Intro to Open Water Class

Rob Aquatics Intro to Open Water Swimming class is split up across 4 sessions that will teach you the basics of ocean swimming and gradually build you up to take on a mile long ocean swim with instruction from in and on the water. Typical classes run once a week for four weeks, but we can modify schedules to fit your group.
Below is an outline of a typical class, keep in mind if you sign up as a group we can modify the course to fit your skill level and goals.
Course Length: 4 weeks
Class Size: Up to 5
Cost: $100 for 4 sessions
Dates/Times: Up to approximately 1 hour
Location: Avila Beach by the Pier
Pre-Req: Be able to swim 1000 yards in the pool

Beginner Class Goal: Get Comfortable Swimming Up to a Mile in the Ocean

Things to Bring:

  • Swim Suit
  • Wetsuit – recommended but not required
  • Brightly Colored Swim Cap
  • Goggles
  • Swim Lubricant – i.e. BodyGlide
  • Towel

Week 1 – Goal Swim – ½ of the Buoy Line

  • Meet, Greet & Goals
  • Ocean Swimming Equipment Explanations
  • Getting Through Waves – Timing and Dolphin Diving
  • Intro to Sighting
  • Swim Around One Side of the Buoy Line

Week 2 – Goal Swim – 2 to 3 Laps of ½ the Buoy Line

  • Review Last Week’s Lessons
  • Swim out to 1st Buoy
  • Drill Between Buoys – Sighting, Straight Lines and Swimming in Tight Quarters

Week 3 – Goal Swim – ½ Triangle

  • Introduce Drafting and Buoy Turn Techniques
  • Group Swim to First Buoy, Swim to End of the Line Side by Side
  • Swim to the Tip of the Pier
  • Swim Back in Using the Pier to Hold a Straight Line

Week 4 – Goal Swim – The Whole Triangle

  • Final Exam – 1 Mile Swim Race Style!
  • Go Through Typical Event Prep
    • Race Numbers - Mass Start - Timing

All swimmers who complete the Rob Aquatics Ocean Swimming Beginner Course get a Certificate of Completion and a discount on their next Rob Aquatics event, class or kayaker rental!


To arrange for a Rob Aquatics Intro to Open Water Swimming class contact Rob at rob@robaquatics.com and provide the number of people in your party along with the dates and times you’d like to get together.


*Swims may need to be modified to accommodate for ocean conditions, safety hazards, or any number of other reasons. Whenever there’s a doubt about taking a certain route, for us the safest path wins every time.

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