Learn in Paradise
You’ve always wanted to learn to swim.
Why not now?
It’s time to enjoy every vacation free to swim no matter the depth of the water. We’ll show you how.
Become a strong swimmer
Enjoy an unforgettable experience
Learn to love being in the water
Learn on Vacation
Upcoming Retreats
Learn to Swim in a Pool
Learn to Swim in the Ocean
JoyFULL Mexico Retreat
Learn on Vacation
Upcoming Retreats
Private Lessons
Personalized Retreat
Hawaii | Learn to Swim in
5 Days
Seattle & Portland Area
3-Day
Learn To Swim Retreat
Don’t put off learning to swim any longer.
Why is it so hard for adults to learn how to swim?
Adults have questions, concerns, experiences, and maybe even fears about the water that kids don’t have! That means adult swim classes need to be approached in an entirely different way.
At Calm Within Adult Swim, we love teaching adults how to swim because we enjoy watching you transform your mindset and accomplish something you thought was impossible – especially when it’s something you’ve wanted to do for a long time, like learn to swim!
We’re honored to teach you, and students like you, to learn to swim with confidence so they can enjoy the water like never before. It’s your turn to make that a reality!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Each retreat is tailored to meet you where you are. Whether you’re a complete beginner*, nervous around water, or looking to deepen your confidence, our retreats provide a safe, supportive environment to grow at your own pace.
*Learn to swim in the ocean, students need to know the Foundations of Swimming.
Each retreat focuses on different aspects of swimming and personal growth:
- Learn to Swim in a Pool: Perfect for those starting from scratch or wanting to build foundational skills in a controlled environment. Focus is on learning calm confidence in deep water.
- Learn to Swim in the Ocean: For beginners who dream of swimming confidently in open water while exploring mindfulness and nature. Focus is on learning calm confidence while snorkeling and other ocean experiences.
- JoyFULL Mexico Retreat: A transformative experience blending water-based activities, mindfulness, and life coaching to rediscover joy and balance in your life.
Our retreats attract a diverse group of adults who share a common goal: to overcome fear, build confidence, and enjoy water in a new way. Whether you’re seeking a personal challenge or a moment of joy, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming community here.
Expect a mix of water-based activities, mindfulness practices, and personal growth sessions tailored to your comfort and goals. Each retreat includes expert guidance, plenty of encouragement, and moments of joy and connection.
Our retreats are immersive, holistic experiences that go beyond technique. We combine swimming skills with mindfulness, somatic activities, and personal coaching to create a unique and lasting transformation.
Student Experiences
What's the word on the program
Words cannot express how grateful I am to Orca Swim School. I just finished the 3 day Foundations course this past weekend and I feel like I’m a different person. Learning to swim was one of my life goals since I didn’t learn when I was a child. At 60 years old, I thought I may have to give up. But then I found Orca Swim School and when I heard they were doing these classes in Portland, which is closer to my home, I took it as a sign to finally face my fears of deep water and sign up. All the lessons I’ve taken as an adult failed me because it didn’t address my fear of the deep water. After taking these classes with Cori as my instructor, I am now more comfortable in the water because I now know how the water holds me up and able to change my thought process which helps with dealing with my fear. Cori made the classes fun – which I never ever experienced that feeling of fun in the water EVER. By the last day, I was able to confidently jump into the deep end of the pool and swim back to the side of the pool – I COULDN’T STOP SMILING!!!! What I also loved is the complete understanding you receive from the instructors that as an adult, you are not weird for not knowing how to swim — there are many people like me that don’t know but haven’t found these classes. For anyone out there reading this and considering taking the plunge, PLEASE DO. It will change your life. THANK YOU CORI, and ORCA SWIM SCHOOL! I am forever grateful!!!
The 3-Day Learn to Swim Retreat was transformational. I went from being anxious and tense in the water to neutral and relaxed. I better understand how my body moves in water, how to conserve energy, how to get air when I need it, and am building healthy foundational skills.
I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to feel safer in water, and more confident in their body and its capacities in water.
First of all, this has been the best learning experience I have had as a new beginner swimmer. I was skeptical at first but so glad I took the leap of faith to enroll. I just competed Foundations 1 classes this past weekend with instructor Karen who is phenomenal! I would also like to acknowledge Jack who helped out the first week. The class number is only 4 people which makes learning easy and enjoyable. I am more comfortable in the water and will continue building on the skills I have acquired. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for adult swimming classes to check out Orca Swim! Thank you again!