How the Beginner Swim Class Works

We run swim classes in cooperation with the Berlin public pools (Berliner Bäder). Currently, courses take place at Stadtbad Tiergarten and Stadtbad Lankwitz. The locations are centrally situated, accessible by public transport, and have some parking nearby.

Our course participants receive a monthly pass for all Berliner Bäder pools, allowing them to use any swimming pool as often as they like.

Using our VFR concept – Get It – Feel It – Do It, 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

The course begins in the water at the scheduled time (e.g., 7:15 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 cash desk staff will be happy to assist you if needed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With the swim course, you’ll have plenty of time to shower and wash your hair. At Stadtbad Tiergarten, the hair dryers are free. At Stadtbad Lankwitz, you’ll need a €0.05 coin to use them.

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.