I've been working with Rob for a few weeks now, and I can honestly say he's the best swim coach I've had. I've been doing triathlons for the past three years, and swimming has always been my biggest challenge. During that time, I've worked with four different swim coaches, but Rob's coaching has been on another level. His approach is different from anything I've experienced before. He breaks things down in a way that just clicks, and the improvements translate immediately in the water. For the first time, I actually feel connected to the water instead of fighting it. In just a few weeks, my technique has improved more than it did with any previous coach. Beyond his expertise, Rob is kind, funny, direct, patient, and genuinely passionate about helping his athletes improve. He's also incredibly flexible with scheduling, which has made it easy to fit lessons into my busy routine. One thing I really appreciate is that every lesson comes with detailed notes and drills to work on between sessions. That extra guidance has helped me maximize each lesson and continue improving on my own. I can't recommend Rob highly enough. Whether you're just learning to swim, training for your first triathlon, or trying to take your swimming to the next level, Rob is an outstanding coach. read more

Robert has taught me how to enjoy swimming again. He knows how to communicate effectively and can evaluate and then teach the perfect drills to teach the necessary skills to improve. I've improved my efficiency in the water and the length per stroke as well well as increased the joy of swimming. I recommend him highly. read more

This is the BEST place for your Aquatic needs. Knowledgeable and compassionate--- I have seen ALL the other courses and have been teaching swimming and Lifeguarding for a long time and Nick is the best of the best- Give them a call and you will see for yourself! read more

I'm generally a fast learner, but not when it comes to ANYTHING that involves my body. I wanted to be a basketball player when I was a kid, but my wrist didn't agree. I wanted to dance as an adolescent, but my feet refused, while my neck was far too excited about it. I've wanted to swim my whole life, but this body was not having it! Point is, I signed up for Beginner swim lessons with Robert with a desperate love for the water, along with a deep fear of it. Despite trying my whole life, I've never learned to swim nor float. I didn't think I could ever learn to float. Robert was highly recommended by a friend, so I took the chance. I floated on the first day and even moved around in the water a bit. By the end of the six sessions (well, five if you include the class I missed), I was stroking in the deep end. I wasn't swimming the distance of the pool (yet), but I was floating and stroking and most importantly, I was comfortable on the deep end. I'm taking Level One classes now and learning so much with each class. I'm still a slow learner when it comes to swimming, but I'm learning! Things are happening with my body! I'm in my mid-thirties and I really didn't think I'd be able to learn anything at this point. Here I am now HIGHLY recommending Robert's classes to any adult who thinks they can't learn to swim. Here you have an incredibly fun and energetic instructor with tons of patience. He will give you the personal attention you need and you will learn what you thought you couldn't. Not a single person in class, as far as I can tell, has been unable to learn something. Depending on the class, the venue will change. I've been getting my beginner swim lessons at St. Bart's. The website should have all the info. read more

Blue Ocean Swimming - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - Elk Grove, California

1. Robert is the best swimming coach I have ever met. He demos both DOs and DONTs which let students understand easily. Among the 5/6 lessons, everyone got improved a lot. Many students come back for more advanced class. 2. The swimming pool under St. Bart church has deep section which could practice treading water. Highly recommend! read more

Coach Robert is THE best!! He helped our five year old get comfortable being in the water without a flotation device in just a few lessons. She progressed in her technique exponentially. He was enthusiastic, engaging, and fun! Can't recommend him enough!! read more

OMG Robert is amazing. I am in my 30's so didn't have much expectations for myself ,I was just hoping to learn how to float. It took one class to float !. 5 classes in I am swimming in 4-5 ft and floating in 7 feet (I am 5 foot ). This is crazy. Robert makes it super comfortable , as an adult I was nervous going for swimming lessons wondering what it would be like. How embarrassed I would be. He makes everything super comfortable, Laid back and enjoyable. Looking to sign for another course with him. I highly recommend. read more

Robert turned my 6 yr old granddaughter from a fearful non swimmer into a totally pool safe fish. He is amazing. It only took 4 private lessons and she is able to swim the length of an Olympic pool also do back float and back stroke. We are so grateful. Mimi mcmahon read more

I wish I could give Robert J. Valentin a million stars! He was not only the best swimming teacher I've ever encountered, but one of the best teachers I've ever met. We did a week of private lessons with Robert for my 7 & 10 year old kids and they both made so much progress AND laughed like crazy. My 10 year old said, "he's the best swim teacher I ever had cause he's fun and he's funny." Robert made sure my 7 year old was water safe (she wasn't before)- he has so much experience, didn't watch the clock, and was super professional. We looked forward to seeing Robert everyday and miss him! I highly recommend Robert for kids, adults, any and all your swimming needs. read more

I just finished the last class of the Level One Swimming course and I can't believe how much I learned in 6 weeks!! I took a beginners course elsewhere about 2 years ago but I still didn't know how to do an actual lap without stopping (freestyle swimming with proper breathing). Through the 6 sessions, Robert really took the time to show the class how to do a proper lap in steps that were easy to understand. There were about 10-12 people in our class and he was still able to observe and help each person with the specific difficulties they were having. He really makes an effort to get to know you and the issues/concerns you have. One week I was having trouble turning my head without sinking and he showed me what I was doing wrong and told me what I should be doing so I wouldn't sink. He remembered the next week and followed up with me to see if I was still having trouble with it. I HIGHLY recommend taking one of Robert's classes!! His classes are very instructive and fun! I'm not afraid of the water but I do have a few friends who are and want to learn how to swim and I've already recommend him for the beginners course. Although I never took that class, there were several people in my class that had previously taken his beginners course and really enjoyed it. I feel like he would be a great teacher for someone who was afraid of water. He's friendly and funny and definitely makes you feel at ease in the water. Thank you Robert for an amazing class!! read more

You won't find a better swim teacher than Coach V., whatever your level. Speaking as someone who's always had serious water anxiety, I wasn't sure this class would succeed where other teachers and even one-on-one lessons had more or less failed in the past, but believe the reviews -- Rob's classes were completely transformational for me, mentally most of all. So honestly, do yourself a favor and sign up. And if you want to maximize your experience, I'd consider two things: First, find a place to practice -- getting an hour or two in the water on my own between the weekly classes made a world of difference. And second, ask questions. Rob makes a real effort to give each person some focused attention over the course of class, but when something in particular wasn't clicking for me, I found it helpful to bring it to him directly. He's incredibly open and responsive, and he always took time to understand exactly what I was asking and offer specific (effective) strategies for improving my approach and technique. Thanks to Rob, I have a whole new appreciation for the water -- I really can't recommend his classes highly enough! read more

OK! Rob is amazing! I contacted him to help my husband learn how to swim...because travel travel travel, that's what we love to do. Rob is patient, kind, funny and has a great sense of humor. Worth every dollar! Thanks for making my husband comfortable with the water! See you soon! :) Tamara read more

I don't write many reviews on Yelp but feel compelled to write one for Blue Ocean Swimming. In the last several weeks I've taken 14 classes with Coach Valentin: 8 in Deep Water Running and 6 in Learn Freestyle Swimming. I've never been a proficient swimmer and had little interest in it until I was training for the NYC Marathon this past fall and had pain in my feet - this led me to Deep Water Running, and from there I took the Freestyle course. I was nervous before my first time at the pool but felt instantly at ease when I arrived. Coach Valentin was warm, funny, encouraging, and clear in his instruction. He also somehow learns (and remembers) every single student's name immediately. The Deep Water Running classes were so fun and really helped my cardio when I couldn't run. Learn Freestyle Swimming was a great 6-week course. Coach Valentin teaches with patience and clarity, breaking the swimming strokes down to each tiny movement so that when we put it all together, it all makes sense. If you have a question, he answers it fully and makes sure you've grasped it before moving on, then checks in with you to make sure you now understand what to do. He's exceedingly thorough and supportive. And most of all, his teaching WORKS. I used to get winded swimming a single lap of a pool. In my last Freestyle class I think I swam about 20 laps and felt great. I can't recommend Coach Valentin's classes enough - especially if you feel intimidated by the water. He's one of the very few naturally gifted teachers I've had in my life. Blue Ocean Swimming gets my highest recommendation. read more

I had a goal this year that I wanted to finally learn how to swim. Whether it was possible at my 35+ years of age was a mystery. I went in thinking that I'd be able to swim after taking 6 classes with Robert- unfortunately this wasn't the case. I think the best way to think of swimming is that it's like a musical instrument, you need to practice and take in what the teacher has taught you to succeed. I'm thinking that most likely if I had more chances to practice (on my own), I'd be in a better position. As it stands, it looks like I need to repeat level one. PROS: - Robert is a wonderful person and very friendly. I looked forward to each and every Weds classes. - Location is easy and right in midtown next to the 6 train. - He will instill confidence in you. I had a moment where I was thinking, maybe swimming is possible. CONS: - This class is like being on an episode of "the Bachelor," you have to be aggressive to catch his attention and have him teach you. If not, other students will take away your time. - Robert is swamped online. I had initially registered last November but was really put off by how I was able to register but then was told that the class was full. If you're reading this, hire me to help with your online presence. (lol) Overall, his future beginner classes are getting full so I'm not sure when I would be able to retake his class but most likely I'll go at it again sometime in the near future. Would I recommend Robert, yep... just have realistic expectations. read more

Robert is a great swim teacher, in fact he's one of the best teachers I've had for anything across the board. He's patient, encouraging and always positive. I'm happy to say he got me over my anxiety of swimming freestyle and I actually even enjoy it now. I've taken level 1, level 2 and deep water running. All of his classes are great - he really gives everyone time and individual instruction and tips/drills to improve based on skill level. Also I've found fellow students in swim class to be all ages and pretty cool, like-minded people. Deep water running is a unique and fun way to get a good workout if you like being in the water. The class is all ages and all levels and I have to say that this is the first time in my life that I've understood what good posture feels like (as you must try to hold good posture to have good water running form) and I think I'm also starting to build mini abs! ;) Happy Swimming! Ps Don't forget your flip flops! read more

Blue Ocean Swimming's Coach Valentine is expert at assisting people who have a fear of water covering their face, getting water in their nose and ears as I was. He immediately helped us to eliminate that fear first thing! We were taught that our bodies-- all bodies -- are boyient. That knowledge assists with learning to "trust" that you will float, and thereby be able to learn to swim. He tells one what to expect at every lesson; what not to do to cause panick. Coach works with us Individually during the class to point out our individual hindrances -- mostly, the inability to relax the body in order to Trust that we will naturally float, and thereby be able to swim. He teaches us human-to-human and commends us on our progress while working with each of us individually. His ability to observe us while working with others in the class helps to instill a feeling of safety while practicing the new techniques he taught us collectively. (Of course there is a lifeguard on duty for the class). In fact, we started learning to put our face in the water, learning breath techniques, floating on our fronts and backs. We ended the 6 weeks floating in the deep end and swimming to the shallow. Of course some of us are slower than others in trusting the float, but we all have the tools needed to learn to swim. Even I, the scaredy-cat, can now paddle some meters completely submerged with eyes open within goggles. Coach strongly encourages us to practice what we learn on our own; and, he supplies us with places to practice all around the city. Trust that Blue Ocean Swimming is the premier resource located in the center of NYC to learn to swim for any age. I have learned at age 62. My classmates are a variety of adults of a broad age range. All my classmates are ready for the next level after our 6 weeks and we are all proud of this accomplishment of learning to swim thanks to coach Valentine. I highly recommend learning to "Trust" the float, then to swim using Blue Ocean Swimming. I highly recommend Coach Valentine to any person desiring to learn to swim. read more

Just short 6 months ago at the beginning of February I wasn't able to swim with my head down in the water and now I am a triathlete and I can easily swim a mile in the open water (ocean, lake, NOT Hudson River :p). There are really no words for me to express my appreciation and gratitude for Coach Valentin. Step by step with incredible patience and always a positive take on things he guided me through all my water related fears and insecurities. I ended up loving lap swimming Mondays so much that currently just doing it for fun! Yesterday, I tried for the first time his Deep Water Running class and.... it's amazing!! It is actually quite challenging so I am going to incorporate it into my Berlin marathon training for the next 10 weeks. I can't recommend Blue Ocean Swimming School enough for all your swimming needs :) read more

Such a great and fun learning experience with coach Valentine, as a scared-out-of-my-mind person of drowning, I was in the deep in within seconds with coach V. He's hilarious, and teaches you the mechanics of the body while moving through water, what works and what doesn't work and gives you the chance to test different things out. This guys got a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and it worked for me! I highly recommend taking his class, it's fun, informative, and most importantly you'll be swimming after 5 classes. I will be taking his freestyle course as well. :) Sandra read more

Took the deep water running class at the St. Bartholomew church pool location and man oh man what a fun class!! I used a classpass but I had so much fun and a great workout that I think that I might just sign up with Robert for more classes! The class is just that... running in the deep end of the pool. Everyone gets floaties around their waist and you can double up if you're not comfortable in the water. Robert is very encouraging and is quick to fix your form but does it in such a fun and playful way. He cracks jokes throughout class and it almost makes you forget you're doing a workout until he makes you do sprints in the water. (You're generally in the same spot throughout class - however you do end up floating to your right or left at times) at the end of class you try to run from one side of the pool to the other.. it's challenging for sure It's pretty much a full body workout class as you need to keep your body straight which is the core, move your arms and legs as you run in the water. The water gives you resistance and you feel it working. My body is sore for sure as if I ran on land except my knees and hips aren't hurting like a land run! All in all DEF try a class out! See you there? read more

Robert at Blue Ocean Swimming is a miracle worker! I have been a recreational Triathlete for a few years. I have never really been comfortable in the water and always experienced discomfort in my shoulders. After just a few sessions with Robert that is all gone. I am VERY comfortable in the water, and all of my pain is GONE. I am now swimming further than I ever could have imagined. My anxiety in the water is gone! His hands on approach is second to none. He is the only coach I have had or have seen that actually gets in the water with you and corrects your mechanics. That is an absolute game changer. I highly recommend Robert & Blue Ocean Swimming. Personally I will be working with him for a long time. He has made swimming fun!! read more

Wow where do I start?? Coach Valentin is PHENOMENAL. He knows what basics are truly vital to learning the fundamentals of swimming and he knows how to teach it (the most important part). There were 3 people in my class with a fear of water, 2 of whom had previous drowning experiences, and he SUCCESSFULLY helped them conquer it in 3 LESSONS!!! He gets you to be comfortable in the water and trust it. I honestly went into this class skeptical as to how he was going to get me floating on my back and comfortable on the deep end in just 3 lessons but he's literally a magician. Trust me, his lessons are worth it and will stick with you as you keep developing your swimming skills. read more

I would give Coach Valentin 10 stars if this platform allowed it! It's absolutely true what you hear - Coach Valentin is an amazing teacher with an impeccable balance of energy and attention to detail. Just being in that room will brighten up your evening. I seriously wish this class didn't end. Do yourself a favor and take this class even if you're a professional swimmer! read more

WOW WOW WOW! Thank you x1,000 Robert! I swam as a kid and didn't make it very far in the YMCA program. I tried swimming laps again in my late 20's but failed miserably. After several weeks of toughing it out in the pool and being able to do maximum 3 lengths without gasping for breath - I gave it up. Fast forward 12+ years and I decided to give swimming a try again. But this time I wanted someone to actually teach me how to swim laps. A friend recommended Blue Ocean Swimming/Robert so I looked into it, signed up and came to my first class. Robert is a natural teacher. Not only is he an excellent swimmer himself but he knows how to break it down into bite sized bits for you. Not everyone who can do a sport, can teach the sport. Robert can. We had a small class (4 people) but the skill levels were pretty different. He managed to give everyone the attention they needed. He has a magnetic personality. He's easy going and not intimidating at all. He will make you feel comfortable no matter how much of a novice you are. The day after the last class, I went to the 92nd Street Y to do a lap swim. I had a woman stop me and say "You're stroke is so beautiful. I mean it's really beautiful! It's so long and smooth!". THANK YOU, ROBERT!! If you are looking for swim classes - please check him out! read more

A year ago I couldn't swim and was afraid to go to a deep pool. I was panicking when water covered my head. Today I completed two triathlons. And it's all because of Robert. I can't be thankful enough for his patience, support and genuine desire to help people. I'm sure there are many amazing swimmers, but only few great coaches. And Robert is one of them. I feel so lucky that I met him at a deep water running class and decided to attend his swimming classes. I'm doing this since October and planning to continue as much as I can. read more

Robert is amazing! I took the beginner level swimming class and learned a lot, I'm now comfortable in the deep end of the pool. I also noticed a difference in my classmates, everyone improved over the course of the classes and we had a great time too! Robert is great at explaining things simply and keeping the class fun. I can't wait to start taking the level one classes in a few weeks. If you get cold easily, like me, I would recommend getting a spring suit. The classes are at an indoor pool but my spring suit really helped to stay warm. You won't regret learning how to swim here! read more

Come see Robert if you want to improve your swimming or your running! I've known Robert for a few years and started taking his deep water running classes through NYRR after Doug Stern passed. Deep water running is great if you happen to be a runner doing post-injury rehab but hate the recumbent bike at the gym. It's effective exercise to do semi-regularly if you are interested in improving your overall speed/form. After I few sessions, I've noticed the difference in my running posture and core strength, You don't have to be a super- confident swimmer or a hard-core runner to try this workout either. The class and Robert is very inviting to all levels of athletes. Fast forward to a few years later, I did take notice that Robert teaches swimming after a not so fun foot surgery of having my fibular sesamoid bone removed, I started taking his swimming classes as a chance to cross-train and spare my feet some miles while still getting a good workout. I was not a regular swimmer before and could barely swim a lap without getting winded (funny for someone who can run 26.2 miles) I had horrible form/technique but started learning freestyle from level 1 and have progressed to the lap swimming/freestyle group as a regular part of my exercise regimen and actually enjoy it! Robert provides valid one-on-one feedback in all of his classes and has you will drills and workouts that are effective at improving your swim form/efficiency. I feel more confident in the water now and have even flirted with open water swimming a few times this past summer, something I would have never thought of doing before. And if you're not sure if open water is yet for you, Robert offers Intro to Open Water swim clinics too, if you want to take a day trip out to Brighton/Coney. read more

I took the 6-week Beginner course and just finished the the 6-week Level One course. I cannot say enough positive things about Robert as a swim teacher! I never learned how to swim as a kid, and I've tried taking other swimming lessons in the past as an adult to become comfortable in the water, but never seemed to get anywhere (i.e. I still couldn't hang out in the deep end, or go snorkeling on trips with friends). BUT NOW, I feel so much more confident in the water!! Robert didn't just teach us how to stroke or kick -- he taught us how our bodies naturally float and how to be comfortable in the water, however deep. By the end of Level 1, I never thought I'd want to do a triathlon of any sort because of the swimming portion, but now my friend (who also took the course) and I plan to do one in the future (after we take Level 2!). Robert really knows his stuff, and I feel like he genuinely cares that the people in his class succeed. He took the time to talk to everyone in our classes, and helped me whenever I had questions. I'm really glad I signed up! read more

I had a great time taking Roberts course. He does an amazing job figuring out what level everyone is at and then customizing each individuals instruction based on that. He has a ton of experience and conveys his knowledge in an easy to understand, and easy to apply method. I'm a much better swimmer after having taken his course. Do not hesitate if you want to improve your swimming. read more

Best Coach Ever!! I took the Fundamentals of Swimming Class with Coach Valentin and I can absolutely recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn to swim. Coach Valentines is a great teacher and his methods and techniques will get you on the right path to becoming the best swimmer you can be. All you have to do is register, show up, listen to your coach, and practice. Trust in Coach Valentin, he'll get you there. - Reggie B. read more

I just finished taking the Fundamentals of Swimming class and WOW! I'm extremely happy!!! I don't think I can possibly express my gratitude to coach Valentin for the confidence and knowledge built in such a short period of time! Before taking Coach Valentin's class, I was very afraid of water but he made learning easy, understandable, and fun! Highly recommended!!! read more

Coach Valentin was recommended to me in late 2015 by a coworker and since then I've taken both Level 1 and Level 2 Adult swim classes. I've only taken a private lesson with one other instructor previously and can say that I didn't learn anything or felt any more confidence with that instructor. The difference was very clear when I had my first session with Coach Valentin. He's great at understanding individual needs within his small group sessions and takes the time to make us focus on underlying techniques (vs. jumping into formal stroke names) and we'll practice drills in a way that really helps you feel why certain motions will work better in the water. I will certainly continue my swimming with him and look forward to trying other classes that he teaches, like Deep Water Running, and the new Treading Water clinic! read more

I think this email l sent to Coach Valentin pretty much says it all. He's simply the best! "I just had to pass someone in the "medium" lane this morning for the first time!  Safely and with proper etiquette of course.   I really don't care that much about being fast at this point,  just want to be able to swim continuously for long periods of time.   But, I can't say that wasn't fun!!  I'm following the USA Masters programming and I'm up to the advanced levels of the basic area.  And somedays, depending on the workout,  I do the given workout twice.   Today was one of those days!   I couldn't have done this without your instruction.   I went to a very fancy coach at Chelsea piers before I came to you and learned absolutely nothing.   I'd probably still be having trouble swimming a length. So,  THANK YOU!!" read more

This class was great! R.J. helped me understand how to be comfortable in the water. A lot of the fear is in my mind but he helped me to pay attention to how the water moves and how my body moves in the water. I am excited to be moving on to the next level so that I can get even more comfortable with the water. read more

I had my first lesson with Robert at the Cactus Aquatic Center in Scottsdale. I was not sure what to expect going into my first lesson, as I have not swam in a while. I was very impressed with his teaching style. I learned a lot in my first lesson and am very excited to go back for more. I am currently training for a triathlon and I can tell all ready that Robert is going to help me a ton. I would recommend Robert to anyone, whether they are a newer swimmer like myself or an advanced swimmer. Robert has a great personality and makes you feel great about any improvement you make. He is great at not only teaching you what to do, but actually getting in the water and showing you. read more

To all potential swimmers & swimmers needing improvement": If you have EVER wanted to learn to swim and are living/working in the urban NY city area, then Robert Valentin, swimming instructor & coach, is your answer! He can teach anyone to swim, from the most inexperienced and non-athletic, to the best of accomplished swimmers (including both adults & children). Mr. Valentin competes in swimming competitions around the world and is conducting group classes and also schedules private sessions as his schedule permits. MY TESTIMONIAL: For the past 3 months, on Saturday mornings, I have been taking a beginner's swimming class with Robert Valentin. Previously, I had NEVER even put my face under water. This past Saturday, I actually swam, as a beginner (but, non-the-less, I did swim) from the deep end to the shallow end, turning from face down to face up (swimming/floating/breathing). I am thrilled about my progress and look forward to ongoing development of my aquatic ability which will likely provide many opportunities for enjoyment. I'd searched high & low for available options for learning to swim in the urban NY city environment. My research revealed that many swimming programs were (1) limited in size, (2) registration procedures were usually very strict (and inconvenient) and (3) I found the costs quite high. I have witnessed Robert Valentin as very charismatic & people-friendly within the coach/swimmer relationship in the water. He easily gains one's confidence & trust, thereby aiding the fearful beginner to gently, but enthusiastically, work past any fear of water in the initial stages and thereby developing into the progressive steps towards the much-feared "DEEP END" resulting in swimming becoming nearly effortless as enjoyed by the trained swimmer. In these last 3 months. I have witnessed both men & women of various sizes, shapes, athletic levels enter the pool, have a session with Robert Valentin, and leave the pool with much more than they had when they'd stepped into the water. I hereby include myself in this category, many times over. In summary, I am inclined to believe the possibility that Robert Valentin may have lived as a fish in another life. He is so very "at home" in the water and, it is my opinion, that in this life he exists to enthusiastically teach those of us who want to learn or improve their swimming skill set. Since my first few sessions, I felt determined that this is what he was born to do in this life. I document this for the benefit of any "would be" swimmer, like myself, who either wants to learn to swim or improve their swimming skill set. Had I received this email 5 years ago, it is likely I'd be ready to swim the Galapagos Islands at this time. If you know anyone who fits in the category, please forward this information for their benefit. I enthusiastically recommend Robert Valentin. Also, for physical fitness purposes, swimming is an amazing way to achieve that end & does not damage joints with impact, like running. It is a sound way to take care of your body. Robert Valentin holds "Deep Water Running" classes for fitness purposes and as a tool to aid in repairing bodily damage as a result of injury. Below, you can find Robert Valentin's contact info and check his site for schedules & locations. At this time, he is actively engaged in expanding his current swimming schedules & classes. website link: blueoceanswimming@gmail.com Regards, --Susan Waitt read more

I've been swimming at my local YMCA religiously for four years and wanted to learn different strategies and techniques for perfecting my freestyle/front crawl stroke. I've taken classes at other professional NYC swim schools and find that Mr. Valentin's is perhaps the best in terms of quality instruction, overall value, and most importantly, congeniality. Coach Valentin never denigrates a student or makes them feel inadequate in contrast to some of the other experiences I've had at more elitist swim schools. One of my fellow swimmers at the YMCA mentioned that she had taken classes with Mr. R.J. Valentin at his St. Barthtolomew's church location in Manhattan. So, although I already had a degree of swim proficiency, I decided to start at the Level 1 group, because I assessed my skills as being above the raw beginner but likely below that of a polished freestyle swimmer, who takes Mr. Valentin's level 2 course. I will definitely take the Level 2 course in the future, as well as the flip turn clinic, even though I have already learned this coveted technique. Swimming is a skill that can be perfected for life. Coach Valentin is a wonderful, professional swim instructor, decent human being and truly passionate about swimming. His teaching methodology to swimming embraces a tiered approach, with each student learning the basics of propulsion, buoyancy, underwater front crawl and side floating before progressing into the actual stroke. Mr. Valentin's core philosophy is that swimming should be fun, comfortable and safe. Each class is a total of six sessions, ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on if a student takes the introduction, level 1, or level 2 course. Mr. Valentin constantly encourages all of his students, ensures that each student performs the drills correctly, and occasionally, allows students to remain in the pool to practice after their class has ended. Currently, I'm in my fourth session of Level 1 and have become more comfortable floating on my side, understand how to breath better underwater (not like a puffy fish), and the distinction among freestyle kicks. Students learn which flutter kicks are correct and the sound of the correct kick. It's not the strength of the kick that provides the majority of the propulsion, but the technique of the arm pull. As Coach Valentin relates each class, 10 percent of the forward motion comes from a correct flutter kick, 90 percent from the correct catch/pull. Once Coach Valentin offers a level 2 course, I will sign up immediately. Thanks, Coach Valentin for a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to receiving my swim cap once I complete the course. An overall wonderful learning experience! read more

This is my FIRST time writing public review but Robert is such an AMAZING coach+ Deep Water Running instructor, I can't help to spread the words. Although I might regard it when I can't sign up to his classes later!!!! U know there're so many swimming classes out there, they are not even to that standard but charge so much money!!! I took the beginner swimming class this summer, by the end of the course I feel much more confidence to swim in deep water, treading, free-style, of course floating (face up/down/vertical). In such a friendly environment, it is VERY easy to learn from him. With all the tool he gave us, I practiced in between classes in order to get the full result. What can I say I'm not exactly a fast learner. PRACTICE is the key to any exercise I do. I wanna say I can swim more gracefully and not like an amateur splashing water in the pool any more. I can't wait for my level1 course to start and learn more tricks. If u can't swim, don't think anymore, think of all the activities you CAN DO on a vacation or just a lifesaving skill. I wish I can turn back time and took classes with him earlier~ . U will be surprise he knows exactly what beginners think/act and he able to break down the technique and make us feel more relax in the water. I took his Deep Water Running classes even before I can swim, of course now I got a better hang of it. It is a fun exercise in the water and sweat at the same time, weird feeling in a good way. FYI I have joints problem and all these classes totally help when I don't feel like to run or take a break from barre while doing yoga practice. Thanks Robert! u're such a generous & loving teacher, really appreciated your encouragement and truly care of us! I can't wait to use the skill I learnt in Hawaii trip :) Namaste read more

I've never taken swimming classes as a kid, so whenever I go to a resort with a pool or to tropical destinations, I don't do much but wade in the water. After taking Coach Robert's 6 week beginner's swim class, I'm very confident I can swim short distances and jump in the deep end of the pool. In 6 short weeks, Robert has been a great teacher in making sure everyone in class is comfortable in the water. There were about 10-15 students in each class and the class was held in St. Bart's swimming pool, which is a pretty decent sized pool. Robert guides you through the steps to become comfortable in water, how to float, how to blow bubbles, how to kick and doggy paddle, and how to float on your back. He goes around the entire class helping and advising each student. The students who need more help do seem to get more attention from him. Robert is an excellent teacher and very enthusiastic about teaching his skills to others. He's an overall friendly guy and I enjoyed going to each class. I would definitely recommend his classes to anyone who wants to make an investment in learning how to swim or perfecting your technique. Pros: - Very friendly and supportive teacher - Personalized attention if you need it - Step by step instructions to increase confidence in water - I think its very likely that anyone at any swimming level will come out of this class more confident in their underwater abilities Cons: - Since this was only a beginner's course, we didn't get too much into more advanced skills such as stroking or alternating breaths (which is taught in his other advanced courses). I wish Robert would've given more advanced students in the class more advanced skills - St. Bart's men's locker room isn't anything special - there is only one shower. The pool is more than adequate, thought some people thought the water was too cold read more

I think i got scammed. After reading all the positive reviews - I signed up via their website 12/23/18 for Saturday classes that were going to start this Saturday 1/5/2019. After I submitted my credit card payment and my card was charged - I received an automated message that I would received an email a couple of days prior to the class with location and other details. After no email with additional information was received - and yes I checked my spam/junk mail folders - I sent an email on Thursday, 1/3. Figured - maybe it was the holidays and who ever runs the company was going to reply back right away - after all the class is on Saturday, 1/5...two days away I would hear back. Nope still nothing......sent another email this evening. No details means I can't prep for a class and at this point makes me question if this is a legit operation. Deeply disappointed and makes me question if the other reviews are actually true and from real people? Now I have to work thru with the credit company to open up an investigation and need to go back and forth with them to get refunded $300 - will take 6-8 weeks to resolve. What a waste of my time and really unnecessary for someone just looking to take beginner's swim classes. I want to support small businesses and intended to do by signing up with Blue Ocean but unfortunately now I just feel like I got scammed :( read more

I just completed the level 1 six week course with Robert and I cannot believe how much I learned in that time. I can finally swim the full length of the pool and breathe correctly. Robert is an awesome instructor. He has really great tips that make you feel comfortable in the water and is super nice. He genuinely wants you to learn to swim and is really good about accommodating everyone's level in the class. I cannot wait to sign up for level 2. read more