Mark
I'm just back from a holiday reef snorkelling in hawaii. A massive thanks to you both for helping me overcome my fear of the water and start to swim. I would never have been able to see the fabulous wildlife were it not for you. Your patience and kindness are very much appreciated.
December2024
Essex
Daisy
My learning experience was superb. Ian and Cheryl are an amazing team. Professional and extremely patient and know just how to get trainees to relax and truly enjoy learning. I recommend the swimming without stress course to anyone. This was definitely more than a five star experience.🙏🏽
September 2024
Nigeria
Patricia
I did the Swimming Without Stress course in April, and I couldn't recommend it more to anyone who is nervous in water. Both Cheryl and Ian are just brilliant, they give you great confidence in the water, and they both offer completely different ways of being at ease in the water. I enjoyed my holiday in May a lot more because I felt more at ease in the water, still a long way to go to feel more confident in deeper water, but much more relaxed in the shallow end. Ian did get me to slide into the deeper end which I was practicing on holiday and that was a miracle.
Thanks Cheryl and Ian for everything, hope to be back next year.
July 2024
Dublin
Jane
Thank you so much for a wonderful few days of swimming. I really enjoyed learning from you, and it's helped me to think about being in the water in a whole new way. It's been really strange this weekend not waking up and going to pool for a lesson. I'd settled into a very nice routine at Clydey. Hopefully I can find a way to keep swimming regularly now that I'm back home. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again for such a fun and inspiring week.
July 2024
Oxfordshire
Laura
Thank you very much for being so fantastic and making my swimming lessons and the whole experience memorable and special.
You were so patient and encouraging and made every lesson enjoyable and fun.
I really had very little confidence in my swimming ability and being in the water but thanks to your wonderful training I feel completely different about swimming now and can’t wait to put into practice everything I’ve learnt.
June 2024
Hertfordshire
Colleen
I'm surprised you remember me, you must have seen hundreds of swimmers since then! Anyway, thank you both again. It's taken me a while to refine my swimming techniques but the real gift of your course is discovering the pure pleasure of being in the water. I still treasure that every time I swim and it's obviously the basis from which everything else develops too.
May 2024 (came for course 2011)
Ceredigion
Anesu
I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your patience and guidance during our swimming lessons in March. Thanks to your support, I now feel much more confident and comfortable in the water. Your expertise truly made a difference in my journey to learn how to swim. Thank you for everything! 😊
March 2024
Aylesbury
Rob and Maria
it’s been a massively successful week! Just a joy. We’re still trying to process! We never even dreamed that Maria would make it to the pool every day, let alone have the revelatory experience she did have! Entirely thanks to your expert and sympathetic help. We will keep it going. And we will be back, much sooner this time!
March 2024
Warwickshire
Graham and Gail
Just a quick text to thank you and Cheryl for your work with Gail. The results have been incredible, with us now going swimming on a weekly basis and Gail loves it. Before, Gail hated swimming and would never suggest that we go to the pool, it's just amazing.
March 2024
Merseyside
Avan
Thanks to you both for another fantastic swimming without stress / joy of being in water course.
February 2024
London
Ken and Yombo
Thank you so much to both of you for looking after us during this swimming course. It has really been swimming without stress. We have gained a lot from the sessions and we will remember to do nothing and enjoy looking at the fish in the water and the birds in the sky
You have helped us understand how to relax and enjoy being in the water.
January 2024
Merseyside
Martin
Thank you both for the supportive and trustworthy environment you created for my lessons. I made far greater progress than I thought possible
January 2024
Norwich
Andy (Google review)
Super time with Ian and Cheryl who really made Swimming without Stress live up to the name. Patient and inspiring, they each spotted different things to work on and together helped me feel much more confident and relaxed in the water. I left feeling that the water really was my friend not my foe. The surroundings (Clydey) were glorious too. Highly recommended.
November 2023
Sussex
Gary
Thank you both sooooooo much I can’t believe how much you’ve helped me. I loved it.
November 2023
Surrey
Alison
Thank you so much for this week. You have both been so patient and put me at ease. Floating on my back on my own this morning and ENJOYING IT felt amazing.
November 2023
Louth
Madeleine
You gave us something special last week and, I think for my sister, released and dealt with some of that previous swim-related trauma. We defo would like to come back.
October 2023
Ayrshire
Kevin
A huge thank you to you both for the help and guidance you gave to Catherine.
From the moment she returned to our cottage after her first lesson with Cheryl, a sheepish grin on her face, her feeling of triumph for all to see, I knew we were on to a winner. I will not forget her return on Wednesday having swum a length, a magical moment from someone who was now at peace with water.
She loved her week and was equally complimentary about both of you as instructors.
October 2023
Dublin
Anne
Very belated thanks for the life changing lessons I received back in March -I completed the triathlon at Blenheim that had sparked my quest to swim and breathe! I could not have done it without your expertise and patience.
June 2023
Worcester
Dorothy
Thank you very much for a great course: I felt confident and very much in rhythm with the water. Really, a new experience for me.
May 2023
Princes Risborough
Anthony and Mine
Many thanks for your excellent course last weekend.
I am calling it the "Swimmingwithoutstress experience" as I believe the collaboration between yourselves and Croft Farm is a key part of the stress reduction effect.
May 2023
Dublin
Jenna
I cannot thank you both enough for this week. Your 1:1 lessons have not only taught me so much about just being in the water and letting it support me but taken away any fear and been really fun! I stumbled across your website in 2016 and am so pleased to have finally been able to come here and do the course in 2023! You have both been such patient and lovely, kind people to learn from. I cannot stop telling people about it as it is life-changing.
May 2023
Oxfordshire
Annette
I just cant thank you both enough for the wonderful support and patience that you showed to me and Julie. I cannot believe that you got us both as far as you did.
I showed my husband the video that Cheryl took and he couldn’t believe how far I had come, knowing how nervous I am of the water.
I was a quivering wreck on Friday evening but left a very different person on Monday, I even learnt to like the water.
I have recommended you both to several people who also want to learn to swim
March 2023
Solihull
Thelma
I'm really grateful to you both for all you've done this week. I feel quite excited about what the future may hold as I try to build on this wonderful experience. Thank you.🙂
March 2023
Lancaster
Kennedy
Thought I’d give you a brief update - I’ve been for three swims and I’m loving swimming in a more relaxed way...things have felt a lot smoother and ‘glidey’ (new word alert!).
So just wanted to say thank you for your amazing skill and attention, and keep on keeping on!
January 2023
Manchester
Hugo's mum
There are certain key skills that we can obtain in life that make our life experience much richer. Being a 'late in life' swimmer myself, I can attest to this. If water is not your natural element and you need support to overcome this, I cannot think of any better people than Ian and Cheryl to guide you through this experience.
December 2022
Reading
Bali
Thank you Ian and Cheryl for your patience, support and professionalism. I have come away with a different mindset towards my approach to and in the water.
December 2022
Cheltenham
Val
By the last lesson I felt that I was really understanding the ethos of your work and everything was clicking into place. Thanks to the skill, understanding and patience from both of you, I learned a lot in a short time.
It's been a difficult year but you have spurred me on to look forward to 2023 and to enjoy being in the water. I wouldn't have dreamt that in my seventies I would be walking to a swimming pool wearing a cossie, coat and biker boots at 8am on a cold December morning! Here's to new adventures.
December 2022
Stourbridge
Pamela
I went for my first solo swim yesterday and was amazed that i actually enjoyed it - for the first time ever. I would have stayed longer if I hadn’t had to get to work. So that is an incredible change for me - swimming has always been stressful in the past. Thank you to both of you!
November 2022
Northamptonshire
Lisa
I just wanted to thank you both again for helping me overcome my fear this week. I am going away absolutely over the moon. Thank you so so much.
September 2022
Watford
Jules
This week has been a total revelation for me. I feel that I have finally fallen in love with swimming and I can't wait to explore all the things we learnt over the week.
September 2022
Wrexham
Julie
Just wanted to say thank you for your patience and help last week. I still can’t believe I was under the water without my comfort-nose clip 😬 It was really helpful to think about swimming in a totally different way and to see that I don’t have to fight the water!
July 2022
Aberystwyth
Elaine and Ken
It is a week now since we had our final swim session with Ian and we have not stopped talking about the amazing week we had. Both of us, aged 76, are so pleased that we have had the experience of your guidance in learning to love and enjoy being relaxed in the water - a big change from when we arrived not wanting to put our heads in the water, constantly tense and battling to swim with little progress. It was a week of revelation and light bulb moments. Thank you both so much.
May 2022
Newcastle
Deborah
Honestly, the observation, intuition and imagination you both used to break down my defensive reaction to the water is miraculous. I am starting to understand the friendliness of contained still water and how it can benefit me.
My husband is a diver and we have just been talking about how no outside worries can get through to you under water, me for moments and him for an hour! I am thinking of it as a friendly entity, he says it’s a “life force” that gives you energy and I think that’s true.
The two of you plus the lovely little pool and accommodation equal something unique and so beneficial for people like me. I hope you continue for as long as possible and lots more people can benefit.
Thank you for doing what you do.
May 2022
Lincolnshire
Debbie
Thank you for my swimming lessons. Your demonstrations, explanations and patience were incredible.
March 2022
Swansea
Linda
Something changed with your lessons and wise guidance - and I cannot thank you and Cheryl enough for that.
The course has been an absolute delight and revelation. I feel very much at peace in water now, I no longer fear or mistrust it. In truth, I could not have asked for more.
March 2022
Plymouth
Jan
I am entering the water with my neck soft when I go in the shower. It works! I don’t want to lose that feeling. I feel able to go and practise because your voices are in my ears. If I stay feeling as I am that is still progress! Loosen my neck!!
February 2022
Birmingham
Natalie
I really enjoyed the course, it was brilliant. Will be recommending you to my non-swimming friends.Thanks for everything.
January 2022
London
Felicity
I really enjoyed everything I did with you both.
I still cannot believe I came from you enjoying swimming under water!!
January 2022
Abergavenny
Geraldine
Learning to swim under your calm and reassuring guidance has just been an incredible experience which I'll never forget and always be thankful for.
December 2021
Bridgend
Andy and Cheryl
Thank you so much for everything you showed us and for making it so enjoyable! We can’t believe how well Andy came on with his swimming and how he feels so relaxed in the water!
I just love being in the water, I always have but you have showed me how to take all the hard work out of swimming!
December 2021
Yorkshire
Sandra
Thank you so much for everything!!🙂 For all your patience, support, encouragement and overall superb coaching on enjoying the water. I still have a long way to go so "I WILL BE BACK", like Arnie would say.
November 2021
London
Paula
Another brilliant week - thank you both so much for your advice, patience and encouragement. I shall take it all back to Kidderminster and be ready to look at the Worcestershire fish!
November 2021
Kidderminster
Kirsten
I just wanted to thank you both for the lessons last week and all your input. I thoroughly enjoyed them and feel so much more confident. Having the benefit of both your teaching was fabulous.
August 2021
Cambridge
Olly
Your course was great. Thanks for your really effective teaching and patience throughout.
August 2021
Oxford
Kate
I just wanted to thank you both for the experience! I feel that I have made a big step forward and will certainly try to keep this up. I loved the location and style of “teaching”! I hope to return again soon.
June 2021
London
Nerys
Just wanted to email and say a big thank you for the lessons. I came away feeling much more confident in the water, with an understanding of how to trust and enjoy being in the water.
December 2020
Aberystwyth
Abdul
I really like reading Ian's blog - especially now that I have almost dispelled the notions of speed and distance when in water and given priority to joy.
Keep up your excellent work, both.
October 2020
Kenya
Marie
This has been such a great week, I feel as if I've been able to slow down at long last thanks to your work with us in the pool, thank you so much 🙂
October 2020
Manchester
Pete
This week has been truly transformational! I really do feel like I've finally learned to swim. Thanks for an enjoyable and enlightening experience.
October 2020
Yorkshire
Medha
Hi, I am 36 years old and I tried to learn to swim many times in the past. I was always so afraid of doing the backstroke because I did not know how to get my feet back on the ground and stand-up after floating on my back. So swimming was a nightmare for me because of this. Recently I decided to give swimming another try and this time I turn to YouTube. Your YouTube video that had been uploaded in 2009 is the only YouTube video that teaches how to to get back on your feet after floating on your back. It's the one and only YouTube video that teaches that properly. Today after my swimming coach had given up on me I went to my own corner of the pool and I tried what you are instructing in that video. And I managed to float on my back, swim distance and to get back on my feet. So I am very happy today. I am sending this to say thank you.
Medha - all the way from Sri Lanka.
September 2020
Sri Lanka
Eleanor
I really enjoyed my short time with you and Iearnt an awful lot about being in the water. It has changed my whole approach to swimming. It felt so beautiful to be able to glide through and be supported by this heavy body of water.
March 2020
Ullapool
Hazel
You really have worked miracles. It took a bit of time to get back into the zone but then things clicked and I was able to practise the various "moves" but best of all just enjoy moving around in the water - the total opposite of how I've previously felt when visiting the local pool. It's still early days, obviously, but I feel confident enough to explore and experiment a bit. It's really helpful to watch one of your videos then visualise it when I'm in the water. Best of all, my back feels better than it has for ages and it came as a surprise to discover that my neck feels good too. I hadn't realised how stiff it had become. I'm very grateful for your patience and skill.
February 2020
Preston
Sarah
I thoroughly recommend Ian and Cheryl’s intensive residential course to anyone who lacks water confidence. After just 3.5 days I now feel incredibly comfortable with my head underwater and prefer to it swimming on the surface; it feels just like meditating!
February 2020
Gibraltar
Violet
Thanks for a very interesting week of non-swimming. It was most enjoyable. I couldn’t wait to get back in the pool again when I got back. I have to say I was extremely surprised that I was able to hang like a jelly fish with my head looking at my feet and then to regain my feet on the floor without too much effort. This was even without anything in front of me to potentially hang onto! So well done you two! I am now much more relaxed in the water and will keep on working on floating.
December 2019
Windsor
Janet
I still don’t really think of myself as a ‘proper swimmer’, but thanks to Cheryl, I’m now a very confident floater! Facedown, drifting, totally relaxed, then off swishing and swooping, twisting and gliding under the water. Not lengths though. I don’t see the fun in that. Dolphins don’t swim lengths.
November 2019
Pembrokeshire
Emily
I’ve swum in the sea a couple of times now, and appreciated my more relaxed, softer breast stroke, and tried out my gentle front crawl, rolling onto my back to relax after a few breaths. So I’m getting to enjoy the view :-)Thanks both of you, very much. It was a wonderful week.
November 2019
Swansea
Paula
Thank you both for such a fantastic week. I could not have anticipated learning so much and enjoying it at the same time - it has been incredible. I'm very grateful for your patience and expertise and will remember you both when I am looking at the fish!!
November 2019
Stourbridge
Suraya
Thank you for your patience and helping me to understand and enjoy the water. The lessons boosted my confidence and I am looking forward to practising and enjoying more time in the water.
November 2019
Bucks
Dorothy
A huge thank you for all you and Cheryl gave me last week: I really appreciate all the time, energy, talent and experience.
November 2019
Norfolk
Nansi
Thank you Ian & Cheryl for an amazing course, really supportive & encouraging. I enjoyed it so much & got a lot out of the lessons. Am heading off to the pool tomorrow to look at the fishes. Can’t thank you enough.
November 2019
Hay-on-Wye
Sandra
I am missing my daily lessons already. I just want to say a great big thank you for all your incredible teachings, techniques, and patience with me.
These may seem small, but are completely revolutionary in my view. What I have learned from you both has changed my mental approach to swimming for the better. I will pop to my local pool tomorrow to begin implementing what I have learned, with regards to being happy in water. Thank you for all the encouragement and kindness.
November 2019
London
Gill
I can’t believe that a week ago Jan and I we were both terrified of the water, couldn’t leave go of the edge and couldn’t imagine being able to float. The way you both teach gave us such confidence, your gentle encouragement and explanation of the reason behind the importance of letting go was wonderful. We’ve booked a holiday in Tenerife in February in a hotel with 2 lovely pools, this will be the first holiday when we don’t have to stay reading our books around the pool. Thank you so much again, you really have changed my life in a week.
October 2019
Nottingham
Karen
I was petrified to start with but Ian and Cheryl's technique is unique and gives you the understanding of how the water is there to help. I never thought I'd be able to feel relaxed but when you do it’s a marvellous feeling. I can now go on holiday with my grandson and when I get in the pool with him I will have Ian and Cheryl in my head letting me enjoy the experience. They really do take the swimming out of swimming and make the water something to be embraced not feared.
October 2019
Merseyside
Alicia
I did two of your courses before, needless to say, there's nothing like them! I was wondering, if by chance, you'd take on a third time pupil.
October 2019
Dublin
Isobel & Anthony
These few days have been revolutionary! Never before have we had such a sense of giving ourselves to the water and seeing it as a friend and not a foe.. thank you for being so encouraging and affirming. It meant a lot to us.
October 2019
Oxon
June
Lessons with Ian and Cheryl at Croft Farm changed how I feel about floating, getting a breath, allowed me to experience that sensation which now feels like flying! I thank them both sincerely for the gift which keeps on giving 🙂 I have evolved into an outdoor swimmer. It makes me feel intensely alive and ready to cope with anything.
Edna
If you had received an email from me every time I've thought about you, your mailbox would have been overflowing!
It was such a special experience, even better than anything I could have imagined and I have been enjoying the memories ever since.
September 2019
Herts
Cecily and Dhiru
Thank you to you both for our swimming lessons. Both Dhiru and I feel much more comfortable in the water and know that we will be able to visit a pool without trepidation. We know that we still have a lot to learn and this is only the beginning. We shall recommend you (already have) and would like to come again.
June 2019
Aylesbury
Brenda
A big thank you to both of you for your inspiring teaching which has opened the doorway to stress free swimming. My challenge now is to find a pool
conducive to my needs. I already feel the need to just be free in the water. The experience will really help me in my caring role. A memorable few days!
June 2019
Redditch
Jan
The emotional benefit of floating on my back that last day feeling relaxed and open was great and I couldn’t have got as far as I did without the AT lessons. So thank you for that and for your and Cheryl’s consistent patience and concentration.
June 2019
London
Shirley
Just a quick note to thank you both for your wonderful course, patience and advice. I already miss the fresh air going into my lungs, the peace and quiet, the soft water, the insects, the morning birdsong, star littered sky at night and the long winding roads. None of these in Walthamstow of course.
Thanks for letting me understand my breathing need not be an issue or my arthritis. It was wonderful to feel so free of pain in water.
March 2019
Walthamstow
Keith and Anne
Many , many thanks for an very enjoyable week with you! We were not sure what to expect, but can truly say that expectations were exceeded . Your style of teaching and content is friendly, practical and, most importantly, confidence building. We've returned home enthused and have now joined a hotel based swimming centre.
March 2019
Bucks
Donna
I wanted to thank you both for taking this anxious non-swimmer and giving me the confidence not only to trust the water again but also to enjoy the experience of just being in it. I left at the end of my course feeling energised and on cloud nine that I can now finally get involved in family water activities and not be the only one sat on the side.
I have greatly enjoyed my sessions, you both have a very special gift and your endless patience, encouragement and advice will remain with me on my new watery adventures. I’ve always loved the idea of snorkelling and riding a jet ski, now they are an open possibility and it’s all thanks to your “magic” 😊
March 2019
Dawlish
Hazel
Thank you both for an amaZing experience. Still can’t quite get my head around what I’ve managed to achieve, with your help, after all these years! Thank you both again for your expert tuition and patience.
February 2019
Cheltenham
Gaynor
Just home from completing my lessons. I feel amazing with my new found confidence in the water. I began afraid of water and now see it as my supportive friend. I understand how to move with ease and comfort in the water, whilst doing my body no harm. And I can't wait to continue. I can't recommend Ian and Cheryl enough.
February 2019
Lancashire
VK
Thank you so much! What a change to get out of the pool feeling more like I've had a massage than done any sort of exercise. So many things to work on after only four days of tuition. Really looking forward to enjoying the water even more!
February 2019
Bristol
Frank
I was particularly impressed by how you both took time to understand the improvements I was seeking. I really liked the initial filming of my swimming style and highlighting what would help improve it and take the effort out of swimming. Then the combined lessons which although a different style were complementary. It was great having daily and incremental lessons in a relaxing and personalised environment. The coaching received is unique and very different to previous swimming lessons I have previously received. It is undoubtedly much more effective and I progressed quickly.
December 2018
Kew
Chris
I came to you many years ago for help with my swimming and much of what you instilled remains. At the start of each swim I kick from the wall and focus on relaxing until I feel the water holding me and when I have almost come to a stop begin to propel myself forward, thinking of my body as a boat and my arms as oars (front crawl as knee problem hinders breast-stroke kick). Then, in the moment between strokes with one arm fully extended and the other lying against my side, gliding gently forward, all muscles relaxed, face out of the water I take a natural, easy breath. On a good day it is a kind of meditation.
December 2018
Newcastle
Mike
What a wonderful time I had yesterday- back to basics and really enjoyed it, in that I had total confidence in you and felt I had achieved a lot in knowing how to go forwards - and then when driving home I thought that I had been to some fantastic therapeutic session and felt so relaxed I am now also putting that into other areas of my life.
December 2018
Milford Haven
Kim
I just wanted to say a really big thank you for this week. It has given me water skills I’ve never had and didn’t think I could have. Also ways to carry on learning and practising them on my own. You were both so intuitive as teachers, it was really great.
December 2018
Merseyside
Pam and Buffy
Ian,Many many thanks to you & Cheryl for a brilliant week helping us to undo & not do!
December 2018
Bristol
Virginia
I want to thank you for the course this week. I really enjoyed it and
feel that I have learned a whole lot and not just about swimming! It was
a very good experience and one that I had felt rather tentative about
doing and I am really glad I decided to take the plunge. I think your
rather different approaches complemented each other and enriched the whole experience.
November 2018
Bristol
Aneesha
Thank you so much for your warmth and hospitality this past week. You have truly built up my confidence and skill in the water and I am certain I will continue to improve because you have given me such a strong foundation to build upon. I am so grateful for what you two have done, please continue to share your gift of teaching and love (and respect) for the water with others.
October 2018
Austria
Joyce
Swimming was a complete mystery to me, despite trying several times over the years (I'm now 66). I have always been nervous in the water and an expert at sinking! Not any more ... I could only fit in 6 lessons with Cheryl and Ian but, at the end, I could actually float with my face totally submerged and, with Cheryl's and Ian's fantastic, calm and patient guidance, I learnt to trust the water to support me.
July 2018
Edinburgh
John
I downloaded your excellent ebook over 10 years ago. I had always wanted to swim but could never manage more than a dog paddle and floating on my back. Your book totally changed the way I viewed water; not as something to be conquered, but to be embraced and supported by. Using nothing more than your simple but information-packed book, I taught myself to swim. I ended up being able to do laps for 45 mins to an hour at the local pool; that was starting from a half lap before stopping to huff and puff. That pool has long since closed, and I still miss those hour long Zen moments. Swimming totally cleared my mind like nothing else ever has. After all, when you're focusing on nothing but your breathing, and the way the water feels slipping through your hands, there's no room for anything else.
June 2018
Taneytown, Maryland, US
Max
What a great post, full of understanding. My previous attempts at learning to swim have been with instructors at the side of the pool, yelling instructions above the acoustic echo and carrying a pole for strugglers to attempt to cling to. No attempt to deal with non-swimmers' anxiety and even phobias. So thank you.
May 2018
Hersham
Rhian
Thanks for the excellent guidance on how to relax in the water. A long weekend with you guys has helped me enormously. I hope to return soon to develop my swimming without stress. Loved it.
April, 2018
Preston
Frances
I have wanted to have confidence and calmness in the water for so many years. It was a big deal for me to put my head in the water and float and I came away with such positive thoughts. I must tell you I had a lovely dream last night that I was swimming in the sea on Poppit Beach! I have never dreamt about swimming in the sea before so you must have truly inspired me!
March 2018
Leeds
Andrew
I gave my Alexander directions before starting playing the piano this morning - and it really did make a difference. So quite apart from the swimming you have facilitated a difference to my piano playing and hopefully my teaching.
Apr 2018
Herefordshire
Naresh and Alpa
Thank you for a great week of learning to swim - Alpa and I picked up so many points and found the whole experience of learning to swim a joy. Within a week we could manage to swim further than we've ever done before. If you had a ratings page then I'd have put ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 2018
London
Emma
What I've come away with is massively more than 'learning to swim': a complete release of the phobic grip that wet water has held over me for years. To the point I would have ready excuses if anyone wanted to do a spa weekend/villa with pool etc e.g, I've got an ear infection/lost my costume... I now think wow, if wet water isn't scary the rest of the world isn't either.
February 2018
Cornwall
Bernard
Each of us thought we were more or less competent swimmers, but the one-to- one lessons helped us become really confident in the water, not fighting it, but trusting it. The most remarkable part of the whole experience was that it was so relaxing, so while we were learning to swim better and more efficiently, we really were removing the stress. When we left we felt genuinely calmer and more relaxed.
Mar 2018
Oxford
Joanna and Brian
Thanks to you both for everything, really everything, you are wonderful and everything I hoped for, in what you have helped Brian and me with. A small/big dream come true.
January 2018
Bristol
Leticia
I was back in the pool this week, and it was so reassuring to know I had the tools to apply what you taught from the get go. 5 minutes of doing nothing and gliding and I was confident I could do all that I'd achieved last week, just in a different pool.
Octobver 2017
Herts
Jeanette
I feel very lucky to have been able to work with such fabulous teachers one to one. I was a little concerned about the lessons given that I had not met either of you before or known of anyone who had attended the course. However, within moments, I felt at ease and really enjoyed the experience.. Now I love, love, love to float and swim underwater.
September 2017
London
John and Annwen
Thank you for your amazing expertise, we both so enjoyed our swimming experiences with you both... You encouraged me back to enjoy the water to appreciate how good it will be for me throughout my recovery. I honestly didn't think I'd be able to do half of what we did. I will build on it with your positive words of wisdom in my ears and all in a relaxed state.
September 2017
London
Ewan
You may remember that, a few years ago, you helped me overcome my fear of water and set me on a path to making it part of my life. Since then I've been swimming several times a week just for the joy of it. I've jumped off sailing boats in Greece and Spain, managed the swim half a mile to shore and back again, snorkelled for hours and generally larked about like an 8-year old. I'm sending this message because, thanks to you, I have managed to make it to one of the pools I've always dreamed of swimming in, the lido at the Hotel Molitor in Paris.
September 2017
London
Alene
It was an amazing couple of days working with you both - an experience I shall always remember with great delight.The sensation of gliding through the water was totally pleasurable. The hands on contact was so supportive. I felt as though I were an infant or child again in the best possible way. I’m very glad I was also able to do the Alexander Technique sessions with you, Ian. I can see I’ve gotten stuck in some bad habits which it's never too late to change.You are a gifted healer, in so many ways.
September 2017
London
Lesley
It’s almost the exact opposite of the normal experience of learning to swim....The whole experience was delightful.
June 2017
Sussex
Sarah
This was the fifth time I’d tried to learn and frankly if I hadn’t cracked it this time, I was going to give up trying and accept that I was not meant to swim. Reflecting on my experience, I think your positivity built my confidence: you never said ‘that was rubbish’ instead you built on the things I could do rather than focussing on the things I couldn’t.
April 2016
Pangbourne
David
Make friends with the water’ is what you say....... I think I am falling in love with it ! What a difference ! Thank you so much for a lovely week, I feel euphoric and relaxed, the Alexander Technique of the swimming has rubbed off on the rest of my life.
April 2017
Manchester
Norma and Eric
The course opened up a whole new relationship with the water for us. How to totally relax our bodies and enjoy the support of the water, to breathe out gently whilst floating on our 'tummies' letting our limbs gently submerge and not stiffen, to glide, rotate backwards, forwards, side to side. We learned a relaxed but efficient breaststroke, feeling at one with the water and 'enjoying the glide'. It gave us confidence in deeper water, great on an island hopping cruise around the Dalmation Coast where we swam from the back of the boat in the beautiful Adriatic sea.
March 2017
Cheshire
Dawn
Just wanted to thank you both for another great few days improving my swimming. You're both fantastic at providing gentle and consistent encouragement and advice. Like my last visit here I just want to get home and back to my local pool with your words still ringing in my ears.
March 2017
London
Karen
The more I swim, the more it becomes clear that the act of swimming doesn’t create relaxation but demands it. Then you can just move through that lovely no-where space. Thank you again for opening the gate to all this for me.
February 2017
Devon, 1 year on
John
Thank you for a wonderful few days. Your teaching techniques are second to none and i would highly recommend your course for anyone who cannot swim or is looking to improve their swimming technique.My swimming has greatly improved and it is all down to your superb approach to teaching.
January 2017
Worcestershire
Jacqui
I turned up terrified of water on my face and by the end of the 8 sessions could happily put my head under the water. I can also float on my back and front and regain my feet. You have made a massive difference to my life and have contained a fear of 50 years duration. I am sure I am two inches taller with pride, thanks to you two.
January 2017
Aberystwyth
Eleanor
My Swimming Without Stress course was amazing. Ian and Cheryl are extremely patient and knowledgeable teachers. I learned lots and had a thoroughly enjoyable week. The location and accommodation is also first class. I can heartily recommend to non swimmers, anyone with a fear of water and also to swimmers who want to improve and increase their enjoyment of swimming.
January 2017
West Yorkshire
Julie and Laura
How wonderful it is to feel more confident in the water..to know we are capable of moving happily and more effortlessly around the pool... to enjoy the water without a frantic race from one side to the other... The best thing I have come away with is knowing the water will support me and that doing less is more effective. The way you taught us to glide so smoothly was inspirational. The lessons flew by.
December 2016
Aylesbury
VA
I know I sound like a child but am sooo pleased your instruction has had such a positive effect as I had been trying for ages to get better. Not quite Adam Peaty yet but... I hear your wise words in my head when I am swimming.
September 2016
London
Chitra
A big thanks to both of you for making me believe that I have a future in the pool...Last week, I completed a teaching course in London in Medical Education. One of the things often said was that a good teacher is one "who makes the learner think and in so doing facilitates the learning process". I was very promptly reminded of both of you. You made me think and believe that I could enjoy the water!! Thank you so much for such a lovely experience!
September 2016
Bridgend
Michael
I enjoyed my Swimming Without Stress week with you last week. It being my second time swimming with you both. I felt I had made great progress in a year. I also thought the nearby beaches were great for sea swimming. The following Sunday I completed my first pool swim triathlon which I was very pleased with. Thanks very much.
September 2016
Southampton (now an ironman triathlete!)
Rowena
I've been putting your tuition into practice at Lake Bohinj in Slovenia. Was delighted by how much easier and faster my crawl is now - but the real surprise is how much less effort I use in breaststroke - with no loss of speed. End result; I could swim 2km breaststroke in cold water without tiring significantly. So THANKS!
August 2016
Cornwall
Ruth
You gave me confidence. Explanations were pitched perfectly for me. You challenged me but that was fine. That is what I needed and I felt if you said I could do it, I would. Thanks.
Josie
Natalie and I had a wonderful time with you both last week - thank you so much for teaching us how to enjoy being in the water. After years of being phobic and many years of trying to swim (without much success), now we are going to be committed pool junkies! Natalie has her head firmly down in the water - something she hadn't done at all before and I am happy to glide, play dead and sing under water. It is so exciting and we can't wait to come back to swimming without stress for more! We've told all our friends and they are really envious of our new attitude to swimming.
June 2016
Exeter
John
Just a quick note of thanks to you both for your help , understanding and endless patience this week. I really can't express how anxious I was but I guess you could see it! The thought of putting my head under water etc freaked me out but with your help I could and did and I'm forever grateful. I came with no expectations but I'm proud that I coped with it and it will be the springboard to greater things
June 2016
Merseyside
Sue
You are such brilliant teachers! I love the way you strip everything back to the basics and make it so easy to understand. And as well as (I hope!) improving my technique it is so relaxing - and my back has stopped hurting. I feel really refreshed!
June 2016
Sheffield
Sue
I had a light bulb moment this morning and felt "I am doing the front crawl and really enjoying it, with no strain or pain anywhere" (which there used to be). I would recommend your lessons wholeheartedly, thank you so much.
April 2016
Leeds
Lucy
Just to say a huge thank you for our wonderful swimming lessons this week. We both came away with so much enthusiasm and enjoyment for the water and I am delighted with my much improved front crawl.
April 2016
London
Irene
" Thank you Ian & Cheryl for your wonderful guidance in my swimming last week, it has been a wonderful experience for me, and I'm looking forward to going back in the water for my regular swimming next week.One of the most important things I enjoyed was being allowed to breathe in my own way, and also the lovely sense of fun I gained just being in the water."
January 2016
Windsor
Christena
Ian, Thank you so much (to you both) for the last four days. I am not going to sugar coat it - it was one of the hardest challenges of my life....I think there is a powerful hypnotic quality to the way you express your instructions and your philosophy which will stay with me. It's the perfect counter point to Cheryl's method. You are a great double act.
November 2015
London
Sue
I have been carrying my fear of the water for most of my 57 years and now thanks to you it is gone. You were both so patient and encouraging. I can't explain the sheer joy I felt at being able to float on my back. And being able to rotate from front to back and vice versa, makes me feel like a 'proper swimmer'.
October 2015
Yorkshire
Graham
I really enjoyed the coaching. I have been trying to learn the front crawl on and off for about ten years and I've had three lots of lessons. I was about to give up and you were my last effort so I doubt if you realised just how pleased I was with the progress I made with your tuition. I know enough now to believe that with practice I can achieve a reasonable stroke. I also considered the explanations of the effect of tension on the body, I think this is valuable in and out of the water and something I will work on
March 2015
Yorkshire
Lynne
A huge thank you to you both. I have totally exceeded what I hoped to achieve during the stay and have finally overcome a 50 year phobia. No mean feat and thanks to your AT approach but very importantly, lovely teaching style.
October 2014
Amersham
Karen
I feel such a huge weight has been lifted off me after years of yearning to play in the water with others and not being able to. I've had a little bubble of joy in my middle all week just knowing that it is all now possible! Thank you again for your healing teaching.
February 2016
Devon
Lori
Water phobic for most of my life (44 years) you have been the only 'teachers' to make me water friendly....It's rare for anyone to understand truly what fear of water entails. You both found alternative ways to get me over it.....
Purpose of this note is not only to renovate my gratitude but to say that more people like me should know that you actually exist and and can change our life!
August 2014
London
Declan
It was a real pleasure meeting, and being coached by you, over the 4 days in Cardigan. I appreciated your very particular blend of appreciative care and adaptive challenge, which made learning both high quality and real fun.
February 2014
Cumbria
Fintan
I'm delighted to leave my mortal fear of water behind in Wales...You guys make a great team and have changed another life for the better.
December 2013
Offaly
Margaret
A big thankyou for the brilliant swimming lessons. It was lovely to work with you both once more, and to feel confident that under your guidance my back was safe. Your attention to detail and forensic analysis of my swimming has helped me to take my skills to a new level.
April 2014
Sussex
Bob
It was so different from earlier experiences with someone shouting from the poolside, fully dressed and bone dry while I struggled in the water, usually getting nowhere.
October 2013
Hants
Suneeti
Ian and Cheryl are a class act. Their residential course is brilliant and the service they offer their clients through their internet store just adds to the positive experience.
October 2013
Luxemburg
Hilary
It was amazing watching Lucy progress from an over excited, almost panicky swimmer, into a graceful and elegant little water nymph. I actually felt really emotional watching her being taught by you and seeing the way she learnt to love the water so much.
August 2013
Dover
Richard
I had my first training session last night- wow what a difference! No shoulder pain and seemed to just fly through the water.
July, 2014
Physiotherapist, Swansea
Ann
Swimming has become part of my life in a way that I never imagined, a real pleasure. I really look forward to getting to the pool - a complete conversion.
Sep 2011
North Wales
Amanda
I am now back to swimming three times a week and have had no neck or back pain since working with Ian. The lessons have transformed my swimming style and my attitude to swimming.
June 2012
London
Ann
For the first time ever I was able to play with my granddaughters and not sit on the top step clinging to the side - they couldn't believe it! I can't tell you how grateful I am that you helped me overcome my fear of the water.
Feb 2012
Bath
Mary
Being a typical lad, Adam was very self-conscious about having swimming lessons ... Coming to Cardigan was a final attempt to turn him into a swimmer - and what a triumph! I am eternally grateful for Ian's calmness and patience in his teaching.
July 2011
Herts
Lynne and Julie
We were impressed by the website but nothing prepared us for the wonderful “swimming without stress” experience....It was brilliant to see Lynne overcome her anxiety about the water and to hear her talk of the positive benefits of the Alexander Technique.
November 2011
Birmingham