On Swimming

“There is something about being in water that gets you into a mode of searching for something meaningful.”
Joanne Woodward

Growing up, swimming wasn’t just a hobby—it was a survival skill. My journey with swimming began when I was five years old. My dad, in his infinite wisdom, decided the best way to teach me was to push me into the deep end. Sink or swim, right? Well, I swam. And screamed. But mostly swam. Looking back, I appreciate his unorthodox method. At the time, though, I was convinced I was in a real-life episode of “Survivor: Backyard Pool Edition.”

“The water doesn’t know your age.”—Dara Torres

On hot summer days, our family’s favorite pastime was swimming. My dad, my sister, and I would hit the local pool, where the only goal was to out-splash each other. My sister and I made it our mission to turn our dad into a human sprinkler. To his credit, he took it like a champ, though I suspect he was plotting his revenge every time he resurfaced.

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”—Loren Eiseley

In grade six, I decided to take my aquatic skills to the next level and joined my school’s swim team. It was a glorious time filled with swim caps, chlorine-scented hair, and the occasional accidental mouthful of pool water. My competitive spirit was ignited, and I carried that flame all the way to high school, where I transitioned from swimmer to swim instructor. Teaching others to swim was rewarding, especially when the kids didn’t immediately burst into tears at the sight of water.

“Swimming: From flopping around in the kiddie pool to dominating the deep end.”—Zain

As a kid, I never saw the appeal of long-distance swimming. Who wants to swim back and forth for hours when there are cannonballs to be perfected? But in my twenties, I caught the bug while training for my first triathlon. Suddenly, swimming wasn’t just about speed; it was about endurance and grit. I found a new appreciation for the rhythm of the strokes and the peaceful solitude of the water.

“The meditative power of water can soothe the soul and calm the mind.”—Zain

Swimming has always had a meditative element for me. There’s something magical about the repetitive motion, the feeling of weightlessness, and the sound of your own breath echoing in your head. It’s like being in a giant, chlorinated Zen garden. When I’m in the water, all my worries float away, leaving me in a state of aquatic bliss.

“Water is your friend. You don’t have to fight with water, just share the same spirit as the water, and it will help you move.”—Aleksandr Popov

I’ve had the chance to swim all around the world, and let me tell you, some swimming pools are next-level amazing. From infinity pools overlooking tropical beaches to rooftop pools in bustling cities, each one offers a unique experience. Check out the pictures below to see some of the incredible places I’ve had the pleasure of taking a dip.

“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”—Ernest Hemingway

Sure, Hemingway didn’t include swimming in his list of real sports, but I’m pretty sure he never experienced the joy of a perfectly executed dive or the triumph of finishing a grueling set of laps. Swimming may not involve dodging bulls or scaling mountains, but it’s a sport that tests your limits and brings unparalleled satisfaction.

So here’s to swimming: a lifelong love affair that started with a splash and has taken me on a journey across pools and oceans. Whether I’m teaching kids, training for a race, or just floating around on a lazy afternoon, swimming will always be my happy place. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some water to conquer.

Photos of my swimming adventures around the world: