Hey there, water-loving (or water-fearing) friends! Ready to conquer your fear of the deep end and become a swimming superstar?
Let's face it, learning to swim can be daunting. You're probably picturing yourself flailing around like a beached whale, while everyone else effortlessly cuts through the water like a dolphin. But fear not, my aquatic adventurers! There's a new hero in town - "The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming." This book claims to be the ultimate guide for all things swim, offering a path to mastery for even the most landlocked among us.
But is it really the golden ticket to swimming success? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into the deep end of this book review and see if it's worth your hard-earned cash.
Swimming to Success: Does This Book Really Deliver?
First things first, let's check out what the swimming masses are saying. This book has a respectable 4.4-star rating on Amazon, which is a good sign, right? But let's be honest, we've all seen those 5-star reviews that are just a little too enthusiastic.
Real People, Real Reviews:
So, what do REAL swimmers have to say? Let's dive into some of the most helpful reviews to see if this book lives up to the hype:
- "My son had been struggling in his swimming class this semester, his teacher did not teach much. I bought this book 40 days ago for him, he learned a lot from it, now he can jump into water, stay in water without sink and swim to the other end of the pool. Today my son passed the swimming test." - fli3
This review is a shining beacon of hope for any parent battling swimming woes. It sounds like this book really helped a kid make serious progress in a short amount of time. Impressive!
- "I’ve found this book helpful in addressing my fears in learning to swim. The book describes what to do and why you’re doing it when applying the mechanics of swimming or becoming comfortable in water." - Elora B. Erdman
This review speaks to the power of this book to combat those pesky swimming anxieties. It's not just about the techniques, it's about understanding the "why" behind them, which can be incredibly empowering.
But Hold Your Horses, There's a Catch:
Now, let's be realistic. Not everyone sings this book's praises. Here's a couple of reviews that might give you pause:
- "I'm talking swimming lessons and had been doing pretty well. Where I am in my lesson now I have really been struggling and I can't move on to the next level until I successfully complete this level. Sometimes reading and seeing pictures help me to have that aha moment. This book seems to be very outdated and its suppose to be for beginners but it will have you go from learning how to float directly into swimming strokes that hadn't even been mentioned before. The area I was struggling in was never mentioned. I watched a lot of YouTube videos for beginning swimmers and they all encluded thepart I was having problems with. So I know it is a standard part of beginning swimming. Just check out a few books before you buy" - Luv to read
Ouch. This review points out a potential flaw - the book might not be as comprehensive as you'd hope, especially if you're working on a specific skill.
- "THIS BOOK HAS GRAEAT INFORMATION IN IT REGARDING SWIN TECHNIQUES. I want to be a swimmer to get in shape and stay fit. Just hope COVID ends so I can put what I've read to use." - m larsen
This review is a little vague, but it highlights a common complaint: The book is great for learning the techniques, but you actually need to get in the water and practice to see results.
A Deep Dive: From Unboxing to Experience
Alright, let's imagine you're unboxing this bad boy. You're greeted with a classic paperback, nothing fancy, but it's all about the content, right? Inside, you'll find illustrations and detailed descriptions of the different stages of learning to swim. It's like having a personal swimming coach in your hands, guiding you through each step.
This book is all about building a solid foundation in the water, so it starts with the basics - getting comfortable in the water, learning to float, and mastering your breathing. Then, it moves onto more advanced techniques like different strokes, proper kicking, and how to stay safe while swimming.
The Good, The Bad, and The Swim-tastic:
Pros:
- Clear and concise explanations: The book breaks down swimming techniques into easy-to-understand steps, making it perfect for beginners.
- Loads of illustrations: The illustrations help you visualize the techniques, which can be super helpful when you're learning something new.
- Practical tips for building confidence: This book doesn't just focus on technique, it also addresses the mental aspects of learning to swim, which can be just as important.
Cons:
- Outdated information: Some reviewers have mentioned that the book is outdated, so you might find some discrepancies between its content and what's taught in modern swimming classes.
- Not as comprehensive as expected: Some readers felt that the book lacked specific information on certain swimming skills they were struggling with.
The Final Verdict:
So, is this book the ultimate guide to learning how to swim? It's definitely a good starting point, especially if you're a complete beginner. The explanations are clear, the illustrations are helpful, and it can definitely boost your confidence in the water.
However, you might need to supplement it with additional resources, like online videos or swimming lessons, to fill in any gaps and stay up-to-date on modern techniques.
The Bottom Line:
If you're a total newbie to swimming and you're looking for a book to guide you through the basics, then "The Complete Beginners Guide To Swimming" is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it can set you on the right path to becoming a confident and capable swimmer. Just remember, practice makes perfect!
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