Swimming classes for adults in Hamburg
I offer swimming classes for adults in Hamburg based on the Shaw Method, a special swimming method developed by Steven Shaw over 20 years ago. The method offers a holistic approach. The focus is on enjoying the water. We swim WITH the water.
With the Shaw Method, students learn to swim all 4 swimming styles efficiently, effectively and gracefully. There is also a program for water beginners, who are introduced to the water slowly and in a relaxed manner using selected exercises.
As a swimming instructor, I initially work with learners out of the water to learn and internalize movement sequences. As soon as the body has memorized the rhythm and positions, it's time to get into the water – teacher and student. Working together in the water enables optimal communication and comprehensible demonstration. The instruction on setting impulses directly on the body is particularly easy for learners to implement.
Inhalte von Vimeo werden aufgrund deiner aktuellen Cookie-Einstellungen nicht angezeigt. Klicke auf “Zustimmen & anzeigen”, um zuzustimmen, dass die erforderlichen Daten an Vimeo weitergeleitet werden, und den Inhalt anzusehen. Mehr dazu erfährst du in unserer Datenschutz. Du kannst deine Zustimmung jederzeit widerrufen. Gehe dazu einfach in deine eigenen Cookie-Einstellungen.
The Shaw Method
The technique is based on the principles of the Alexander Technique. The focus is on body alignment and in particular the connection between the head, neck and back. Steven Shaw was a competitive swimmer and suffered from neck and back pain. Alexander Technique exercises helped him to leave the pain behind and gave him the idea of applying the basic principles of the Alexander Technique to swimming. He developed variations of the classic swimming style from all 4 swimming styles, based on the Alexander Technique.
Swimming without physical exertion is the aim of the Shaw Method. When swimming WITH the water, the joy of the element unfolds in a completely new way.
Find out all about the Shaw Method here: www.artofswimming.com
Your path to relaxed swimming: improve technique, enjoy water
Find the right offer for you:
1:1 Session
In a 1:1 session, the focus is on you. We work together on your technique and get you to your goal - learning one of the 4 swimming styles using the Shaw Method: front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly.
If you book a package, online materials with the most important content are available for you to follow up on the sessions.
1:2 Session
Learn a new swimming style together: book a session for two together with a friend or colleague. The sessions are then cheaper for you and you benefit from the smallest possible group size. When you book a package, online materials with the most important content are available for you.
You will learn front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly using the Shaw Method.
Courses
Observe others and learn the swimming style of your choice using the Shaw Method in a group, either compactly or over several weeks.
Trial session
Get to know the Shaw Method in a 30-minute trial session. After the session, we will discuss how you can proceed.
Offers for advanced Shaw Method swimmers
Are you familiar with the Shaw Method and would like to perfect your technique or organize your training for the long term? Find out all about the exclusive offers such as the swim check, individually created training plans or personal training support.
Vouchers + caps
Would you like to give a swimming lesson as a gift? Here you will find vouchers for various offers.
You can also purchase the great swimming caps with the Schwimmkunst logo in different colors.
Why choose Schwimmkunst swimming classes?
- Personalized instruction in small groups or individual training
- Completely english speaking
- Modern facilities in central Hamburg (Stephansplatz, Stresemannstraße or Hofweg)
- Flexible class schedules
General conditions
I only teach in officially rented pools in Hamburg. For workshops, you will find location details on the respective dates. A 1:1 and 1:2 session can take place in different pools. Contact me and we will find the right location for you. As rents in the pools are different, I also offer my lessons at different prices and you can inquire about these with the date and location coordination from me. I look forward to hearing from you!
Meet Kathrin – your swim instructor
I learned to swim breaststroke as a child, but I never really learned front crawl, backstroke or butterfly and it seemed very, very tiring. Then I discovered the Shaw Method in 2017 – and I've been flying through the water ever since.
From 2020 to 2023, I trained with Steven Shaw to become a Certified Shaw Method Trainer so that even more people can learn this wonderful way of swimming. Since then I have been working as a personal trainer for swimming in Hamburg. I am now also a qualified lifeguard. In autumn 2023, I completed my training to become a trainer C license at the Berlin Swimming Association. I volunteer for my swimming club SV Poseidon Hamburg e.V., teaching children's swimming courses.
What students say about the training
You taught me how to crawl and I can hardly believe how easy it feels now. I was worried for a moment that I wouldn't be able to do it, but your motivating manner and tailored tips made swimming a real pleasure. I looked forward to our sessions every time. Thumbs up and five stars. The “problem”: now I'm really keen to learn more swimming styles. Who would have thought ...
[Julian, Hamburg]
I learned "crawling with the Shaw method" from Kathrin. Every single step is easy to learn and in the end it really comes together to form a crawl. Kathrin is a very motivated and at the same time patient teacher. Thank you Kathrin!
[Axel, Hamburg]
What kind of MEGA experience can one have with water? With Kathrin and the very special art of swimming, everyone can learn + experience + feel it on their own body. Thanks to Kathrin's emphatic manner, her very good explanations (both on land and in the water), the individual movements and helpful corrections, I was able to learn crawl swimming in just a few hours. I still can't quite believe it myself, but I've never learned with so much fun + joy + confidence. Anyone who hasn't learned to swim with Kathrin has really missed something in their life!
[Nadine, Hamburg]
For the summary: Kathrin is really fantastic to work with, extremely high recommendation from me! For the details: despite some difficulties to find a time (due to my schedule), she was really patient. During our training she was very well prepared, explained everything from start to finish, and did the demonstrations at my pace (never too slow or too fast). She was very mindful of ensuring my comfort. I was surprised how easily I could understand everything. Moreover she was very empathetic and also funny, so the communication was easy and the training was a fun experience. Overall super!
[Suprita, Hamburg]
I can wholeheartedly recommend Kathrin as a teacher. She helped me a lot to overcome my fear of (under)water.
[Julia, Hamburg]
Frequently asked questions about swimming classes for adults
Can I arrange a trial lesson to see if swimming training is right for me?
Yes, of course! A trial lesson allows you to experience the training privately on a 1:1 basis and find out whether it meets your expectations.
As I rent the swimming pool where we do the trial lesson and incur rental costs, I cannot offer the lesson free of charge.
You can arrange the trial lesson here on the website using the online booking tool. The trial lesson usually lasts 30 minutes – this is an ideal time slot to get to know each other.
How exactly does this work with lessons?
I have a separate teaching concept for each swimming style, on the basis of which you can learn the different swimming styles. As every body is different, some students need fewer lessons, others need more. I offer packages based on the average learning speed.
Ideally, you should practice at least once in a pool between lessons. It is also very supportive if you do groundwork. This can also be done in your living room. If you book a package, you will also receive accompanying online material to help you practise.
Do I need special swimming equipment for your lessons?
You will need swimming equipment consisting of a swimsuit/swimming trunks, swimming goggles and a swimming cap. No other equipment is required. We concentrate on teaching the correct technique and well-being in the water without aids. Aids distort the body position and should be avoided from the point of view of the Shaw Method. They are only used in exceptional cases, e.g. to support students with certain challenges. These can be physical limitations due to injuries or fears.
Why do you need a swimming cap?
Less water gets into your ears, your hair may stay dry with a well-fitting cap, if you are sensitive to the cold, the cap helps to keep you warm in the water, for hygienic reasons and last but not least,long hair can bother you when swimming - and me adjusting your body.
Do you have any recommendations for equipment?
Goggles
I myself have been swimming with large goggles for years, as they don't put too much pressure on the eyes and allow me to see well underwater. I think the “Vista” goggles from Aquasphere are great. However, goggles are a bit of a science and you may have to try out a few models until you find the best goggles for you. It's best to go to a diving store, triathlon store or sports store and try out the goggles there and get advice.
There are also custom-made goggles from Magic5. You'll have to pay a bit of money for this, but many swimmers are very enthusiastic about these goggles. I wasn't, but the service was great and I was able to return the goggles - so I'm recommending them here anyway.
Anti-fog spray
My swimming life just got better: Anti-Fog Spray. Once sprayed on, I can swim for an hour without my goggles fogging up. The spray from Arena works best for me, but there are many manufacturers.
Swimming cap
There are swimming caps that you can buy from me. You can find the price and colors in the booking tool or ask me. I explain why a cap is important in the question “Do I need special swimming equipment for your lessons”.
What are the advantages of individual swimming classes compared to group courses?
Individual training enables us to provide customized support that is tailored to your specific needs. This allows us to focus entirely on your technique, progress and challenges.
How often is swimming training for adults useful?
This question can only be answered individually. Please contact me and I will create your personal training plan.
Do you also offer lessons in English?
Yes, of course I do. I teach in German or English – depending on your abilities.