In October I started out with the beginners series. Nine of us brave souls got in the water for the first time and started to learn basic moves like head up breast stroke, sculling, back tucks and egg beaters. Egg beater was the new move for me, and it took a few practice sessions on my own to figure it out.
After six sessions, we had a little routine down. I'm in the middle of the row furthest from the camera-- dark bathing suit, light cap.
The group of women were wonderful. Each with her own strengths and weaknesses in the pool and each eager to both learn and support each other.
Seven of us have continued on, past the beginner class, with hopes of joining the team. If we stick with it, we can be our own beginners team, and compete together.
This is some serious fun, it combines my love of swimming, my love of dance, a challenge that is reachable, camaraderie, and some new cognitive skills. The thinking required to know where you are in space (or water) and how to move to keep coordinated requires some serious concentration and cognitive stretching!
The best part is, I get to keep learning. Here is me practicing ballet legs:
