I am a 30-year-old Romanian woman, and I never learned how to swim – until now.
Growing up in Romania, swimming lessons were totally optional or inexistent at school and nobody taught me how to do it.
Dutch children learn how to swim from very young ages and it’s part of their mandatory primary education.
I will never forget the day I moved to Amsterdam.
I had so much anxiety realizing how much water was around the city.
For me, a trip to the grocery store means I have to pass a few bridges and walk or cycle very close to the canals.
Although the canals are breathtaking and beautiful, if you don’t know how to swim they can be extremely overwhelming.
The most stressful thing is when I’m biking during the night, and suddenly realize that the bike lane is just a few centimeters away from water.
I had a tremendous fear of water because of trauma.
Some boys made a “joke” and threw me in a pool. I completely froze and sank to the bottom. Luckily some people saw me and pulled me out.
I’m happy to say that I finally took the leap and signed up for swimming classes in Amsterdam.
After 4 lessons with “Your Personal Swim Coach”, I’m happy to say that my fear of water is almost gone, and I can glide, and float front and back. Will keep you updated on my progress 🙂
I made tons of research on this topic and I’m here to share the best picks with you. I asked around and heard only good things about all the companies below.
Best Swimming Lessons in Amsterdam:
1. Your Personal Swim Coach
My number one choice is the lessons provided by “Your Personal Swim Coach” – which I personally use.
The classes can be taken at multiple swimming pools around the city; I choose the Zuidebad as it’s the closest to me.
The teachers are extremely friendly, young yet professional.
They explain everything in English if you don’t speak Dutch (I don’t), and make sure they’re there at every step.
The first lesson was a “Try-Out” lesson where my teacher explained what I can expect, I shared my stories and goals with her and then we went into the water to see how comfortable you are with it.
It costs ±30 euros for a 50 minutes session.
If you’re a complete beginner, like me, the first lesson consists of you getting comfortable in the water by getting your head underwater starting with your mouth, nose, and then your full head – while you breathe out bubbles through your mouth and nose.
Usually, there is a small group that attends the same class as you, but rest assured the teacher will still pay full attention to you.
The only downside so far is that sometimes there can be a bit too many students in the pool (from beginner, intermediate, and advanced), and can get crowded.
2. The Swim Academy
The reviews of this place are simply insane, having 5 stars out of 5 on Google (on 3rd May 2023). The coach, Rico, is absolutely fantastic.
He knows how to explain the techniques without overwhelming the students.
They teach complete beginners but also people who want to improve their techniques.
If it would have been closer to my area, this would have been my number one choice.
You work in small groups or you can opt in for private lessons.
They’re located at Club Sportive Zuidas which is a luxurious location, with a very nice pool and spa and sauna that you can enjoy after your lesson.
3. Zuiderbad
If you want something cheaper, but not so personal (eg. 1-on-1 coaching) yet still reliable, you can try out the swimming lessons provided by the public Zuiderbad pool.
| Costs to enroll | € 21,00 |
|---|---|
| Subscription 5x 45 minuten | € 54,20 |
| Subscription 5x 45 minutes citypass green dot | € 43,45 |
| Lesson 30 minutes | € 10,20 |
| Lesson 45 minutes | € 15,30 |
| Lesson 60 minutes | € 20,40 |
Their teachers seem very friendly, fit, and trustworthy. If you can’t swim at all or want another diploma, there are lessons there for every level. You just sign up and they’ll reach out with the first available spot.
4. Sportfondsenbad Amsterdam-Oost
Another public swimming pool where you can take swimming lessons for all skill levels is Sportfondsenbad.
Their instructors will help you learn how to swim for pleasure and to rescue yourself.
They help you get recognized diplomas by following the Swim ABC foundation for water safety and fun.
They offer both classes for adults and also for kids.
5. Swimgym (for PROs)
If you know already how to swim but want to do it competitively, then Swimgym is the right place for you. They are the perfect choice for triathletes and pro swimmers.
Their coaches will teach you methods to improve your technique and go from novice to pro level.
The founder Johan Kenkhuis is an Olympic medal winner and makes sure the standard is kept high.
6. De Mirandabad
A great spot to learn how to swim is by attending the lessons offered by the teachers from “De Mirandabad”. Their waiting list is HUGE, though.
On their website, it says it can take a year!
What’s interesting about it is that they have a unique style of teaching: for example, swimming with your clothes in every first lesson of the month.
This is to get used to what to do if you fall into the water.
| Enrollment Fee | € 21,00 |
|---|---|
| Lesson (45 minuten) | € 15,30 |
| 5 lessons (45 min.) | € 54,20 |
| 5 lessons green pass | € 43,45 |
7. Het Marnix
Another great option is the “Het Marnix” pool which offers swimming lessons for small groups (adults and kids).
You can go once a week for a 45 minutes session, where their professional teachers will teach you how to swim and get your A-, B-, and C- diplomas.
There you go, this was our list. No matter which one you choose, I’m sure any pick will be great for you and will help you get closer to your goal.
It’s never too late to learn how to swim and congratulations on taking the step to overcome your fears and enroll in swimming lessons.
Let us know in the comments what was/is your experience with taking swimming classes in Amsterdam.
