I have a confession.. -shameface-

Amy_nz

I took swimming lessons when I was about 29 - thought I'd feel embarrassed etc but it was absolutely fine! I'm way more confident in the water now. New Zealand has a dreadful drowning rate, and an astonishing number of kiwis can't swim. I was bloody determined not to be one of the people on an island nation who couldn't fecking swim!

Course, I'm a bit lardy so me and swimming togs don't go down well. But the lard does make me very floaty, so it's not all bad!

takehimaway

Past, not passed obviously.

takehimaway

I'm hoping I will feel the same way, Amy. I need some confidence, but that will come in time. Yeah, I wouldn't wann a be one of those either. -giggles-

ejohndrow

EJD, my twin sister and I made a deal, that if she'd join the Navy, I'd join the Coast Guard, still waiting on her go! -laughs- Yes, this is true. I'm hoping whatever pool I go to will let me wear what I want. I live in a liberal place, so I'm hoping it goes well.

E, yeah, this is true.. I'm kinda scared of boating, but I've swam in the ocean; both of them that boarder the US! I even had a pool growing up, but I'm just not confident in my swimming abilities. I'm excited!

I bet you'll find that you remember more than you think. And boating is fun. I'm in Guantanamo Bay right now, and there's nothing more fun than taking a boat out on the water and snorkeling in the clear blue water out here. Get comfortable with swimming while you're still young swimming is incredibly fun.

takehimaway

EJD, my twin sister and I made a deal, that if she'd join the Navy, I'd join the Coast Guard, still waiting on her go! -laughs- Yes, this is true. I'm hoping whatever pool I go to will let me wear what I want. I live in a liberal place, so I'm hoping it goes well.

E, yeah, this is true.. I'm kinda scared of boating, but I've swam in the ocean; both of them that boarder the US! I even had a pool growing up, but I'm just not confident in my swimming abilities. I'm excited!

I bet you'll find that you remember more than you think. And boating is fun. I'm in Guantanamo Bay right now, and there's nothing more fun than taking a boat out on the water and snorkeling in the clear blue water out here. Get comfortable with swimming while you're still young swimming is incredibly fun.

This makes me even more excited to go learn to swim. I have been boating a few times in my young life, and it was exciting.

groovyfirechick

I didn't learn how to swim till I was 18!! I'm 31 now...I went to lots of pool parties as a kid and would sit on the steps a lot. Can't wait to hear progress updates from you about your lessons. Go for it! You can do it!!

takehimaway

I didn't learn how to swim till I was 18!! I'm 31 now...I went to lots of pool parties as a kid and would sit on the steps a lot. Can't wait to hear progress updates from you about your lessons. Go for it! You can do it!!

I think it will go really well; I'm excited; hoping to see what will happen tomorrow. Thanks; I know I can.

TourThePast

I didn't learn how to swim till I was 18!! I'm 31 now...I went to lots of pool parties as a kid and would sit on the steps a lot. Can't wait to hear progress updates from you about your lessons. Go for it! You can do it!!

I think it will go really well; I'm excited; hoping to see what will happen tomorrow. Thanks; I know I can.

Good luck!

There's a book with a great title, "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" - it's not a book I've read but the title sums up my philosophy. It really is okay to be scared, it's healthy to have a self preservation instinct!
Lots of people are scared of doing things, more than you'd think. And being scared doesn't have to stop you.

Swimming is a lot of fun and it's great exercise. Maybe you'll get to see all those amazing fish and corals for yourself one day, sounds like a great goal to me!

arewethereyet

I like your thread, and your attitude. If your av is current, I would tell you to buy a suit (my daughters friend loves boys board shorts and swimming tank. I talked her into a sports bra type thing)

Anyway, as I read your posts few things came to mind. In your current situation you are probably more aware of your body, in different ways, than others. You are thinking of changing. You change it with clothing. I totally get that. Is there anyway you can separate the 2 issues?

Because, personally, I think you look great in your picture and could rock a pair of girl board shorts and tank!

As for learning new things, I got news for ya.............I am 50 and just found out I can live alone and don't need a man to hang a pair of stupid curtains!! How about THAT:laugh: :laugh: I am going to learn I can put together a book shelf and repair a lamp today. Rock on learning!!

I am so glad notgirlfriend NGF from how on, is going to help you! NGF sounds cool and you will feel comfortable because there is body contact. When I taught my 40 yr old friend, I just held her in the middle as she floated, then moved her arms and legs. She was like a piece of wood to start, but as she because more confident she swam off mommas arms right into the end of the pool. Be careful, I MEAN right into it!

Good luck hun!:flowerforyou:

Lolli1986

I have all sorts of water issues. I technically can swim, but I guess for psychological reasons I can't. I had to start out by hanging out NEAR the water while it called to me. Then finding a swimsuit I felt comfortable in. Then paddling. Then wading in and standing there. Then floating a bit and treading water.

Eventually I got to the point that I could go in areas where I couldn't touch the bottom. Soon I decided 'I am going to try 3 strokes'. lmao... I know it seems silly, but it is a REALLY GOOD strategy if there is any level of fear involved. It's what they call an 'exposure ladder'. You start right with the smallest thing then move up once you feel comfortable with that small thing.

I can now happily swim backstroke in the deep areas (as long as i am in an enclosure, but in stinger-infested north queensland that is moot), and I can swim maybe 50m of freestyle.

I suggest that once you find a bathing suit that you think you might be comfortable with, spend time in your room just wearing it. Get used to it. Then hang out with your friend just playing at the pool while she demonstrates some theory. Then start out with just a few strokes.

Also, just saying, I like your body in your profile pic. I think you'd look hot as in a rashie and some boardies. :O