Swimming Shaw Method

Why do I teach the Shaw Method?

I have always loved swimming outdoors - probably the result of plunging into freezing lochs in Scotland from an early age, but I had rarely swum any distance as my school-acquired front crawl left me exhausted and struggling for breath as did my stronger breaststroke. I discovered the Shaw Method when, cajoled by my cousin into taking part in the Dart 10k swim, I needed to learn fast how to swim more efficiently. One Shaw Method course in the front crawl method and I was converted. I went on to train with Steven as a Shaw Method teacher.

The method is based on an enjoyment of the water as a supportive medium, not as something to battle. It teaches you to use your body in an efficient way with relaxed breathing so you can happily swim for long periods without becoming exhausted. It is about being completely immersed in the medium of the water and in your swimming so that it becomes an underwater meditation where you swim with power and effortlessness. For those who are frightened of the water, the Method provides a way to overcome the panic of putting one's face in the water and to start the journey of enjoyment.

How does it work?

The Method is taught using a series of land-based walking exercises (it can be easier to understand how to shape your body without the complication of the water), water based exercises and hands-on swimming practice in the water.

It works on learning:

- good body alignment as key to performance

- smart swimming using the non-propulsive action before the propulsive action to swim efficiently

- relaxed breathing with the focus on breathing out

- to enjoy the journey and form new good body habits whilst letting go of old inhibiting habits

Where?

I have relocated to Scotland and now teach in Nethy Bridge in the Cairngorms. I am still doing visiting workshops in the South West and swim retreats in Croatia. Sadly Covid has prevented this year's Croatia trips but we will hope to resume again next year. Individual tuition outside in whenever restrictions allow in Scotland until pools open again.

Private lessons

Book an individual hour if you like to learn on your own as a beginner or if you want a review of your stroke to improve it.

Group workshops

These are taught in small groups of 4-6 students at £120p/p for the day's workshop which will give you a full introduction to the stroke.

If you would like to learn with a group of friends then let me know and I can organise a special workshop for you.

Swimming for beginners: if you are wary of swimming; don't like putting your face in the water or need to go very gently because of injury then this will suit you. You will learn a number of confidence-building and strengthening walking exercises in the water; floating comfortably on your front and back; breathing in a relaxed way and have an introduction to the crawl.

Front crawl workshop: for those who can swim; are happy to have their face in the water but who have not tried or who do not feel comfortable swimming front crawl. With its relaxed rotation and gentle arm recovery the method is particularly suited not just to those who want a good strong sustainable stroke but to those who have had problems with their back, neck or shoulders and find other swimming uncomfortable. 3-5 sessions of an hour each will start you on your front crawl journey.

Butterfly workshop: Suitable for those who can swim but who want to learn to fly....good for those who have never tried butterfly or for those who want to learn a more sustainable stroke. Butterfly provides excellent relaxed exercise for the whole body and is a revelation for many who try it.

Breaststroke workshop: suitable for those who can swim but who would like to learn the relaxed Shaw Method stroke which uses the gentle undulation of the body and a gentler legkick to glide through the water.

Back stroke: suitable for those who can swim but who are new to the stroke or would like to learn the Shaw way to swim it using the body's rotation to relax the shoulders and the neck.

Testimonials

"Liz changed my attitude to the water completely....I suddenly felt so free"

"I felt the glide and it was like flying!"

"I love this method of swimming. It feels so right and instinctive, flying with the water instead of fighting it and Liz's teaching is just the right balance between instruction and encouragement."

"Liz's swimming lessons were a revolutionary experience for me. I now have a new passion in life....swimming. I NEVER thought I'd feel that!"

"Liz has boundless patience and boundless enthusiasm. It has made learning an absolute pleasure."

"I am in my 70's and never learnt to swim. I was frightened to put my face in the water. By the end of the lesson I was gliding across the width of the pool."

"Liz is an inspirational teacher. Her calm manner and complete understanding of how to feel the water made swimming so enjoyable for me. With the Shaw Method I went from being an ok swimmer to feeling like a mermaid when doing butterfly! If you want to enjoy swimming you must find time to have some lessons with her."