My name is Peter, and I'm 30 years old.
I got my license in a University pool back in Canada from 2005. I never learnt to float until I had my first swimming lessons at the age of 21. Looking to learn swimming was a way for me to relief the stress I had back in school due to the course loads (Nutritional Science Degree). The swimming course had a fairly nice atmosphere with 2 great instructors, so I was inspired to become one of them. After I learnt how to swim, I pursued teacher's training course. Surprisingly, the course puts a lot more emphasis on safety than on instructions as we are trained to be independent from the lifeguards. Thus, we would call ourselves WSI, also known as Water Safety Instructor.
Think of an instructor who will be inside the water with you, - this is what an instructor does. Every 30 seconds to 2 minutes, I will give you an instruction and you will perform it. We then make corrections until you grasped the movement, followed up with another instruction that requires the first skill to perform.
Canadian Red Cross Swim's method emphasize on efficiency - in other words - how to swim at an above average speed without easily getting tired. Red Cross have an additional 2 survival/rescue strokes called Elementary Backstroke and SideStroke which is also a part of what I teach.
FAQ:
Can you legally teach here in Hong Kong?
I was born in Hong Kong and left to Canada at the age of 6. I can converse in Cantonese, but will have trouble teaching the course unless I speak in English.
How long does it take to learn swimming?
When I have 3 students all learning at the same time, they will typically learn at different pace. Some students will help shorten their own learning by remembering my instruction and try it on their own time. If you're able to continue learning beyond 1 hour, I will continue to teach. As a matter of fact, I encourage it. Schedule yourself some extra time.
Do you train for triathlons?
I teach up until you're physically ready for deck trainers - or as some call it coach. By then, you will be focused on different routines rather than instructions on swimming strokes.
What age do you teach? Where do you teach?
Starting from 5 years old. I have a preference for adults because I learnt swimming as an adult.
I cover NT and Kowloon and go as far as Mid-Levels. ie. 10-15minutes bus travelling from IFC is fine. Victoria Park, Wanchai, Sun Yat Sen etc.. all fine. I have a preference for pool with deep and shallow water. Shallow water is for learning how to swim, deep water is for learning how to survive. The other thing I prefer is a more spacious pool, or if we're looking at public pool, a less busy time session.
So, what do you do in Hong Kong?
I once owned a distribution business selling to local retails, did some import and exports. I'm currently also studying investment - specifically in the foreign exchange market.
What will I need to prepare?
You need a goggle, towel, $5 coin if you decided to go to a public pool, and extra clothing to change.
6304-3456
Peter
