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Swimming

as a hobby

AKA: Natation.

The water is your friend. You don’t have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move.

Alexandr Popov

Swimming is a fun and social hobby that provides numerous health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and reduced stress. To get started, find a local swimming pool or open water area, invest in basic equipment, and consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor to learn proper technique and build confidence. Give it a try and experience the many rewards of this great hobby!

Helpful content to start swimming as a hobby

We aim to provide accurate information, but errors might be found. Always exercise judgment and discretion.

📼 Videos

Short visual inspiration.

YouTube | Can swimming improve your mental health? – BBC London
Can swimming improve your mental health? - BBC London
YouTube Playlist | Swimming Tips
Swimming Tips

🎙️ Podcasts

Play an episode while exploring the page.

Spotify | 3 Swim Workouts for Beginners
Spotify Embed: 3 Swim Workouts for Beginners
Spotify | #204: The Beginner's Guide To Freestyle with Irene Cats
Spotify Embed: #204: The Beginner's Guide To Freestyle with Irene Cats

Swimming can improve your sleep quality, mood, and mental health by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.

📜 Terms

Basic lingo for orientation.

How to start swimming as a hobby

First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.

Find your nearest swimming pool and visit it. If you feel like it, jump into the water. No need for much more than that for your first date. No pressure.

📚 Books

Get read-y.

Swimming can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds as it is a low-impact and adaptable sport.

🪜 How-tos

Step-by-step tutorials.

📄 Articles

Further reading.

🌐 Websites

Go-tos for information.

Swimming can be a social activity where you can meet new people, join a club, or participate in competitions.

🍿 Movies

Nothing like a film for inspiration.

YouTube | The Swimmers | Official Trailer | Netflix
The Swimmers | Official Trailer | Netflix

FAQS

Get a clue.

What do I need to start swimming?

You need a swimsuit that fits you well and allows you to move freely. You may also want to wear goggles, a swim cap, and earplugs to protect your eyes, hair, and ears from the water.

How can I improve my swimming technique?

To improve your swimming technique, you need to focus on your body position, breathing, kicking, and arm movement. You can also watch videos of professional swimmers or ask for feedback from your instructor or a friend.

What are some common swimming mistakes and how can I avoid them?

Some common swimming mistakes are: holding your breath instead of exhaling underwater; lifting your head too high when breathing; bending your knees too much when kicking; or crossing your arms over the center line when stroking.

📱 Apps

Smart assistance.

📦 Products

Essentials to have.

🎓 Courses

Get smart.

📍 Near You

Get together.

Cave paintings from the Stone Age depicting swimmers have been found in Egypt.

Official website of the Olympics

📬 Newsletters

Subscribe for inspiration.

💡 Tips

Additional advice for beginners.

  • Basic pool etiquette:
    • Rinse off in the shower before jumping in the pool.
    • Match your lane to your pace, as some pools have different lanes for different speeds
    • Swim on the right side of the lane
    • Be kind to your fellow swimmers
  • If you are a guy, you might want to try elasticated shorts instead of non-elasticated ones for swimming. Elasticated shorts can reduce the drag and resistance that slows you down, and also help you get a better feel of the water.