Swimming is very popular in Malaysia, especially when it's hot and humid. It’s not only a fun way to cool down but also gives you a great workout. However, learning to swim or getting better can be tough if you’re unsure where to begin. That’s why picking the right place to learn swimming for your skill level is important.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn, an intermediate swimmer looking to refine your technique, or an advanced swimmer preparing for a competition, there are many places to learn swimming in Kuala Lumpur for everyone. With so many choices, it might feel overwhelming to find the right one. This article lists some of the best places to learn swimming in Kuala Lumpur (KL) for all skill levels to help you choose.
The History and Evolution of Swimming as a Sport
Before we get into where to learn swimming in KL, let's learn a little about the history of swimming. Swimming began as a sport in the mid-1800s when the first swimming organisation was created in London in 1837. Soon after, competition kicked off, and in 1846, Australia hosted its first swimming championship. This event became a yearly tradition and marked the beginning of competitive swimming's bright future.
Public interest in swimming took off thanks to Matthew Webb in 1875, when he became the first person to swim across the English Channel, completing it in 21 hours. Then, in 1896, swimming gained international attention by being included in the first modern Olympic Games. Unlike today's competitions, those early events took place in the Mediterranean Sea instead of indoor pools.
Swimming changed a lot in the 1900s, becoming the sport we recognise today. Important milestones included women competing in the Olympics starting in 1912, the elimination of obstacle courses, and the standardisation of pool sizes in 1924. Techniques improved with innovations like Al Vande Weghe's flip turn in 1934 and the separation of the butterfly stroke from breaststroke in 1952. Additionally, a new rule in 1989 set a limit on how far swimmers could dive off the starting blocks, which was later adjusted to 15 meters in 1991, refining competitive swimming rules.
In the 1960s and 70s, swim caps and goggles became popular in pools. While they were initially just for style and keeping hair dry, swim caps are now designed to reduce drag, helping swimmers go faster. Goggles have also changed a lot over time in terms of materials, design, and technology. It’s amazing to see how swimming has evolved throughout history.
Best Swimmers in the World
Now that we know how swimming started and evolved, let's look at the top swimmers who have excelled in the sport, earning numerous Olympic medals and breaking world records.
Michael Phelps
You might be asking, who is the best swimmer ever? Michael Phelps often comes up, and it’s easy to see why. He has an astonishing 23 Olympic gold medals, the most by any athlete in history.
Phelps made a splash in swimming from a young age and became famous after his outstanding performances in the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics.
He wasn’t limited to just one style. He excelled in various strokes, particularly the butterfly and individual medley.
Mark Spitz
It's easy to see why Spitz was called "Mark the Shark." The retired American swimmer won an incredible seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Before that, from 1968 to 1972, he earned nine Olympic gold medals, and his success didn’t stop there. He also won silver and bronze medals, five golds at the Pan American Games, 31 titles from the US Amateur Athletic Union, and 8 NCAA titles.
For Mark the Shark, this meant he set 33 world records during that time and was named World Swimmer of the Year in 1969, 1971, and 1972.
Katie Ledecky
Katie Ledecky is one of the most well-known female swimmers ever, gaining fame at just 15 years old during her first Olympics. She made history by being the first woman since 1968 to win gold in three events: the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle. Since then, she has shattered 13 world records and earned 20 medals, including 19 golds and six Olympic medals. She was also named World Swimmer of the Year and American Swimmer of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Sarah Sjostrom
Sjostrom has made a big impact in swimming, winning three Olympic medals and eight World titles. She won her first World title at just 15 years old in 2009, and when you consider everything she’s accomplished, it’s quite impressive. She currently holds three long-course world records in events contested in the Olympics and two in shorter races. Notably, no woman has ever defended her title in the 100 butterfly at the Olympics, but Sjostrom has a strong chance to change that in 2021.
Tips to Learn Swimming
Are you thinking of taking up swimming? You can learn to swim at any age. The water might feel weird or scary at first, but you'll build confidence with practice. Swimming has many advantages, like being a great workout and helping reduce stress. Here are four easy tips to help you start:
Start at the Shallow Area
It’s quite normal to feel apprehensive about water if you’re not familiar with it. To tackle this fear, start in a shallow area where you can easily stand. Try getting your head underwater while practising breath-holding, reassuring yourself that you can always rise for a breath.
Use Goggles
As a beginner in swimming, being underwater can be intimidating. Wearing goggles will allow you to see clearly under the surface and help you feel safe.
Spend More Time in the Water
Gaining confidence as a swimmer requires time spent in the pool. Practising regularly, even just once a week, is key to getting better. If you take long breaks between your swims, it might be harder to make progress.
Take Swimming Lessons
If you're looking to learn how to swim, it's best to take lessons from a skilled instructor. This way, you'll master the correct stroke techniques right from the start and steer clear of any bad habits that could slow your progress.
Where to Learn Swimming in KL?
Kuala Lumpur, the lively capital of Malaysia, is a bustling city known for its modern buildings, a mix of cultures, and great places to chill. One amazing but often overlooked aspect of KL is the number of swimming pools spread throughout the city, from public spots to private club options and top-notch aquatic centres.
Here are some of the best places to learn swimming in Kuala Lumpur:
DSA Swim Academy
D Swim Academy (DSA) has been part of Malaysia's aquatics scene for more than ten years. It’s the largest swim school in the country and the only one recognised as a Gold level AUSTSWIM Swim Center, featuring certified swim instructors. DSA offers swimming and lifesaving classes for all ages and skill levels, ensuring they meet global standards for swimming and water safety.
Their programs include:
- Baby and Me (for infants aged 6 to 48 months)
- Kiddie Swimmers (for children aged 3 to 4 years)
- Learn to Swim (for individuals aged 5 and above)
- Swim Squad ( for children 7 years & above) - Swimmers who have shown potential will be encouraged to join the DSA
- Specialised Programs (artistic swimming, water polo, mermaid swimming)
The academy offers classes on both weekdays and weekends, with flexible schedules to suit various learners.
BleuFish Swim School
If you're on the hunt for an exciting swimming program for your children, BleuFish Swim School is the perfect choice. Their passionate coaches foster a supportive atmosphere where kids can truly thrive in the water.
The instructors at BleuFish are certified by esteemed organisations like the Malaysia Swimming Teachers' Association and the Life Saving Society Malaysia, guaranteeing your child receives high-quality training from skilled professionals.
Their lessons are crafted to be captivating and fun, ensuring that children are always motivated to learn and enhance their abilities. Moreover, BleuFish also boasts modern gym facilities, offering a well-rounded fitness experience for the entire family.
Their programs include:
- Exclusive BFF Learning Program
- Learn to Swim Program
- Open Water Program
- Baby and ME Aquatic Bond Program
- Co-curricular Activities Program (CCA) for Home School/ International School
- Adult Class Program
AqDucate Swim Academy
Located in Setapak, AqDucate Swim Academy provides lessons for all age groups, including children, adults, and even senior citizens. Their programs focus on water confidence, stroke techniques, and safety skills. They offer small class sizes to ensure better learning outcomes and personalised attention.
Their programs include:
- Swim Kids (3 – 12 Years)
- Swim Teens (13-18 Years)
- Adults Swim (18+ Years)
- Senior Swim (55+ Years)
Superprof
To discover a swimming coach that aligns with your learning style and requirements, take the time to explore the various private instructors listed on Superprof. This online platform is tailored to link students with tutors across a wide range of subjects, swimming included, for every skill level.
To learn more about the private instructors available on Superprof, just click on a coach’s profile, where you’ll find details like lesson locations, their teaching background, and what you can anticipate during your sessions. This information will help you gauge the instructor's approachability and whether they focus on the skills you wish to learn.
Explore each instructor's profile to discover if they offer individual or group classes, depending on what suits you best. Whether you want to learn swimming in Selangor, KL, or anywhere in Malaysia, rest assured that Superprof's swimming instructors will provide you with tailored and well-organised lessons aimed at helping you excel in all swimming strokes and beyond.
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