What Our Students Say

We quote every single student, not just a few!

Comments from Every Class Member of the August, 2007 Berkeley, CA Class (eight students):

"I love, love, love the class. I've alredy referred people to it. Perfect size of 10 max students ." — Mary Hau, San Francisco

"A must-do." — Sheila Page, Oakland, CA

"I feel great that I took this class. I would highly recommend it especially to people who are scared of water. The spotter helped me float and it was incredible and that was the beginning of the miracle." — Louella Wilson, Concord, CA

"10++++++. Nothing else could have worked for me, as far as I believe. It's been a life-changing and enhancing experience for me. It far transcends swimming, although that, alone would have been more than worth it. I learned so much about myself, my ego, my capabilities, what blocks me, etc. It was worth every penny I spent and then some. I went far beyond what I thought possible." —Greg Wellons, San Francisco

"It was excellent. I'm ready to take more classes. Already signed up for Next Step and looking forward to Freestyle." —John Bibby, Oakland, CA

"It was miraculous. I was able to do things like floating and swimming in the deep end that I thought I would never do." —Grande Lum, Oakland, CA

"This class has changed my life. I've received and learned more than I ever thought possible. I'm very happy and thankful." —Fred Gapasin, San Francisco

"Fears dissolved one by one. A new world has completely opened up. Truly transformational and more fun than I could ever imagine."
—Herdis Pelle, Oakland, CA

Comments from Every Class Member of the July, 2007 Berkeley, CA Class (eight students):

"Well worth the time and investment no matter how far you progress within the class time. The point is you take it at your own pace."
—Denise Leo

"It's amazingly effective." —Helen Morgan

"Great class. Highly recommended!"
—Grace Chung

"Very positive, indeed. I would encourage all fearful non-swimming adults to take the class. But I would encourage TSI to look closely at each student's ability and advise them very closely on which class to take." —Barbara Lane

"Class was great. Want to swim? Take this class. You will." —David Atkin

I learned that the water supports me. Going slowly, doing what's fun, getting instructoin, and it all comes together. Ricahrd and Deborah are excellent." —Linda Brannan

"I came in skeptical and apprehensive along with my fear of the water, itself. I've come away astounded, and accomplishing things that I couldn't even imagine before, without any fear at all. It seems too good to be true, but it is true!
—Denise Howard

"Rate my happiness with TSI's class? 9 out of 10." —Cyndi Chaw

Comments from Every Class Member of the May, 2007 Berkeley, CA Class (eight students):

"I felt the class was wonderful."
—Vickie, Singapore

"I have shared my experience of this Beginning class with many people—and much to my surprise, many of thse are non-swimming adults that have never let their fears be known. I can't wait for the next class, but will have to. "
— Gaye Foss

"I loved the class and learned a lot. "
— Corrie Bowe

"The instructor makes all the difference in how I learn. He is perfect for this and he was once one of us. He relates to the feeling of beng fearful and needing to take steps at our own pace."
—Nicole Acker

"I'm glad I finally had a chance to experience this class. If you are uncomfortable in any way in the water then you will never be able to experience the freedom you can have: the knowledge of your body's buoyancy and idea of staying in your body. I liked the fact that I could really go at my own pace. In doing so, it allowed me to learn more than I ever have in swimming lessons. " —LaShonda Jackson

"I was very happy: no pressure. I liked the class. It is the first time I have been in the deep end. " —Ahmad Hadi

"I'm very happy with the class. I feel silly Ididn't take it long ago." —Jan Bottorf

This class allowed me to learn to be comfortable in water. It taught me the basics which I never got in other classes. " —Anonymous

Comments From Every Class Member of the Tampa Beginning Class, March, 2007 (seven students):

"Worthwhile whether phobic or merely new. I know I can safely and confidently learn strokes now without distraction." — Daniel Oliverio, Buffalo, NY

"The methods used for teaching are the most effective for beginners, including novices who are afraid. Each part of the lesson considers the needs of each person, so they continuously learn in a supportive and positive way." — Gerry Morisseau, Vancouver Island, BC

"This class should be a prerequisite to life as a human on this planet. Everyone who wants to conquer their fear of water should know about TSI." — Carson Burke, Sarasota, FL

"I would highly recommend it, and that isn't saying enough. When you leave TSI, I truly believe you have learned more than how to swim." — Ken Dutkiwich, Alberta, Canada

"Based on my readings (website and book) I came into the class with high expectations and I was not disappointed. I would tell others to read the book, feel optimistic, and RELAX." — Elaine Mateo, Atlanta, GA

"Great class. Would certainly recommend it to others." — Ana O'Byrne, Sag Harbor, NY

"The knowledge is absolutely in us...this class brings us to the realization of finding and using this knowledge to overcome our fear of water by approaching it in small, slow, effective steps to success." — Grace Edwards, Sarasota, FL

"This class has changed my entire life. You gave me such incremental steps to learn step by step: the whole process felt so natural."
— Nancy Finkelmeier, Ohio

"I can never, ever, ever thank you enough. Better than great. I cannot recommend it enough. It is truly a miracle." — Joe Baron, CA

"This summer was truly one of the best summers I have ever had because of you and your phenomenal TSI program. — Mark, The Converted Skeptic, CA

"I wish I could share this experience with the whole world. I would (do anything) for you." — Cynthia Tuttelman, CA

"Take this class. Melon is amazing." — Anonymous, CA

"It's worth the risk. It's worth the money. It's life-changing. I'm your cheerleader!" — Linda Morris, CA

"It's the best. It's what you've been searching for. Just do it!! Watch the video. Take a mini-class." — Anonymous,CA

"If it weren't for your swimming classes for adults who fear water, I probably would have passed up swimming in this lifetime. My deep gratitude for you and your classes. Thank you!" — Kathi Gonzales, San Francisco, CA

I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned and how much more confident I now am in water. Your methods truly had a miraculous impact on me and my newfound confidence in water have opened doors that I thought would always remain shut. Fred was excellent, moving us forward at the right pace individually. I went to Maui last September and enjoyed every second, including snorkeling. I would have never had the confidence to visit an island with all of those "water activities" before your classes. Thanks for everything.
— Richard Kennedy, Mountain View, CA

"The best swim class I have ever taken." — Liz Gebhardt, CA

"My swimmer self is bursting out of me!" — Diana Quintal, CA

"I went out for Fleet Week on the USS Potomac with a bunch of my friends to see the Blue Angels (Air Force flying team). I love flying, so I took all my camera equipment, lenses, all the heavy stuff. To get the best shots, I was leaning out over the bow of the ship somewhat precariously (my friends thought) and they said, "Joan, you're going to fall overboard into the bay!" I said, "Well, if I do, tell them to turn around and pick me up." I never would have even gotten close to the bow, or considered the possibility of living through falling overboard before I took TSI's class." — Joan Kral, Hayward, CA, 10/00

Comments From Every Class Member Of the Westfield, Massachusetts Beginning Class, April, 2006 (nine students):

"Best thing since sliced cheese. No matter what level you're at when you start, you will meet or exceed your expectations." — Ida Sanders, NYC

"This class is amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone who is afraid — it will free you from your fear. And it was just so much fun!" — Diana Greenlief, Ithaca, NY

"I am so happy with how far I've come in one week. If you are willing to trust the instructor and willing to let go of your beliefs one at a time, you can't help but make huge strides." — Mark Landry, Boston

"I felt all aspects were presented in a calm fashion, at my pace, and I never felt funny if I couldn't do something. I was able to learn things that even affected me when I was not in the water. What worked really well for me was being taught to slow down and to do steps at my own pace without feeling left out." — Nora Wood, Massachusetts

"The system works, I'm sure of it. I'm also sure that your methods will assist me in other areas of my life. I would tell anyone considering your class to bring along all the patience they can muster for themselves; stay true to where they are in the process and have faith that what they came for will happen on its own, it's own time. Have fun in the meantime!" — Barbara Bancroft, Boston

"Wonderful! I cannot believe myself! I can now swim to the deep end and not be terrified...I can actually feel good about just bobbing on top of the water in the deep area and not be out of control! And the classes are small enough for individual attention whenever I needed it." — Lore Hetzner, Cohoes, NY

"Don't wait. See all you're missing!" — John Lafountain, Albany, NY

"It's like no other class! Swimming or otherwise I am very satisfied with my progress!" — Caffieann Forde, Albany, NY

"Forget all the past disappointments. This will be the last time you'll take swim lessons. It works!" — Jackie Kokosa, the Berkshires

Comments From Every Class Member Of the Palm Springs Beginning Class, April 2006 (six students):

"I will recommend it with pride. I am a living example of the success of this class." — Rolly Sese, Los Angeles, CA

"This was truly an invaluable experience! It has changed my life, in the most positive of ways, forever. I will never forget this as long as I live and will be back someday for an upper level class. The bouncing game we played last night was worth the $1800, alone!" — Tanya Childress, Oklahoma City, OK

"It works!" — Lee Keyser, El Paso, TX

"TSI brings the seemingly impossible within reach." — Iris Booker, Phoenix, AZ

"This class works well for adults scared of water."  — N.H., Detroit, MI

"Great class!! Lots of learning. Melon's teaching skills are incredible!" — Toni Sisneros, Portland, OR

Comments From Every Class Member of two Orlando Beginning Classes, August, 2006 (thirteen students):

"Amazing that it really works! You can't help but be skeptical at first because it seems so simple, but then you wonder why everyone doesn't each this way. Also, your book is excellent." — Diana Duff

"If I had enough pennies, or lived in Berkeley, I'd continue taking classes."
— Theresa Cirnigliaro, NYC

"This class gives you the confidence to try things, feel how the water is around you, as opposed to teaching strokes and how to get from one side to another. I had previously been taught this but was still afraid and would avoid the water all all times. I now enjoy the water, feel it around me, know that I'm safe within myself and that if I'm true to myself, the water always works, to my surprise!" — Kerry McGillivary

"I thought the class was fantastic. While I had absolutely no expectations going in, I was amazed at my progress." — Valerie Jones

"You can go at your own pace, not being forced to do something you do not want to do. Use the book and video to sell the course. I did not l ike the fact that we did not have exclusive use of the hotel pool." — Louis Buoscio

"Best investment I've made in a while."
— Jacqueline Hernandez, Florida

"Excellent class, a must for all who fear water." — Maria Renzo

"I am not sure if it was in the information and I missed it, but I feel emphasis should be made that depending on your level of fear, you may not learn to swim." — Carolyn Smalls

"It works. I never took swimming lessons before and this really works. I let go of the wall to really feel the water and I learned how to do a front float, back float, glide across the pool and tread water." — Patricia Burke

"I'm sad to leave. I will miss each and everyone in this class. I'd give the course handbook a 10 out of 10, the uniqueness of the teaching a 10, effectiveness of the teaching a 10, the discussions a 10, and my happiness with the class a 10." — Saquib Masud

"This class went above and beyond my expectations. I have so much freedom in the water and am doing things quite comfortably that I never ever thought I would do. Not only have TSI's principles helped me overcome my fear of deep water and swim and play, free and relaxed, but they have also helped me (and will continue to do so) in all aspects of my life. This is the most amazing, life-altering experience I have ever had. Take this class and experience freedom in the water!"
— Tanya Smith, Virginia

"A life-changing class...the best swimming instruction I have ever received (and I've taken lessons 3 or 4 times). Now after only 5 days, I am free in the water and I can swim. All swim classes should be taught this way without exception. The class freed me from my fear of the water and no other class or instructor has ever made that possible until now. I truly thank you. It was life changing, unbelievable, incredible, fun and relaxing. The method does not fail. It's the best method of learning to overcome fear. It's the most fun I have ever had in the water." — Michael Hart

2005

Comments From Every Class Member Of The August, 2005 Orlando, Florida Class (ten students):

"I've progressed tremendously. Dunking myself in the deep end and springboarding off the bottom as well as using my "paddles" to get me to the top was unthinkable 2 days ago!" — Darwin Davis, NYC, NY

"It is by far one of the best gifts I have ever given myself." — Stephanie Palmer, NYC, NY

"All other swimming classes should be closed! This class reaches people on all levels and has proven to be effective. I felt in reading the materials assigned each day that I could relate to all aspects. It seemed like Melon had examined my head and was able to determine exactly how I felt about my fears. I truly surprised myself. The very things I knew I wouldn't be able to do were the things I excelled in." — Waletta Cotten, Washington, D.C.

"I will tell my friends what I thought of this class and refer them to you." — Norman Carter, California

"This class has been life-changing and I am extremely grateful." — Susan Hur, Washington, D.C.

"No other way!" — Glenn Johnson, Ohio

"I feel this class explains well how to overcome your fears. The content of this class makes total sense. I would definitely recommend this class to others because it does work." — Lilian Cidoni, Long Island, NY

"This was a class where both perceived and anticipated individual needs were met by the instructor." — Gladys Clark Johnson, Washington, D.C.

"Very positive. I would highly recommend it." — Ray Bengen, NYC, NY

Comments From Every Class Member of the Palm Springs Beginning Class, September, 2005 (five students):

"I am delighted. Great class. Can't say enough good things about it. It has liberated me from fear of deep water which gripped me for years." — Al Bender, San Jose, CA

"I will recommend it to everyone who is afraid of deep water/swimming." — Hari Mulukutla, NY

"I would recommend this course over any class. The material and teaching style surpass all classes I have had the opportunity to take. I have had many, many, many classes elsewhere." — Geraldine Clark, Oakland, CA

"This is a truly great system and really works, even on stubborn cases. Few things in life deliver on their promise like this course did. I'm totally amazed at the change in my life as a result of taking this course." — Larry Fine, Boston, MA

"Great class. Well worth the time and money." — Timothy Huff, Phoenix, AZ

Comments From Every Class Member Of The February, 2004 Palm Springs Beginning Class:

"I give the class an 11 out of a possible 10!" — Jamie Appel, New York City, NY

"This is truly a blessing. Thank you!" — Claudine Allison, LA, CA

"I can't thank (you) enough for working with me. I've taken many lessons throughout my life and this is the furthest I've been to becoming a swimmer."
— Linda Jeffries, North Dakota

"I'm not afraid anymore!" — Maria Mezari, LA, CA

Comments From Every Member Of The August 2, 2004 Orlando Beginning Class (ten):

"This class is the best class anywhere. The personal attention you receive from all the staff is so reassuring. They are all dedicated. They care about you. I love them all."
— Marilyn Leibowitz, NY, NY

"Each step is very practical and well thought-out. Excellent writing and simple charts, pictures and great learning tools. It is an excellent class for overcoming many other types of fear besides swimming." — Donna Limerick, Washington, D.C.

"The absolute best teaching style I've ever experienced. This class is the best gift to me that I've ever received.To people considering taking this class I'd say view the video, leave preconcieved ideas at the door, and listen, listen listen: to classmates, Melon, and your body." — Cher Powell, Ithaca, NY

"Anyone afraid in water would benefit from this class. I honestly don't believe anyone could arrive at class in a less secure position than I did. And I made progress! Thank you for showing me that if I stopped trying to learn to SWIM, I would reach my first step toward learning it." — Barbara Bancroft, Boston, MA

"Better than passing the bar. I'm addicted!" — Margaret Teague, CA

"The teaching style is excellent: one of a kind. I couldn't be happier. To prospective students: believe in the class structure, believe in the instructor. Believe in yourself." — Susan Mueller, Tampa, FL

"I rate my happiness with this course, the discussions, the instructor's teaching style, and the course content at a 10 out of 10." — V. McGriff, Tampa, FL

"Best class I have ever taken, swimming or otherwise. It has taught me not only about swimming but about myself. It has brought me acceptance. Amazing. I rate the discussions at a 12 out of 10." — Tracey Scott Wilson, Newark, NJ

"Absolutely a must." — Barry Davis, Miami, FL

"Thank you for adding an element to my life that I thought I'd never own. The class was absolutely great. The staff was always there for us. To prospective students: take the class. It will change your life." — Sharry Long, Cincinnati, OH

"I rate the course content, handbook, discussions, and my happiness with class at a 10 out of 10." — Candi Jones, Tampa, FL

"Best thing I've ever done for myself."
— Lourdes Sori, Miami, FL

"The class turned out to be more than I expected. You taught me things I had never heard before. I had fun and I learned at the same time. To prospective students: Take the class." — Fred McGriff, Tampa, FL

Comments From Every Member Of The August 9, 2004 Orlando Beginning Class (eight):

"It's not like any other swimming class you'll ever take. It gets at the real issue, not just trying to teach stroke techniques. Take it! TSI, your method is the only way I'll be able to meet my swimming goals. I haven't been in a swimming pool in 10 years. Never in the deep end! I am amazed." — Rick Williams, Orlando, FL

"I am very pleased with my outcome for this class and convinced of the effectiveness of the Miracle Swimming approach because I've seen incredible progress among all of my classmates." — Rhonda Johnson, NY, NY

"This class has given me a level of comfort and freedom in water and an understanding of how my body works with water that I doubt I could have learned anywhere else. From the very first session TSI made the pool a place I could have fun and feel safe.... I have learned things here that have made me look at myself differently. I believe this class will have an impact in my life that stretches far beyond the edge of the pool....The TSI experience is life-changing in a profound and positive way. If your fear of water or failure in other classes have ever made you feel like something was wrong wtih you, TSI will help you." — Caroline Meyers, NY, NY

Comments From Every Class Member Of the Palm Springs Beginning Class, September, 2004 (six students):

"Your whole method and approach to teaching are excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed the positive, supportive environment in the class. I would highly recommend this class to someone who is afraid in water." — Nicole Davis, San Diego, CA

"Very good. I'm very happy I managed to get here. It was a very good experience." — Cariso O'Kelly, San Francisco, CA

"I got the results I came for. It gave me the comfort and confidence I basically believe was missing in the other lessons I took." — Maria Martinez, NJ

"I was a little mystified about how things would work. The words on the web site are clear but without the experience (it's hard) to truly understand. If someone is apprehensive about the class, they should take the mini-class." — Aileen Kaspar, San Francisco, CA

"This class has been absolutely fabulous. I had so much fun while I was conquering my fear. For people who need to conquer their fear of water and have fun doing it, TSI is the place to do it." — Oliver Madden, San Francisco, CA

"I am very glad that I took this class. It has been an amazing experience. I feel like I have a awhole new way of approaching the water and for the first time in my life-it is a positive way. I want to "stay wet" because of this class. :-)" — Sharon Shapiro, North Carolina

Comments From Every Class Member of the Berkeley, CA Beginning Class, September, 2004:

"This class was liberating!" — Anita Escandor, San Francisco, CA

"Focus on comfort and overcoming fear is great. I needed to develop this level of comfort in the water before attempting to really try to swim." — Norbert Jeske, Berkeley, CA

"Wonderful. I am so happy with the progress I've made. It will take time to become as comfortable in the water (includes rivers, lakes and the ocean) as I would like to be."

But I've learned that if I'm patient it will come in its own good time. Thank you so much."
— Mike Dunlap, Oakland, CA

"This class gets a 10 out of 10. I had tried other types of lessons, so I could see right away that this class was different from the others." — Eileen Mullins, Berkeley, CA

"The picture on this card (not shown) symbolizes my experience with TSI - the water has given me new life. Thank you." — Rebecca Kozak

Comments From Every Class Member (5) Of The May, 2003 Glenwood Springs Next Step Class:

"I got what I needed, and it was big." — Paula Spero-Farr, Baltimore, MD

"Do it!" — Mark Miller, Chicago, IL

"I swam back and forth in that huge deep end and I wasn't afraid!" — Atul Vaidya, Salt Lake City, UT

"Perfect." — Wayne Shaker, Wisconsin

Comments From Every Class Member Of The July, 2003 Tampa Beginning Class (4 students):

"Be prepared to change the way you think." — Adrienne Love, Atlanta, GA

"Class is not about teaching conventional adult Beginner lessons. Lays a foundation for adults afraid in water who can then build on this foundation with skills that come naturally." — Sylvia Holm-Jensen, New York City, NY

"It was worth the trip!"
— Maurizio Levazzari, Milan, Italy

"Let go of expectations and goals and just have fun. It works." — Leslie Turner, Washington, D.C.

Comments From Every Class Member Of The August, 2003 Berkeley Beginning Class (ten):

"This is the only swim class that works." — Dorothy Chu

"Do it!" — Les McKeown

"Excellent course! Sign up today: you'll be glad you did!" — Julie Wilson

"Do it-- take the class. If you are hesitant becasue of the cost, see it as an investment in yourself...and you're worth every cent. Though the class only lasted 8 days, it felt like a lifetime because mentally I had changed so much between day 1 and day 8." — Angie Wong

"I give the class a 10 out of a possible 10." — Nazir Ahmadi

"10 out of a possible 10." — Jude Sharp

"Excellent. It's a different approach which is actually quite logical and effective. It works." — Rupert Dusauzay, Jr.

"Don't wait 55 years (as I did)!" — Rudyard Vance

"It works!" — Niraj Shah

"Anyone who would like to increase their comfort and fun in water should take this course." — Caroline Gold

Comments From Both Students Of The September, 2003 Calistoga Beginning Class:

"I can't imagine why this isn't the universal way swimming is taught. Too awesome for words. Euphoric." — Margaret Teague, CA

"An extraordinary experience. I came home on Friday, feeling like a new person. I went swimming at our neighborhood pool on Saturday afternoon, and it was as if I was seeing the pool with new eyes. For the first time, I was swimming and looking around and realized that the slope of the pool going to the bottom at the deep end didn't look so scary. I decided to give myself time and just had fun doing a few flips and somersaults... and spent a lot of time in the water without getting tired. During the first few days back at home and at work, I felt my mind slowing down and was very aware of the world around me. My tight mind was willing to try new things. I hope I can keep that feeling and not limit my possibilities. Thank you." — Melonie Brophy, CA

"Exceeded my goals. A natural next step. Staying in (control) has become as natural as breathing." — Ellen Caplan, Vail, CO

"I have surprised myself again. This is so big." — Anna Eastwood, CA

"I made real progress and am very pleased."
— Yee Chin, CA

"The deep water doesn't bother me anymore. I just need to get the breath now." — Bill Elwell, Washington, D.C

Comments from Every Member of the Glenwood Springs Next Step class, May 23-27, 2001

"I achieved things like diving and swimming under water that I never thought I would be doing this soon." — Mari Williams, Boston, MA

"This swimming course has absolutely changed my life. The personal attention and diagnosis of individual techniques are invaluable." — Mary Glenn, Broomfield, CO

"The classes are small enough so they can meet the needs of all. On the third day, I went rafting with some of my classmates! I actually found myself thinking, "Well that does look pretty good, to just jump into the river!"
— Georgine Marbach, San Antonio, TX

"Great. I made real progress." — Joan Kral, Hayward, CA