Introduction to being in the ocean. How to get in, float in salt water, navigate breakers, be comfortable with waves, locomote from here to there, be at ease. Come to understand how the ocean water works at the beach. Learn about undertows, currents, critters, and safety. We may have time to learn how to use snorkeling gear.
Four 3-hour classes; land and ocean portions at each class. Course fee includes course and transportation to classes. Hotel is extra: recommendations below.
Sample schedule:
Day 1, 9-12 and 3-6
Day 2 9-12, Optional afternoon sailing on Sarasota Bay, 4:30-6:30, $65
Day 3, 8-11 a.m.
Depart Day 3 (fly from Tampa after 3:30 p.m.; from Sarasota after 1:30 p.m.)
Learn to apply the 5 Circles at the beach and strengthen your practice of staying in your body to be in control in the ocean.
The Gulf of Mexico is 87-90 degrees in summer.
Goggles and cap welcome. Rash guard recommended (a sun blocking shirt). We sell Miracle Swimming rash guards for $25. We recommend clear goggles so you can see well in the water (dark goggles are too dark).
Limit: 8 students. Call 941-921-6420 before committing to air fare.
Prerequisite: MSI Beginning class or for non-graduate family members/friends, the ability to put face in water comfortably, float and unfloat on front and back, and roll over.
United States Masters Swimming membership ($37 for the year) extra if you're not a current member.
Transportation package from Tampa International Airport: $100 round trip per person shared ride including tip if you arrive at Tampa Airport by 3 p.m. Thursday (or the day before class begins). Depart hotel below for airport at 1:00 or 1:30 Sunday, (the day class ends). Fly Sunday after 3:30 p.m. Hotel is 1.25 hours from Tampa airport. Sarasota Airport is 20 minutes from our hotels, yet more expensive to fly to. Take cab from SRQ (Sarasota airport) or rent car.
Stay at either of these two hotels. They're .2 miles apart and both on Lido Beach.
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, on Lido Beach: one of our two beaches for class. Make your own reservations (mention "Miracle Swimming"):
941-388-2181
1-800-221-4982
700 Ben Franklin Dr.
Lido Key
Sarasota, FL 34236
$109 plus tax, standard room;
Restaurant on premises.
Hotel next door: newer, more upscale:
Lido Beach Resort
700 Ben Franklin Dr.
Lido Key
Sarasota, FL 34236
$159 plus 12% tax, all nights, with kitchenettes.
Reservations:
1-800-441-2113
1-941-388-2161
Mention Miracle Swimming Rate
Restaurants on premises
The Sandcastle and Lido Beach Resort are within walking distance of South Lido Beach Park.
1 mile to St. Armand's Circle, lively area of restaurants and shops. Free shuttle to St. Armands from the Sandcastle.
Two pools at each hotel.
Nonrefundable deposit for class: $150. Balance due ~30 days before class begins. Balance-due-date will be emailed to you upon registration.