Your Beginner Swim Class

Are you an adult who wants to finally feel comfortable in the water? In this beginner swim course, we’ll start from scratch and teach you how to float and move confidently and effortlessly in the water.

Meet Your Trainers: Stefan, Mike, and Joshua

Stefan – Head Coach with 25 years of swimming experience
Mike – Co-trainer with a background in education
Joshua – Co-trainer with years of experience as a swim coach in Hamburg

What You Get with the Beginner Swim Class

  • Weekly group training with 5 adult beginners
  • A full 60 minutes in the water, with the pool reserved exclusively for your group
  • 8 training sessions using our proven system
  • Your trainer will be in the water with you, offering hands-on support
  • All necessary equipment included
  • Access to our Online Swim Academy featuring additional video lessons, forums, and much more
  • All this for just €799
  • After 2 months, you'll be able to move confidently and safely in the water

Check out our upcoming course dates and sign up here:

Still have questions? Find the most frequently asked questions and our answers here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Beginner Swim Class for Adults

I can’t swim at all. Is this course suitable for me?

Absolutely! This course is designed specifically for beginners. We start from the very basics and guide you patiently and gently so you can feel comfortable in the water.

We exclusively train adults and have extensive experience addressing the unique challenges that come with learning to swim as an adult.

What happens if I miss a session due to work or vacation?

No worries at all! We schedule our sessions with some flexibility, ensuring our minimum goal (swimming across the pool) can still be achieved within 6 sessions. You can check the class curriculum here.

Where does the beginners swim class take place?

We hold our classes in collaboration with various fitness studios (e.g., Holmes Place). Currently, classes are offered in Charlottenburg (Bismarckstraße) and Mitte (Friedrichstraße). These locations are centrally located, accessible by public transportation, and have nearby parking options.

Participants gain access to the studio on course days, meaning you can also enjoy the sauna, whirlpool, showers, and even hairdryers to freshen up after your session.

What will we do in the Beginner Swim Class?

Using our Understand – Feel – Build Routine training method, you’ll master the four pillars of great freestyle swimming:

  • Buoyancy: Floating in the water
  • Kicking: Keeping your body afloat
  • Arm movement: Propelling forward
  • Calm Breathing

Find all the details in the course schedule here.

How much does the beginner swim course cost?

The course costs €799. Here’s what you get:

  • A stress-free environment tailored to adult beginners—we have exclusive access to a private 10x20-meter pool so you can practice in peace
  • Individual attention—our courses are limited to 5 participants, ensuring personal guidance for everyone
  • A trainer in the pool with you, providing hands-on assistance and demonstrations
  • Eight weeks of swimming lessons—one 60-minute session per week
  • Lifetime access to our Online Swim Academy, including video lessons, detailed exercise guides, resources for open-water swimming and triathlons, a friendly community, and regular events and livestreams.

Simply put, you’re investing your valuable time to learn how to swim, and we do everything to ensure you reach your goal quickly and effectively.

When should we be in the water? If the course starts at 7:30 PM, do we meet at the pool in swimwear at that time?

The course begins in the water at the scheduled time (e.g., 7:30 PM). For the first session, we’ll meet as a group at the entrance beforehand, and we’ll send you detailed information after registration. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to change and get to the pool. The reception staff will be happy to assist you if needed.

If I book a class (e.g., Wednesdays at 8:00 AM), will the course always take place at the same day and time?

Exactly! Your course will take place on the same day and time each week for eight consecutive weeks. Changing session times isn’t possible since the group progresses together, and the shared experience is essential for your success.

I don’t want to wear a short swimsuit or bikini. Is that okay, and what can I wear instead?

Of course! Wear whatever swimwear makes you feel comfortable.

Options include bikinis, swimsuits, long-sleeve swimsuits (“beachkinis”), full-body suits (rash guards, burkinis, or even wetsuits).

Just make sure your swimwear fits snugly. Loose-fitting swimwear can balloon in the water, slowing you down and making swimming harder.

How often do we train per week?

We swim together once a week during the course. However, you’re welcome to practice as often as you’d like between sessions. You can also arrange practice sessions with fellow participants through our group!

The more you practice, the better you’ll swim by the end of the course.

I wear glasses. Do I need special swim goggles?

We understand the challenges of swimming with poor vision—Stefan himself used to have -5 diopters. For mild vision impairments (up to -2), you can typically swim without glasses and still see well enough.

During the beginner course, you can wear your regular glasses in the water, but be aware that chlorine can damage the metal parts.

For freestyle swimming, you’ll need goggles, as your face will be in the water. Prescription swim goggles are available, ranging from -0.5 to -6. After registration, just reach out to us, and we’ll help you find the right pair.

Do I need a swim cap? Is the water safe for my hair?

Indoor pools use chlorine to maintain cleanliness. While swimming for long hours in chlorinated water can damage hair and scalp, our 60-minute sessions are safe for your hair.

We recommend wearing a swim cap, and after registration, we can suggest some suitable models. Here are a few tips:

  • Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming and put on a swim cap. This minimizes chlorine absorption.
  • Rinse thoroughly after swimming and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
  • Apply a hair tonic to restore moisture to your scalp.

Can I shower and dry my hair after the course? Should I bring my own hairdryer?

With your course registration, you’ll have access to the entire fitness studio (e.g., Holmes Place) on course days. You’ll receive a locker card for your clothes and valuables and can use the studio’s showers (shampoo and body wash included), hairdryers, and even body lotion and facial cream.

Can I wear jewelry? Is it safe in the water?

It depends on the type of jewelry. Chlorine, used in all swimming pools, can cause oxidation and dull the shine of certain pieces.

Some participants wear jewelry and rinse it under fresh water afterward to maintain its sparkle. However, if you have valuable pieces and want to avoid risks, we recommend leaving them at home or storing them in your locker. Your locker is secured with a personal key card.

I have more questions!

We’re happy to help! Feel free to email us at sales@stefanhelwig.de, send us a WhatsApp message, or give us a call.

Sign up for the beginner swim class now (back to top)

Stefan Helwig

run faster | swim better

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