warm water. Free parking.
Amsterdam Zuidasat Clubsportive · Gustav Mahlerlaan 24
±25 mLength
1.25 mDepth
±27 °CWater
- You can book
- Private and duo lessons, mostly during the working day, with some early mornings. No small groups at the moment.
- Price
- Private €109 per lesson, once a week
- Good for
- Beginners and freestyle swimmers building distance. Near Amsterdam Zuid station.
Club facilities and swimming hours
Special Sports, Amstelveen
Gym, group classes and studios, spa, wellness and recovery, pool and relax zones, and the members’ lounge. Intake and welcome gift included. Own swims without reservation: Mon–Thu 07:00–23:00, Fri 06:30–22:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–20:00.
Clubsportive, Amsterdam Zuidas
Gym, group classes, wellness and recovery zone, lounge and changing rooms with towels. Discounted parking at the nearby Q-Park. Own swims reserved in the Clubsportive app: Mon–Fri 06:00–23:00, Sat–Sun 08:00–21:30.
Pool figures are approximate. Whether you can stand everywhere depends on your height; your coach starts where you feel secure.
Who coaches you
Coaches trained in one method
Why The Swim Academy exists
Rico, our founder, on how a first lesson starts and what he wants every swimmer to experience.
In English, with English subtitles
Three of the coaches in our team. Who coaches you depends on your location and lesson time.
Coach training and safety
- Every TSA coach completes the full TSA coaching programme and is qualified internally before teaching.
- Every coach holds a valid first-aid certificate.
- An AED is available at both locations, and staff qualified in workplace emergency response (BHV) are present.
- Coaches stay in contact with club staff during lessons.
In their words
What our swimmers tell us
Excerpts from reviews, shortened where marked with “…”. Everyone progresses at their own pace.
“I had been trying to learn swimming for the past 2 years with no real success in different programs. The program at Swim Academy got me overcoming my fear of water and finally swimming in no time after my first month.”
Frank RibeiroGoogle review, Amstelveen · See on Google
“I started learning swimming as an adult, without any prior swimming skills. … Within a few sessions, I was very comfortable in the waters. Fast forward, I can confidently swim in deep pools now.”
saravanakumar sGoogle review, Amsterdam Zuidas · See on Google
“… They truly partner with me in my learning journey, taking the time to listen to my specific goals and concerns. I am especially impressed by how patient they are, prioritizing proper technique over speed, even when it requires extra time and guidance.”
Aditya K. RoyGoogle review, Amstelveen · See on Google
“…i am the kind of relaxed and steady freestyle swimmer i used to be jealous of. I can totally recommend his classes!”
Jacomijn VelsGoogle review, Amsterdam Zuidas · See on Google
“Great knowledgeable instructor! Focuses on technique and breaks down the whole movement so you are able to focus on small important parts (efficient leg movements, sculling, water position and more) …”
Sophie PoortermansGoogle review, Amsterdam Zuidas · See on Google
“Learned front crawl in 5 lessons, very happy with it!!”
Mohammed SGoogle review, Amsterdam Zuidas · translated from Dutch · See on Google
Questions before you begin
Do I have to put my face under water?
Not at the start. You begin standing in shallow water, and your coach only suggests a next step when you're ready.
Do I need to swim freestyle already?
No. You can start from breaststroke (100 metres on your own) or improve the freestyle you already swim.
I run out of breath after one length. Is that normal?
Very common. Often the cause is not only breathing but how much effort the whole stroke costs. That is exactly what your coach looks at.
Is this only for triathletes?
Not at all. Most people want to swim for exercise and enjoy it more. Preparing for an event is welcome too.
Who are the lessons for?
Adults, from complete beginners to experienced swimmers. In Amstelveen you can also book from age 12. At Amsterdam Zuidas you can join from age 16, but under-18s always contact our team before booking. Younger swimmers who already hold swimming diplomas and want to develop their swimming (at Amsterdam Zuidas also towards competitive swimming) can join only by prior agreement: contact our team and wait for our approval before you book.
How many lessons a week should I take?
Many people start with one lesson a week and one practice swim on their own. Your coach recommends what fits your goal and your diary after the try-out.
Can I practise between lessons?
Yes, as often as you like during the club’s swimming hours, on your own. At Clubsportive you reserve in the Clubsportive app; at Special Sports you just come. Your coached lessons stay the number in your plan.
Do I need the TSA app?
You book your try-out on the website. Members use the TSA app to book and manage their coached lessons, and we help you set it up. At Clubsportive, you reserve your own swims in the Clubsportive app.
I'm not sure what suits me. What now?
Send us a WhatsApp message on +31 6 43 45 25 24 or email info@theswimacademy.nl. We'll help you think through your goal, the location and the times that work for you.
Begin with one calm half hour.
Meet your coach, get into the water at your own pace and leave with a clear recommendation. Whether you continue is up to you.