Swimming is an ideal life-long activity for almost everyone, and Platypus offers instruction ranging from individually scheduled private lessons to group classes to specialized clinics. Instruction caters to non-swimmers interested in beginning a program for fitness and recreation through to serious competitors who may already have received considerable instruction. Many clients of medical therapy in the Platypus gym have made recoveries or improvements from physical issues and have progressed to a swimming program to help retain gains made and to improve overall fitness. Many Platypus swimmers have been involved in swimming, often as part of triathlon, from a recreational level to highly competitive, and turn to Platypus for exceptional individualized instruction.

How Do I Get Into Swimming With Platypus?

To have an appropriate placement in private instruction or group classes, clients are asked to complete a brief questionnaire. Sometimes some private or semi-private instruction is required prior to placement in a class. For clients who are on a time package with Platypus, the time for this can come from your package. For “swimming only” clients, you will pay the current hourly rate. Even for experienced swimmers looking to join a group class, at least a bit of private instruction will likely be needed to introduce the methodology being used in the classes. Dr. Jaepel is in the process of developing a comprehensive training method, and understanding the SSP© is essential to receiving benefit from the instruction. Class instruction runs year round, as interest indicates, and entry into classes is usually at the beginning of an eight week term, as space allows. Instruction takes place at Centennial Pool, with some of the more advanced classes sometimes venturing out to local lakes.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Instruction will be provided by Dr. Jaepel, or under his direction, by staff trained by him. Swimming at Centennial Pool is very economical: a range of pool passes is available at very reasonable cost. Note that when attending a class or a lesson with Platypus instruction, you do not need to pay to enter the pool, but for practice on your own, you are required to pay. Check with the pool for the current schedule for lane swimming. If you intend to use pool lockers frequently, you will likely want your own padlock. Most participants will wear goggles. When embarking on a swimming program, you will have personal goals in mind which will be revised as you progress. Individuals will progress at a great variety of rates. Some changes come quickly and others develop slowly. Please understand that whether in individual or group lessons, your skill as an individual is assessed on an ongoing basis, and instruction is planned based on this. If at any time you are wondering whether your progress is adequate, or would like to discuss your personal goals, feel free to consult your coach. Your progress with swimming at Platypus will reflect your focus on methodology used in classes and your individual effort between classes.

Group swimming classes and private lessons

Platypus offers swimming lessons in ten week terms for those wishing to work in a focused, motivating, enjoyable group setting. Private instruction is also available and most often is recommended for strong swimmers who might need to review or add a few skills that Platypus incorporates, such as the SSP© methodology, before joining a class beyond the beginner level. At this time the new methodology is only offered through Platypus.

Depending on pool space available to Platypus and the number of swimmers registered to take lessons in a term, we schedule extra practice sessions at a reduced rate, only open to swimmers taking classes in the current term. In addition to the instructed class, a swimmer might be able to sign up for one or two 60 or 90 minute practice sessions per week. These sessions are a great way to get together with classmates to do the extra practice needed for steady progress. Instruction is not generally provided during the practice sessions, but the week's programs are provided for review. For a ten week term, 60 minute practice sessions are $50 for one, or $100 for two weekly practices in addition to the classes. For a ten week term, 90 minute practice sessions are $75 for one, or $150 for two weekly practices in addition to the classes.

If our usual scheduled times are interrupted, we might have to offer an alternate session time to make up for missed sessions.

Platypus swimming levels

Beginner                      (beginning in late September)

Prerequisite: A desire to swim. Non-swimmers are welcome. Group classes are 60 minutes weekly in ten week terms for $180*. Topics covered include breathing, body position, and the ability to swim front crawl in good form, 50m non-stop. SSP© method is introduced.

Junior                          (beginning in late September)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginner level, or approval of instructor. Group classes are 60 minutes weekly in ten week terms for $180*. Topics covered include continuation of all beginner topics, introductory work on turns, development of strength and precision, and endurance to 300m non-stop. SSP© method is explored and used extensively.

Intermediate           (beginning in late September)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Junior level, or approval of instructor. Group classes are 90 minutes weekly in ten week terms for $270*. Intermediate level topics build on solid fundamental skills and in-depth use of SSP© method. Front crawl is secure and breast stroke and back crawl are incorporated. High turns are proficient and flip turns are introduced. Endurance is built to 800+m non-stop, speed is challenged, and the ability to pace a workout successfully is developed. A 90 minute distance of 2000m to 3000m is covered. In addition to pool classes, seasonal lake swimming classes are offered, covering group swimming and competition skills that can be part of triathlon training. Greater non-stop distances are covered.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate level, or approval of instructor. Group classes are 90 minutes in ten week terms for $270*. Athletic level training sessions are based on secure performance skills and in-depth understanding of SSP©. Particular focus and self-motivation is required to make progress in these intense training sessions. A 90 minute distance of 3000m to 6000m is covered. In addition to pool classes, seasonal lake swimming classes are offered. Participation in this Athletic level class is required of swimmers or triathletes representing Platypus in competition. Competitive Athletic level swimmers often receive additional triathlon training through Platypus METT Inc. 

*Beginner/Junior/Intermediate/Advanced/Athletic: Extra Weekly Practice     Session

Co-requisite: Swimmers must be currently receiving instruction at the Junior, Intermediate, Advanced, or Athletic level. Group Practice Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes (same length as class at that level) weekly for 8 weeks. (Either $35 or $50) The practice session is intended to be a practice class in addition to the regular class. Instruction will not be given, but that week’s routine will be re-posted. It can only be set up if there is a sufficient ammount of interest, and if lane space is available.