Looking for recommendations for a swim instructor/coach near downtown DC who gives individual lessons. Been swimming 10 years now and if i am honest really have not improved much in the last 8. Usually swim alone 3x a week because my work family life makes masters sessions hard to make consistently, that’s why I thought a lesson every couple weeks and then work on what I am taught would be my best route to improvement. Swam 36’ for a HIM earlier this summer but I think my stroke is worse than that. Really want to get alot better for next year.Need help.
Daniel Brafman is excellent. I’ve worked with a few swim coaches in the DC/MD area, he is tops imo.
daniel.brafman at racetrainfitness.com
If it were me, I’d strongly consider making the drive to MD to visit kevin in md.
Can you provide some more detail on who Kevin in MD is? Where exactly? Background? Why you recommend him? Contact info? I live in Bethesda and have been thinking about getting some 1-on-1 time with a good coach.
I’m the suspect in this case.
I’ve been coaching triathletes and adult onset swimmers since 2002. I’m an adult onset swimmer myself. Certified ASCA level 4 masters coach if that matters to you. I coach in Towson on the north side of Baltimore. On a weekend day with no traffic it’s not a terrible drive from Bethesda.
I’m also the guy Desert Dude wants to be when he grows up.
I’ve had lessons with Monica Pampell in the past. She trains out of SC/LA in the West End, but I’m know she also does private training and coaching. She is a former collegiate swimmer and has a ton of experience coaching. I also really like her personality - she’s fun. Have been training with her since 2006 and can’t say enough good things.
I worked with Greg Nelson out of the Rockville swim center. He’s no nonsense and reasonable in price, he learned swimming as an adult and I think that helps his coaching. He also has group classes in the morning (Not masters but tri swimming)
I’ve really enjoyed working with Traci McNeil over this past season. http://crossingcurrentsaquatics.com/about-cca/
Well I see Kevin chimed in but I’ll add my $.03.
I’ve sent a few athletes his way for both coaching and swimming help. I’ve only gotten positive feedback. Once, when I was thinking about racing again during a really stressful point in my life I reached out to him for help with my training and racing. I was very impressed with his knowledge, scheduling, testing and planning. Look I can just call a lot of name coaches in the world or I’m 1 step away from a personal intro to them if they aren’t in my phone. I needed some guidance and I sought out him.
Every single person I’ve sent him for swim help has raved about how much better they are swimming.
He’s given lectures at some major uni’s on Trimps or modelling or maybe both. (sorry man I can’t remember)
You could much, much, much worse for a tri or swim coach. He’s anal, analytic and knows his shit. Stuff a lot of tri coaches wished they could say.
But I don’t want to be him when I grow up he has a gimpy back 
Thanks! How can I contact you?
Stop swimming by yourself. I would strongly advise Master as much as you can mange. Swimming with others, and other stronger swimmer only makes you better. Sure go ahead and get some instructions (my master group does video session several times a year), but you need to get the reinforcement of swimming with others IMO to make significant improvements. Good luck.
Coach Brian Crow… Team TPR you should be able to find him online
Thanks. I know you’re right.
You should check out the DC Aquatics Club. On the surface it appears to have a particular focus, but it’s just a nice group of people who enjoy and are good at swimming. Probably the most cohesive group in the area.