Against all odds – Learning to Swim better in Lagos, Nigeria

I have been learning to swim discontinuously since I was in Secondary School and have always wanted to perfect my swimming but time has always been a hindrance. At the beginning of the year, I set my mind on being better and Yes! I have gotten a lot better than I was.

Swimming is an essential life skill that everyone should learn, however, being black, learning to swim comes with struggles. Apart from time, top on the list of hindrances to my being a pro swimmer is having black parents.While I was younger, swimming was barely an option.

Even now, my Ma would see swimming photos of me and tell me stories of how people drown 🙁 , go on and on about my inappropriate swimming clothes and constantly remind me to cover up. Sometimes I wonder if I’m to swim with clothes on 😕. My dad would also more calmly tell me to listen to my Mother and be a child of God 😯 .

Unlike before, I’m grown and pretty much able to make my own choices, so, it’s a bit better. Being a traveler and an out door person, having not so great swimming skills just cuts back on the fun. Take for instance, I go on boat cruise and my friends are springing out to swim with dolphins in and all I do is watch.

Trust me, Its heart wreaking, having improved, I really cannot wait to knock diving or splashing into the ocean off my bucket list. If you’ re as adventurous as I am, scroll down to find out where I swim in Lagos. I’d love to catch up with you. Hexk you could teach me one or two things.

Where to swim in Lagos

I got a swim class deal on Dealdey. They have a lot from time to time in various locations across Lagos. I currently take classes at Divine Fountain Hotel, located on Babajide Oki Street off Ligali Ayorinde street, Victoria Island. I got a 6,000Naira deal which gives me 10 swim classes access with a private instructor. Other places include:

1.  Fun Factory – Block A10, Plot 4, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase1, Lagos – Kids Only
2. CVilla Resort – Rd 45, Lekki Scheme 2, Off Muiz Banire Way, By Abraham Adesanya, Lekki, Lagos – Kids Only
3. Axor Suite – Plot 16/17 Sule Olusesi Road, beside Conservation Center, opposite Chevron Quarters, 2nd Toll Gate, off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.
4. Citi Lodge Hotel – 1A Goshen Estate Rd, by Elf Bus Stop, beside PetroCam, Lekki Phase I, Lagos
5. Crawford Swimming Pool – 3 Andoyi St, Onike, Lagos.

I have learnt to black float and I really enjoy it and never skip on a chance to show off 😀 . I prefer this because I really haven’t mastered the art of holding my breath for so long under water and this helps me breathe and swim. I’m also very comfortable with the dog paddle style of swimming for the same reason.

Would you like to join me. Let me know in the comment section.