LearnToSWIM Reviews 98

Mark is an excellent teacher and explains swimming techniques really well. His explanations are backed by theory and effective demonstrations. He is great at identifying my weaknesses in swimming techniques and helps me improve them. The lessons are tailored towards my swimming goals and he helps me with my areas of difficulty. Mark is also very approachable and fun to interact with.

I’ve had three swimming lessons with Mark so far and each one has been better than the last. After my first lesson I already felt like I was capable of being a better than ‘decent’ swimmer - I can actually be great. I learnt so much and realised that I wasn’t starting from almost scratch as I’d thought.
In my first lesson I was asked to demonstrate the ways I currently swim and Mark pointed out some hindering factors which helped me to understand why things felt more difficult than it should. We discussed the 4 swim styles, timing, head posture, body position and we made a start on breathing technique which is ongoing.
The cost of the lessons is great value for what you’re actually getting. Swimming lessons at your local community leisure centre/pool isn’t comparable to what Mark can provide to you because his passion flows through in his teaching and he gives you a tailored experience.
I am steadily becoming more confident in my swimming and am excited to switch to a gym that has a pool so I can incorporate swimming into my fitness routine.
The Fitness First where the classes take place is also east to locate, if you follow the signs for the Fitness First and not the Cottons Centre.
If it’s not already obvious, I’d definitely recommend Mark as a swim teacher. He has a great personality and I’m grateful for the great minds he has exposed me to in our random discussion around arts and culture.

Highly recommend Mark for swimming lessons!

I’ve wanted to do a triathlon for ages but always put it off due to the 750m swim.

I thought I was a fairly competent swimmer but really struggled to swim more than a couple of lengths front crawl without getting really tired and short of breath.

I’m in my 30s and hadn’t had a swim lesson since primary school. I had lessons with Mark over a couple of months and learnt so much - I can now swim front crawl for much longer distances, with what feels like much less effort!

I went from not being able to swim 100m front crawl to completing the 750m swim leg of my first triathlon in 17 minutes - which I was very happy with!

Thanks Mark!

Mark is a great teacher. Made us feel very welcomed on our first lesson and have continued to book with him. The lessons are tailored for all students no matter the level. I go with my brother as a two to one session and we have really enjoyed our lessons so far. We will continue to book and I would definitely recommend Mark to anyone that is looking to learn how to swim.

Mark is an excellent teacher and definitely makes learning to swim more fun rather than daunting! The process in which he teaches makes learning a lot more seamless and helps you build your confidence in the water after every lesson. The venue itself is very clean, with a heated pool and lots of amenities. I would definitely recommend Mark if you're thinking about taking swimming lessons!

Mark is a brilliant swimming coach and I can’t recommend him enough. I started my swimming journey with him as a complete beginner, nervous and anxious. Mark put me at ease and has been extremely patient and encouraging. He focuses and forces you to apply the right techniques in water helping you build the right habits at the outset. He prepares for the lessons in advance making sure you are learning and progressing in every session and follows up with a recap/notes of the sessions. In only a few lessons, I already feel so much more confident in the water, have learnt to float, breathe under water, kick and do some arm movements. I never thought I would actually start enjoying my swimming time and I now look forward to my classes. Again, I would 10/10 recommend Mark and Learn to Swim for swimming lessons for all levels.

Mark is a really friendly teacher. Lessons are tailored specifically for your own needs. Affordable for two-to-one sessions. Very good facilities aswell. Simple and easy to book lessons. Would 100% recommend.

Mark is a great coach, he customises each session basis our progress and provides structured feedback on things to fix. We had started out as total newbies to swimming and marks method have made swimming enjoyable putting to bay a lot of our fears. Highly recommend Learn to swim for swimming of all levels.

Would completely recommend Mark to anyone wanting to learn to swim or improve- He’s super knowledgeable but more importantly puts you completely at ease, and is friendly and encouraging without ever being patronising. Being able to learn with a friend of similar level is also brilliant- we always really look forward to our lessons which, as someone who has always struggled with swimming I never thought I would say.

Learning to swim as an adult can be challenging, especially for someone like me who had always felt uncomfortable in the water. However, I can confidently say that Mark has been an absolute game-changer in my swimming journey. His expertise and teaching style have helped me feel more comfortable and confident in the water than I ever thought possible.

One of the standout aspects of Mark's swimming lessons is the structured and clear course content. From day one, he laid out a well-thought-out plan for my progress, focusing on building essential skills while gradually challenging me to improve. His lessons are always well-organized, ensuring that I am continuously learning and growing in my abilities.

But what truly sets Mark apart is his responsiveness and helpfulness. He goes above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service, always being available to answer any questions or address any concerns I may have. Whether it's in person during the lessons or through communication outside of the pool, he has been incredibly supportive throughout my swimming journey.

The cost of the lessons, considering the venue and facilities, is undeniably great value for money. Having access to a private lane at the London Bridge Fitness First is an incredible perk. The pool is well-maintained and provides an ideal environment for learning to swim. It's a privilege to have access to such fantastic facilities, making the investment in Mark's lessons worth every penny.

What speaks volumes about Mark's teaching is the fact that I was referred to him on two separate occasions by different individuals. This just goes to show how much his lessons and teachings resonate with his students. I can wholeheartedly say that choosing Mark as my swimming instructor was one of the best decisions I've made on my journey to becoming a confident swimmer.

In conclusion, I can't recommend Mark enough as a swimming teacher. He has transformed my relationship with water, and his structured approach, combined with his exceptional customer service and access to top-notch facilities, makes him an outstanding instructor. If you're looking to learn to swim or improve your skills, look no further than Mark – he's simply the best!

Mark is an absolutely amazing teacher and swim coach. He works hard to understand your goals and build a completely personalised coaching programme based on your goals and your learning style. He is methodical and plans each session in advance, follows up with pointers / notes and most importantly makes sure we’re having fun! I thoroughly enjoy learning with Mark and cannot recommend him highly enough.

Mark is a brilliant swim instructor and I can't recommend him enough! He is supper skilled yet humble, very professional, disciplined, communicative, super creative(when it comes to following up on stuff or alternatives to a specific technique) and kind. My experience with water hasn't been the best, yet in only 3 sessions/3h, with Mark's help I have learned to float, breath under water, gracefully get out of the pool and more. Even attempt the backstroke. And I am/was(at the time) a complete beginner. All of this are thinks I've dreamed of and now I can actually do. Thank you!

I recently had the pleasure of taking swimming lessons with Mark Trude, and it was an outstanding experience. Mark's caring and funny approach made every lesson enjoyable and engaging. His well-structured plans and constant feedback were instrumental in improving my technique and boosting my confidence. If you're looking for an exceptional swimming instructor, Mark Trude is the one!

I cannot recommend Mark’s services enough. Not only has he instilled in me the confidence to swim again that I believed was once lost but he also places real emphasis on learning the skill of swimming, broken down in an enjoyable lesson that will provide the feel-good high you need to continue your day. I am really enjoying my adult swimming lessons, Mark makes me feel at ease in my journey to becoming completely swim-confident.

Mark is the best teacher I've ever had in any sport. He's extremely knowledgeable and able to simply explain even the most technical concepts. He's also very engaging and entertaining. The classes are always fun and I look forward to them each time.
Most importantly though, I can see the progress after each session. It's really incredible how a few weeks ago I couldn't swim, was afraid of water and as an adult thought I'd never be able to learn. Now I can swim and I'm confident in water. Thank you Mark!!

Mark is such a wonderful teacher, focusing exactly on what you need and want and adapting easily to your level and goals. He gives very useful advice and carefully prepares the lesson beforehand so you can get the most out of it. I have made tremendous progress in my technique after a few lessons, especially compared to the several years of group classes I took as a child. He is also very encouraging and nice to be around, I am always looking forward to my swimming lesson.

Over the years I have tried a few different swimming lessons as an adult, some one-to-one lessons, and some group lessons. However my LearnToSwim lesson with Mark was the most recent and it was the best by far!
Mark was kind, considerate, and encouraging. He was very understanding about how anxious I was in the water. I am neurodivergent and struggle with new people, especially when I am already feeling anxious and Mark was great at putting me at ease.
During my lesson Mark helped me understand breathing techniques, what the angle of my neck should be in the water and how to stand up in the water in an easy and controlled manner when I have finished swimming all in one lesson.
The only reason I haven’t continued lessons with Mark is because I moved 200 miles away, however if he ever ends up nearby I will definitely ask him for more lessons! I wish I could transport him here for lessons!
I recommend doing one of Mark’s intro lessons to anyone thinking about swimming lessons, it is well worth it and you won’t want to stop after the intro lesson with him!
All the best to anyone trying to learn to swim as an adult, I know how daunting it can be, but it is also incredibly enjoyable, you can do it and Mark will help A LOT! 😊

Mark is an EXCELLENT swim coach.
I had tried to self learn to swim using YouTube videos and trial and error before signing up to lessons with Mark and my swimming has come along leaps and bounds.
His attention to detail and understanding of the challenges of you as a client is second to none.
I would thoroughly recommend his swim coaching!

Mark is an amazing tutor. Initially, my purpose was to learn swimming to be able to survive on beach holidays. However, upon completion of the first few lessons, I started enjoying swimming. Mark’s patience and interesting ways to teach swimming make me look forward to my swim class every week.

Mark's a fantastic teacher - the explanations and demonstrations of breathing and swim strokes have been so helpful - my technique and confidence has really improved with his help - thank you Mark - really look forward to learning more soon