We have been coming here since 2023 and I learned how to swim here in the late 80s and 90s. Pros: * Outdoor pool is heated and El Sobrante is rarely above 85 degrees in the summer. * No snobby, cliquey vibes. People are here to learn to swim only, not swim team competition. * This place does swim lessons only. They don't have to share the pool with recreational swimmers or club members. * Deep end training and intro to diving. * Offer makeups. We had to use them when we had Covid. * As of 2026, rates have not risen since 2024. They continue to be among the more affordable group lessons. Small discount for siblings. Cons: * Not open year-round. Open only during weekdays in the summer. * Small, cramped parking lot and San Pablo Dam Road traffic makes it not particularly safe to park a few blocks away and walk. * Hard to get into time slots that fit your schedule, especially if you have more than one child. * Private lessons not offered. read more

Canyon Swim School - Blowing bubbles with her prize: Ursula! - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - El Sobrante, California

My wife did all the internetz. When I watched the first session, I was skeptical. After a few sessions, I started see the method to their madness. It's like a well-oiled machine. It goes smooth and by the numbers. Kids advance in skill and comfort in the water. Before lessons here, our daughter... searching for the words... dreaded water in her face. A single drop of water from the bathtub--clean bath water--prompted shrieks of pain, fear, anger, and betrayal. Now she's underwater so much during lessons that they occasionally sit her up on the side of the pool to ensure that she hears instruction. It's very goals oriented. And they aren't afraid to not pass a kid. My daughter didn't pass the level one test: float motionless, face down on the surface of the water for 10 seconds. She was disappointed, yet determined and asked me to help her practice before the next lesson. She re-tested and passed. Then she didn't pass the level 2 test: swim on her own halfway across the pool. I think she would have passed if she has spent more time listening and less time sitting on the bottom of the pool waving at the other students. The instructors are attentive and encouraging. They remember the kids names and make it fun for them. Clean bathroom. Outdoor changing booths. Chairs, bleachers, shade. Orderly and organized. Don't be late. Parking is limited. If you choose to give a thumbs-up or not, I hope you found my review helpful! read more

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The swimming instructors are great but it's rather on the pricey side. It's $248 for 8 days - each day is only 30 min... too much money IMHO The staff at the counter is decent but not superb. They should make it a bit cheaper to appeal to a more inclusive population rather than just elite folks. read more

Amazing lessons. Both of my kids loved the Watsu-like early age lessons. We had to get them over the finish line with lots of practice at a very hard-to-find pool with enough open swim hours for 2 ft working parents. Canyon was a great start and helps keep them safe in the water. But how safe can they be in the water if they're hit by a speeding car on SPDR before they can get inside? The parking and traffic situation is like the heartbreaking scene in Monster's Ball. If you try for the lot, the entrance is just past a curve where speeders see you with just seconds to stop and your car can often be sticking out into traffic as the line and cars waiting for parking comes to a sudden standstill. Otherwise you're parking on the gravel shoulder on a road where drivers are not pedestrian friendly and usually speeding. It might not be worth it for us anymore :( read more

My son liked it there he just forgot the teachers name could someone remind me of all the teachers name so i could tell my son.

What a great spot. This pool has a reputation for a reason--they're awesome! My mom and uncles even learned to swim here in the 1960s! I did a parent/child class with my 3-year-old for the last session of the 2022 summer. He was the oldest in the class, but we didn't feel out of place for him being older than the other infants and toddlers. The water is NICE and warm! Perfect for the chilly evenings in Sept when the sun starts to set in the evening. The lifeguards/instructors were so kind and encouraging for my son who was a little apprehensive. Our first lesson was probably the hardest of them all, but by the final lesson my son was much more comfortable in the water. I'll definitely be signing him up next summer to begin "real" lessons. (As a final note, there were two families with ~1 year old babies, who commented to each other "Wow, this is so much better than lessons in _____ [nearby town that rhymes with El Burrito]!!!!" If that's not a glowing review, I dunno what is.) read more

I heard so many great things about this school so I enrolled my daughter for classes. If you want flexibility for make ups (because life happens, and kids get sick etc) do not sign up for classes here. I enrolled my daughter for two sessions and she missed one class during the first session. I called for a make up class and my child was still sick so I couldn't attend the make up class. I had to explain myself as to why I wanted a make up class. Session two- Again my daughter could not make a class, this time because both parents were working (to pay for the class of course) and had conflicting meetings with the swim class time. I was shut down for a make up class- without reasoning. There was simply a sign posted on the window that stated "No make up classes after 8/3". I asked the person @ the window if the sign was correct and he said "yes" and stated "we highly encourage students to attend all classes." As if that wasn't the obvious- and we were signing up for sh*ts and giggles . Overall, no flexibility for an expensive swim class ($240 for 8 lessons/ 30 mins ) and I don't care how good people say the school is. If the customer service ain't great, they lose credibility from me. Clearly, I am not signing up my daughter for additional sessions @ this school. These folks need to understand when you deal with kids, life happens and flexibility is a must. read more

Great program. Gets results. Not much feedback from swim instructor to parent outside of the baby class with parents in the pool but the kids have fun and actually learn skills that count. read more

I enrolled at Canyon after attending swimming classes at Contra Costa College. There were about 8 students for 1 instructor there. I wasn't able to learn how to swim there. At Canyon, there was a 2-1 ratio and the instructor Austin really helped me learn to swim and made sure I didn't drown. I went into the deep end a couple of times. I still need more practice in the deep end and side breathing. I'll be enrolling again next summer. read more

Both of my boys learned swimming here. The instructors are great and the groups are small. With my younger son I felt he is in the wrong level and I said something like 'I'm not sure if this is the right level' and they checked his swimming skills and taught him up. He skipped several level as we did a lot of swimming during the winter months. I'm more than happy, that they reacted on my feedback immediately and that he had his personal teacher. Both boys are in a swim team and my older son just started as lifeguard for the city of Berkeley. Both boys love the water thanks to canyon swim school! read more

First time coming here and it's my favorite swim school in the area. Everyone is really nice, and understanding, they are happy to solve any problems. My children are in afternoon/evening classes and all the young ladies in the office were very helpful and friendly whenever I interacted with them. It's so amazing to watch the progress of my children which is all because of the great swim instructors! I will be returning read more

I can't even believe the experience my family had here. I feel compelled to write his review in the hopes it helps another family avoid what we went through. My 4 year old daughter like many kids born right before or during the pandemic has been with me much of her life. It's definitely a different experience than that of our older boys. Because of thhis she has some anxiety about new people when she can't be with me. I explained this when signing her up and was told that it is something they deal with all the time especially now, which put me at ease. Her first lesson it took her awhile to get in the pool but she did and spent most of the lesson watching the other child in her group. She did try a few different times to cross the pool with the teacher which was good. At the end of the session I went over to help her out and believe it or not, she didn't want to leave! The teacher then said my daughter doesn't like to listen to anything. I let it go because my daughter seemed happy. But my observation was that throughout the lesson the teacher seemed annoyed. Second class, she was again anxious to get in the pool, but she did. I was sitting close because she was still anxious. I could see she wasn't comfortable with going across the pool With the teacher so she got out and we talked. She said she felt frightened but that she could try to do the kick board today if that would be ok. Given this is her second swim lesson ever and her second lesson away from me ever, I thought that was a great compromise. If she wasn't ready to start the new things that she could just practice doing what she felt comfortable doing. So I asked the teacher if she could just spend the day practicing the kickboard and not trying any of the new skills and it went downhill from there. She rolled her eyes at me and with a very nasty tone said "Well I guess that's better than nothing". At that point I picked my daughter up wrapped her up in her towel and went straight to the office. I told her I was taking my daughter home that they knew she had anxiety when we signed up and that she just asked if she could just do the kickboard only today as a first step and the instructor had a terrible attitude. Mind you she was not the type of personality I would expect for a swim teacher to have with little children to begin with. No energy, overall attitude that she would rather be anywhere else. I was close to tears when speaking with the ladies at the office. I explained what happened they said that this would go in the family file they were so sorry I stressed again that this was now my daughters first experience dealing with a class outside of her family unit and she came in with anxiety so think of the effects that that is now going to have. They seemed very apologetic and we left. Two days later my husband gets a phone call from the swim school and was told that this was basically all in my mind and that it's essentially our fault. They made excuses for the swim instructor's behavior and packed the. Blame of the child and parent. We are a family of color and I run a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that advocates for victims of racism and discrimination. I had some concern race may be a factor for this teacher, and after reading some other reviews it does seem this company is in dire need of diversity training examining implicit and explicit biases within their staff. NO child who is FEARFUL should leave feeling MORE FEAR. Shame on the teacher and shame on the management for essentially saying it was our fault. #BlackLivesMatter read more

Canyon Swim School - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - El Sobrante, California

Horrible experience! Had someone in management treat me horribly trying to resolve an issue. Completely understand their policy of refunds and rescheduling now but was not notified when I first made payment and was told by management that that's just how they go about it. She had zero desire to listen or work with me and with that attitude representing a school that supposed to work with my young child I am quite shocked. Coming out of isolating COVID times to sign up my daughter for fun classes and go through experiences like this...What a bad taste and now we're losing out on $120. Terrible read more

Very complicated sign up process and poor communication leads to irregular classes. Would recommend looking for other places.

My four and six year old have been taking classes at Canyon Swim school this summer and I can't recommend them enough! Each instructor has made my girls feel so safe and they have so much fun learning to swim. My eldest has some sensory issues (hates getting her eyes and eyes in the water) and everyone has been so patient with her and she's made great strides in getting her head in the water (better than I ever could!). All of the office staff have been super helpful with figuring out the best schedule for our family. Also, this place is an institution! Every time I tell someone my kids are taking classes here they said they went there as a kid too! It feels great to support a local business and I've only heard good things about the owners. It can be hard to get in here (since everyone wants to go here) so make sure to apply right at midnight on the day they take applications. read more

This school is well-organized, with well-trained and responsible instructors. The price is reasonable as well. The water is cold, but it doesn't bother my child. read more

I have 2 kids with sensory issues and difficulties with getting their face wet. Bathing at home is challenging!! I let the swim school know about my kids issues and they were very accommodating. They were incredible and got both my kids to dunk their heads the first lesson! They allow parents to watch. And have a nice watching area. Each lesson I was just amazed! Both kids were happy with the teachers and made some amazing progress! Definitely would recommend! read more

This place is amazing. They're the only swim lessons my kids actually enjoy. The pool is warm and the instructors are so nice and do an amazing job of making the kids feel comfortable. I only wish the swim lesson season went longer, as it seems they are only open during the summer. Nonetheless, if your kid is water hesitant this is the place for you. read more

A few situations that prompted this review. 1. The owner told a kid that was running around (Portuguese speaking mom) that the 3-4 year old was being a "bad boy." Instead of addressing the mother he took the liberty of not only addressing the child but to inappropriately call him "a bad boy." The Manager pretty much said he's actions were fine. She explained that they most likely have addressed the issue a few times. As a professional running a business you should always address the parent. 2. The owner has a sign regarding the "drought" and only wants people using 1 pump of water. I tried to explain to the owner that 1 pump doesnt wash off any soap or shampoo. The owner pretty much cut me off and said "well then do it at your house." He then went on to say that you people don't understand how many tons of water the pool takes. Another mom there said "don't mind him, he is old school and military." I told her there's no excuse for his behavior and approach in talking to people. 3. We had another situation between my sister and the manager. My sister explained that the manger kept arguing with her back and forth about adding my nephew the day his classes started. Manger explained that now she has to move kids around because my sister decided to add him late. My sister explained that she called and spoke to the receptionist the day before and the rep said it was ok if she paid the next day. The rep explained she checked in with the manager. The Manager told my sister, "well I don't know who you spoke to because I'm the manager, and I didn't say that." Again... customer service points. 3. My brother in law was approached by the Manager and she said that one of her staff thinks the towel he had on his back was her towel. He explained that it was his towel. She thanked him and walked away. When classes finished the instructor approached my brother in law (in a confrontational manner) regarding the same towel saying it was hers. He again had to explain that he brought the towel and would never take someone else's towel. The instructor told him that she left without drying, and understands that he has to dry his son off too but to leave her towel there. Again... customer service points...in the negatives. I lost it after this incident and couldn't believe it.... two Canyon Swim staff approaching the same brown man pretty much saying you stole this towel. I really question the manager re these incidents and specially on the fact that all these events happened with a span of 3-4 weeks and to people of color. The Manager pretty much said I offended her .... nevermind my brother in law who was wrongfully and inappropriately accused of stealing. She then questioned me if "I'm looking for incidents" referring to incidents happening to people of color. After being loyal to Canyon Swim and my children making great strives here in their swimming. I just can't bring myself to give this business money. I love to support local businesses but not at the expense of this type of customer service. read more

Staff were extremely rude to me, pool sooooo crowded and parking not fit all cars, so we have to look a spot to park for soooo long!!! f you want something organized, standard quality do not go in this place... Very disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This place is two minutes from my house, I pass by it everyday and didn't even know that it was there. That was mainly due to the fact that their sign is behind an iron fence that usually has a parked car in front of it. I have a 2 1/2-year old that loves the water and loves the pool so I decided to enroll her in swimming classes before summer. I looked online to see which swimming pools were in my vicinity that offered swimming classes for toddlers. Sure enough CSS came up. I inquired the day before the toddler swimming lessons began and received a call aroung 8:30PM at night telling me that they had one more spot open. Call it fate but I took that last spot and showed up bright and early for my little one's first class the next day. Since it was my little one's first swimming lesson, they have one parent go in the water with one child. The lesson lasted 30 minutes and we're able to hang out at the shallow area after the class. The instructors are great, teaches you which positions to try out with the little ones and they have singing time as well. It completely left my mind that it was an outdoor pool and was a bit paranoid since the weather was overcast our first day. But have no fear, their pools are heated to a perfect degree. There are changing rooms with shower stalls and places to sit as you wait for the next class to finish and also sell snacks for a reasonable price. There's a small parking lot but it's packed most of the time. There is parking in the back but that's only if you carpool. Beware as they are strict about blocking the lane, there are residents in the same lane. Definitely should take your kids here for lessons! read more

Canyon Swim School - Overcast but the heated pool was great! - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - El Sobrante, California

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This establishment will happily collect your money for lessons and makeups. Paying goes smoothly. Fast forward to trying to get your kid to learn something, and they are easily the most disorganized business. Today, 9:32am for a 9:30am makeup Manager: Who is this? I give her my child's name. Manager: She is not on the list. Go to the office. (These were the manager's exact words. I hope the utter lack of apology is coming through.) The teenager in the office asked me to spell my child's name 4 times. "I'm sorry. I will get it this time." "I'm sorry. C-A?" Perhaps this child is not suited to work in an office. "I will take her back." And she darts out the back door. I assume we should follow. My child is asking me where she should go as the manager is motioning for me to stay behind the fence. The teenage employee is out of our sight. As I am struggling with our bags and trying to put my daughter's goggles on, the manager finally comes over. I tell her that she does not know where to go and needs guidance. My child finally gets to go into the pool for 20 minutes of the 30 minute lesson. The first class did not go well either, as my daughter was hesitant to get into the pool at a new place. Being sent away today was not helpful. I pulled the manager aside and ask her if she thinks we have gotten any value out of the money we have paid for swimming lessons. She denied that anyone scolded me for trying to get my child into her makeup that I had paid for. She kept pointing to her handwritten roster and telling me that my child was not on the list. I repeated that the swim school had taken the makeup fee, and I have no control over her list. She then said, "we have thousands of families come through, and maybe our structure is not a good fit for you." Wow. Again, they have no problem taking money. read more

We used to love the swimming lesson here but now it's soooo crowded and it's hard to find lessons they keep taking new clients when they don't have spots for there old clients. There no point of going one for two weeks when and after that there no spots available. read more

I had the best experience with this great swimming school this summer. I was about 60 years late to class, having never taken a swimming class in my life. But it's never too late to learn. It was just a couple of adults students and a whole lot of very young children!! I learned from them, too. How to be brave!! Well managed, great staff with a team of kind and very experienced young instructors. Very affordable prices, too. One of the best things that I have done for myself. I plan to continue with my lessons when they re-open in March. Thank you Canyon folks. read more

I know this is the wrong time of year to be doing this review, but I drive past this place on my way to my parents' house, & most recently drove past it again on Christmas Eve. Note: I have not been here recently, this is purely a nostalgic review, but maybe things haven't changed that much. I have fond memories of taking swimming lessons here during the summer in the 1980s when I was a kid. Yes, this place has been around for a LOOONG time! (since 1951) My parents made sure we learned how to swim, I think because neither of them learned. Why they didn't learn as adults, I don't know, but that's a whole other subject. There are several levels of classes here from beginners all the way through classes to help you improve your strokes & learn flip-turns, turns, & racing dives in preparation for competitive swimming. Other than maybe the infant/baby classes, I took ALL the classes here. As a kid, I remember having a lot fun and thought the instructors were so cool; my instructors were predominantly young men (high school age?, college age?, I was a little kid, how should I know?). I remember one of the instructors even recommended a book to me...The Hobbit. I remember him saying, "you're probably too young now, but you can read it in a couple of years." Yes, I did end up reading it. Anyway, the instructors are really good with kids. All the classes I took were small group classes, probably 3-5 kids/class. The lanes run the width of the pool for the lessons, so one lap is quite short, probably half the length of a regular lap (25 m). The pool is nice & warm...I don't ever remember being cold. There's also a diving board in the deep end. For a lot of the classes, we'd spend the last few minutes of class in the deep end, retrieving bricks, treading water, etc. I also remember for the final class in the last level (excluding the competitive swimming classes), they had us jump into the deep end w/ clothes on over our swimsuits so we could learn to take them off in the water, tie off the legs of the pants so that you could blow them up to use them as a flotation device. With each level you completed, you got a little pin-on badge. I spent several summers (I'm guessing most of elementary school) here & got really brown (like someone spilled soy sauce on me); this was before commonplace use of sunscreen. Since I took the competitive classes too, they encouraged me to sign up for swim team, but I never did. I have continued swimming for exercise since then though (I even went to some of the high school team practices for a little while--the team at my school was so big that they had 2 JV practice sessions, & I'd go to the one w/fewer people because at the very end we'd get to goof around). Actually, I take that back...I really haven't gone swimming since I stopped wearing contact lenses regularly a couple years ago. Anyway, swimming is a great skill to have. In fact, my sister & I took lifeguard certification classes together at the beginning of one summer (I think while I was in college), & the water skills part is a piece of cake. Although I don't think either of us ended up applying for any lifeguarding jobs...but it'd be a good summer job for a teenager/college student. The parking lot with the sign is all you can see from the road, & you have to walk a little ways down the lane to get to the pool. The parking lot is always crowded in the summer...it's a popular place. In fact, sometime in the last several months, I was talking to someone I met who has kids (I can't remember who) who lives somewhere in the East Bay like Albany or Kensington, & they had mentioned that they were probably going to have their kids take lessons there! I'm surprised no one else has reviewed this place! Aren't there any yelpers who learned how to swim here or hasn't anyone brought their kids here to lessons? Like I said, it's a popular place...the parking lot gets pretty full during the summertime. On the north side of San Pablo Dam Rd., a little bit past (east of) Appian Way. read more

Both my 8 and 3 year old attended this school during the summer. My 8 year old learned how to swim in two-three sessions, he is at intermediate level now. Pros: great instructors, family friendly, nice environment, clean heated pool Cons: parking can be tough if you don't show up on time at least 15 min early, pool is outdoor and heated but often times weather is cold in the area (except for summers), classes get filled up quickly so you have to sign up right away (they do give priority to continuing students) Overall my experience has been great, I have taken my son to Petite Baleen in SF before and I can say they are very similar in the way they teach but a lot more affordable. read more

Don't go here... This place has terrible customer service! My son was in a session at 4 pm - which was one of the only times that work for me and my family due to work and that this place is a long drive for me. Near the end of the session, I asked to sign up again. I was told he needed to be tested - which occurred at the last class - prior to being ALLOWED to sign up again. I expressed to the clerk that I was concerned we would not get the same time slot. I was assured by the clerk that it would not be a problem. Well, it was. They could not and would not accomodate my son AT ALL. They argued with me about their policies. Then I was told the nearest time slot was an hour difference. I have a toddler and a kid. I can't get home and make dinner for them at 7 pm!! My kids would lose their minds (and by proxy, so would I). So now, we are not signed up for swim classes... Summer is in full swing. All classes in my area are booked and we are screwed. I do not recommend this place if you want to do more than one session... As for the swim instruction? It was OK. The best part about the place is that it is HOT out in El Sobrante and the pool is very warm - which is inviting for a kid. read more

My son was cussin' like a sailor about taking swimming lessons all the way up to the edge of the Canyon Swim School pool. I stopped him and asked him to put his hand in the water, which they keep very warm, and when he did, his eyes lit up and he started exclaiming how he could not wait to get into the pool. The temperature of the water is genius in itself. There are many levels of classes from baby and/or beginner, to moderately advanced -- the pool is not big enough for anything too serious. Instructors are patient, and usually do not work with more than 6 or so kids at a time, with each lesson lasting just under half an hour. There are bathrooms for changing and showering, and a snack hut for that after-swimming reward. The only one big negative for me is the parking situation. They are located on San Pablo Dam Road, just around a bend. They have a small lot that is almost always full. Even though I've arrived early, I've been late to many a lesson because I could not find parking. The other option is to park on San Pablo Dam Road itself and walk in, but it seems somewhat dangerous with all the cars coming around the bend. For this, I'll have to subtract one star. The only way around this is to drop your kids off if they're old enough to go in on their own, or bring an extra adult with you to help with extraction and insertion of said children while you go look for parking. read more

The parking lot is scary, the exit from the parking lot into traffic whizzing by at 50 MPH is terrifying, the one women/girls' toilet is insufficient, but the instructors and class program is better than the ones we have tried at the El Cerrito & Albany pools. It's a hassle getting there, but at least once they're in the water, I feel like I am not wasting my or my kids time! read more

Thank g-d we found Canyon Swim School. We've been coming here for 2 months now and our daughter absolutely LOVES this pool. Every single class has been limited to 3 students or less; so she gets an incredible amount of attention. In fact, in a lot of the classes there have actually been 2 instructors in the water with only 3 students. Amazing! The pool is perfectly warm. Even on the one day it was a bit chilly out (60 degrees), the pool was so inviting to the kids with a little steam evaporating into the cold air. For my wife and I, we thoroughly enjoy the relaxing environs of the outdoor pool, which is tucked in between some redwood trees and a residential area. We always have the option of watching our daughter... or simply soak in the sun and do a little free reading. They also have an assortment of snacks in case your kid gets the munchies... or you want to sneak in a few pretzel sticks or red vines while your child is learning how to swim. For us, it's a 20 minute drive into El Sobrante... but we've found that it is faster for us to come out here, than it would be to go to Walnut Creek and get stuck in the commuting traffic. Hope you enjoy this swim school even half as much as we do. read more

Wow. I haven't even taken my kid there and I already have to give this place a negative review. My child has gone through a few years of YMCA lessons but looked into this school since a couple of her friends are taking classes now. I filled out the online registration and guessed on the level she would enroll in. The "Office Manager" called me to complete the enrollment. I told her that after I submitted the online registration, I learned that her friends are actually enrolled a few levels up, and their parents (one with whom we just vacationed in Mexico with) thought my daughter should be in the same level. Regardless, the "Office Manager" proceeded to try to convince me I should put her in a lower level, because their method is special and that any kids who come from other programs generally need to be placed lower than they think they should be (I'm paraphrasing here but this is the message I got loud and clear). I told her that's fine, as long as an assessment is done on the first day, and she is put in the appropriate level. But the "Office Manager" kept saying, "we'll try our best to place her in a different level" but she couldn't promise, because the classes are so full. Gee, how do you have a kid's swimming school in which you have to "guess" on the level and be stuck with it for the whole session? Why not be more flexible or have a different process for kids that are coming from other programs, so there is an assessment and then a placement? I never get into arguments with strangers. This is one of the few rare times that I did. I took her advice - "I don't think this is a good fit for you". Damn right. read more

My family and I all went here as young kids! Always had a positive experience. I recently went back this week to update my self on swimming for an upcoming college swim test. My instructor was amazing so was all the staff! Very welcoming and comfortable. Will definitely recommend. read more

Took my one and a half year old here for the beginner intro toddler classes on Sat Morning. I was a lifeguard many, many moons ago and I think it is important for ALL parents to introduce their little ones to the water. Especially with our proximity to the bay, delta, lakes, rivers, pools and the Pacific. Anyway, I called them to reserve a spot and they filled us in over the phone and mailed a brochure. This place is old school. Like, walking in took me back to when I learned to swim in the early 80's. Some of you may think that makes it run down, but I loved the vibe and the cool decor. The outdoor pool is also shaded. So wear sunblock, but don't worry about the sun beating you down. There are also bleachers and tables for parents who don't get in the water. The pool is warm. Like a bath. El Sob can get pretty windy, so jumping out of the pool when that wind hits can really shock you. Especially in the spring. The instructors are great. They really have a way with the kids and provide a comforting presence. My little guy learned how to kick and dig, float on his back and blow bubbles. If I had a complaint, I wish there were more changing areas. Waiting outside in the cold to change after being in that warm pool kinda sucks. Besides that, we had a great experience at Canyon and will probably come back when he gets older and is ready to advance. read more

Have enrolled in classes here several times over the years for our son. He is definitely not the most relaxed when taking swim lessons to begin with. This round he had a very negative experience with one instructor, and in her attempts to get him to 'let go', had him in tears and eventually very pissed off. I spoke with management, who arranged for other instructors to work with my son. He is now happy as a clam and enjoying the lesson, and feeling positive about going. Big props to Laurie (sp?) and her responsiveness to what could have been very traumatic if not addressed. My son is even considering an additional session! read more

Great swim school! My three daughters took lessons at canyon growing up from the beginning levels through competitive levels at canyon and became competitive swimmers, even swimming in college. Now my grand daughters are learning how to swim here!!! The staff is kind, friendly and patient. Class size is small, the water is extra warm and while the focus is on stroke technique the kids always have a good time!!! Kids learn to really swim here and fast! My granddaughter is not even two and she is swimming on her own and loving it!!! read more

Excellent experience here! The instructors are super patient and professional. My daughter loves her lessons! I highly recommend this swim school. read more

Nice, small, warm, and friendly! A great set of lessons for baby. We will practice some more & be back,

We had a good we experience with the summer classes for toddlers. The teaching style varies from teacher to teacher so you might prefer one over the other but the facility is great. The water is warm and clean for the little ones to learn in and there is plenty of shade to keep you cool from the sun on hot days. read more

If you're driving down the street you would miss the place. I made a huge mistake of judging a book by its cover. I made the decision to put my kids in swim lessons after four years of looking at their website. I am so happy with the staff at Canyon. So much so my kids come two times a week every week and this is going on their second year. Coach Bill and Fred the owners, check their background are top notch coaches with lots of proven experience. Who have been able to pass that experience down to their instructors. I don't care what any reviews says that's negative, I will stand up to any review about this place. This is the safest place around. My children 8 and 11-years of age went from knowing no strokes to being able to be proficient in all four strokes and competing for are local Swim team all in the first year. Don't miss out on a great opportunity. I almost did. Finally, if you want to ask me any questions I'm here every Monday Wednesday black male with glasses. Can't miss or mistake me. read more

Canyon Swim School - My youngest sad to leave for the day. - Swimming Lessons/Schools Near Me - El Sobrante, California

This swimming school was the worst ever! They told us that we can go for a makeup class since we had to go to our country to attend a funeral. But when we got there they didn't let my son swim. They said we need to make a new schedule and pay for a makeup class when we already notified them even before we went home for the funeral and they said it's okay. My 5 year old son was so happy and excited but he was so disappointed and devastated when they didn't let him in the pool. He has been waiting for this day but they broke his heart, he cried silently as he watched the kids swim. This school is all about MONEY! They even put on my son's paper work this , "BEGGED" for 1:30pm class. Maybe they thought that we have no money. For all they know I can hella pay them even ten times the fee that they charged us! We didn't even get to use it! TERRIBLE and RACISTS people! read more