They were ALL great!! Too bad I havent been able to star, again, after the oandemic. They provided really great instruction during training.

Great team of coaches who create a warm atmosphere for these cold waters. Sunday group swim is an easy and lovely group gathering, for nice technique training and acquaintance with the local waters... read more

Pedro, Mike, Jake and all the coaches here are absolutely the nicest people on Earth. Taught my daughter how to be a world-class open water swimmer! People who join this group are also fantastic, athletic, and easy-going. You can really develop some great friendships here. They will provide a safe and collegial environment for anyone from any level to learn about open water swimming. My daughter has swum the Alcatraz, the Bridge to Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and many other events including a world record for her age in the Bonifacio Channel crossing in 2019. Thank you for all the wonderful experiences and looking forward to many more exciting years for this swim club. Why are you waiting, go and join this club! You won't regret it! read more

Concern for safety, an incredible depth of experience and sincere kindness are the three best descriptions I have for Water World Swim. When I committed myself to swim the 1.75-mile Swim Across America open water event in San Francisco Bay to fight cancer, I realized I would need some training; everyone was very welcoming and encouraging. I practiced with the group many Sundays and did an Alcatraz swim with them as well. Starting in the beginner group (with Pedro), I eventually moved up to the advanced. At a typical Sunday practice I meet people ranging in age from 8-80 - first time in the open water to world record holders, from all over the world. On the day of my big open water swim I was both prepared and comfortable. If you want to swim in the Bay for fun or train for an event - Pedro's group is the best. read more

I did the Escape From Alcatraz swim clinic with this amazing crew and they were fantastic. Top notch and extremely helpful. The individualized attention they give each swimmer instills confidence and reduces anxiety about this iconic race. They deliver a superior experience that cannot be beat. Kudos for an excellent experience! read more

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Pedro runs a really relaxed fun swimming group which I love. You show up, pay $10 and for an hour and a half you're taught how to swim in the tides, how to do sighting and how to swim correctly so you get the most out of your exercise. The first time I tried this about 3 years ago, I thought it was nuts. It was freezing, I had trouble breathing, some dude spotted a huge seal just to the right of us and I was being pulled by a current towards a huge boat (anchored and not moving thank god). But after a couple times, I actually started enjoying myself. I can now swim out to the mouth of Aquatic Park, check out the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz -- best view I've ever had of these things and really feel proud of pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Then when you get more adventurous, you go with the "good swimmers" around the break wall for a longer harder workout. It's fun except when huge tankers create big waves, you get stuck in seaweed stuff and when you look up at the Pier, there's a pack of seaguls looking down at you thinking exactly which part of my head they plan on shitting on. But even that is kind of fun in a wierd sort of way. The staff and kayaks (that keep you safe) are probably some of the nicest people I've met in organized sport activities. If you want to try something new which takes a bit of guts... give it a go. read more

Is it your crazy dream to escape from Alcatraz and swim to shore? If no, stop reading now. If yes, then Water World Swim and Coach Pedro will help you accomplish this. Ever since competitively swimming since grade school, I had this bucket list goal in the back of my mind. Yes, swimming in rough, cold, zero visibility ocean water is slightly different than a swimming pool. But this would be such an accomplishment! I could not be happier with the instruction and my final swim to shore. Think it's far and impossible? It's not--the swim to shore from the island is 1.25 miles. And if you are a decent swimmer, you can do it in about 30 minutes or so. I wore a wetsuit to stay warm, and a thermal cap, but it was actually a sunny, warm day. Thank goodness! Another thing that was really neat is that we swam with a couple people who lived in other countries. Too cool! Logistics: we met at a designated meeting spot, took only what we needed with us, hopped on a boat, took the boat out to the edge of the island, all jumped off the boat individually, and at the sound of a horn started our journey to shore. They were really good about keeping us safe. They were in contact with the Coast Guard and there were numerous kayaks guiding us in. A couple times I was off target and some nice kayakers directed me. They were volunteers too! Thank you. Prior to the swim I wanted to swim in the bay and get a feel for it. I went up a couple weeks prior and did a Sunday swim with the group. These swims are on their calendar and are wonderful experiences. I stayed with the beginner group and the biggest tips I received were how to adjust to the cold water. I need about a minute and some deep breathing exercises to deal with the cold, and after that I am good to go. They also instructed us about the currents and sighting when swimming which was really helpful for my final swim. If interested, check out their calendar online. They do an Alcatraz swim each month and also other longer swims in the bay. There you can sign up for their swims. They also do really unique international swims too! A very fun company for sure! read more

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So...you signed up for an open water event but never swam in the open water? Yikes. Me, too. Water World Swim is a great place to start if you are already a decent pool swimmer. First I rented a wet suit and hood from Sports Basement (you need a 'swimming wetsuit' not a regular surfing/boogie boarding one). Then I signed up for a Sunday session on the WWS website, filled out the waiver, paid my $20, and I was good to go. There is quite a bit of 4-h free parking at the end of Van Ness, then its an easy walk down to the water and (turning right) over to the 'bleachers'. Look for the black-and-green WWS tee shirts. Jake welcomed me and gave me a bright green swim cap to wear over my hood. Pedro helped everyone determine if they were advanced, intermediate, or beginners--turned out I was the only beginner, so I received 1-on-1 instruction on how to get used to the colder and darker water. I did shorter swims (out to the buoy and back a few times, then out to the buoy and over to the other buoy and back), with feedback (exaggerate your rotation, don't kick so much) after each swim. By the way, I also saw a friend who has done an IronMan and other big events, so it is not just for newbies. Basically WWS is good for anyone approaching an open water even in the bay who needs a little brush up or just a safe group swim. read more

Pedro has a easy enthusiasm that makes you forget that you are about to voluntarily go swimming in some very cold water. He reminds you that you get used to it, which you do right about your third swim. I hoped to train for four weeks for Escape from Alcatraz. Unfortunately, a sinus infection (my first) kept me out of the water for two weeks. With two weeks left, the joy of the swims and camaraderie of the swimmers whipped me into shape. Personally, I like going for the evening swims. You make it past the breakers as the sun hangs above Golden Gate Bridge. Its so beautiful, you feel like swimming a path to Angel Island or Tiburon. By the time you make it back to shore, the sun is setting, and everyone has smiles as they take of their wet suits and become land mammals again. Thanks Pedro. Thanks SF. Thanks swimmers. read more

I've had nothing but excellent experiences with them. I go to the Swim with Pedro sessions at the aquatic park (thurs and Sundays). The instructors are so friendly and helpful. They separate us into 3 groups depending on our level and work with you, so you can improve. All levels are welcome and If you're a beginner you stay close to the shore where you learn some skills needed for open water swimming. This is so fun, even the plp attending are so friendly and welcoming! Pedro and his team definitely encourage a positive atmosphere! Yes, the water is cold, but a swimsuit and cap kept me comfortable (you can rent them at sports basement). I think drop ins are welcome, I always pay online so I'm not sure. Payment is per class, so no registration or long term commitment. read more

Water World Swim - Trainers Near Me - San Francisco, California

My daughter decided that she wanted to swim the Alcatraz swim and she looked online and found Water World Swim. We missed the deadline, but they arranged for her to participate with one day notice. Pedro was absolutely welcoming and sweet, and we met Coach Gary who was amazing as well. My daughter is a highly experienced pool swimmer, but they made her feel very calm about the entire experience, and she said that as she was heading back from Alcatraz she took a few moments to take in the view and the pure joy of what she was accomplishing. If swimming the Bay is on your Bucket List, I would definitely train with Water World Swim. read more

I hadn't swam in the ocean in a long time, but I really wanted to on this trip to San Fran. I am so thankful that I found Pedro's group swim on Sunday. I was blown away to see so many swimmers rise and shine to go for a chilly swim. It was fun to meet swimmers from all over the world and hear their stories. It provided me the companionship I needed to keep comfortable swimming in the ocean. Pedro starts his swim sessions with swimmers gathering the bleachers prior to the start of the swim. He introduced his team of swimmers who accompanied us as we swam, and a yoga instructor walked us through some quick stretches before we swam. There were 3 groups - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I love that no swimmer regardless of ability was given an equal opportunity to have the swim of a lifetime. The waves were a bit rough compared to what I am used to, but it was a nice change of pace. If you have any interest in giving open water swimming a shot - this is the group to do it with! read more

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I've been swimming regularly with Water World Swim and Pedro for almost two years now, and I feel so lucky to have found such a great open water swimming community. I've tried several other groups and clubs in the area, and nobody else matches Water World on safety, quality coaching, and just generally fun, welcoming vibes. I've been especially impressed with how the group caters to so many different ages, experience levels, and goals - whether you're just trying open water for the first time, or want a safe group to go out with every once in a while, or are training for a huge international marathon swim, Water World seems to have a place for everyone. read more

I wrote a detailed blog post about the experience if you want to know more and see a few pictures: http://diaryofanaspiringloser.blogspot.com/2013/08/swim-with-pedro-and-training-plan.html I had a great experience this morning on a Swim with Pedro swim. $15 for a group swim in Aquatic Park that considers your ability and comfort with open water swimming, safety and allows time for all your questions. Pedro is encouraging and relaxed, helping you to feel the same. read more

I signed up for a triathlon in 2014, and had never swam open water, and figured I had better learn, fast! I lucked into finding Water World Swim, and have been swimming with them ever since! Whether you're a newbie or an experienced open water swimmer, Pedro and the coaches are there to support you. I've made great friends here over the years, it's a wonderful community of encouraging people. I've swam several events with them over the years (Alcatraz swims, etc), and they are very organized, safe and a ton of fun. In the last year, they handled Covid protocols exceptionally well, and gave folks a place to swim safely when pools were closed or restricted. Can't say enough about them, they're family to me! read more

I love, love, love this group. Huge range of swimmers in terms both of abilities (every swim is divided into beginner/intermediate/advanced with beginners staying closer to shore and working on technique, and intermediate/advanced going out further & longer) and ages (pre-teens to senior citizens, no joke!). Friendly/supportive coaches and a judgement-free vibe that makes it fun and significantly less intimidating to dive on in and give open water swimming a shot! read more

Want to swim in open water? Are you sure? Are you really sure? Now realize. . . this is not for everyone. It's cold. Visibility is awful, and you can feel close to claustrophobic in the wetsuit. So are you really really sure you want to do this? if you've answered yes to all of the questions above, than you should check out Water World Swim. Helping crazy people swim in 55 degree waters since god-only-knows-when. Everyone from the staff to the other folks who are crazy enough to this this is a good idea are incredibly supportive. Committed to fitness, and encouraging of new folks. There is no clubby sense with this group. They are incredibly welcoming of newcomers. The coaching is great, from what I've experienced. I went once, and yes. . . i'll go again. Pedro was off this weekend. . . by all accounts the star of the show. But the supporting staff was very encouraging. read more

WOW! I went to my first workout today at Aquatic Park with Pedro Ordones and his coaching staff. I was a little freaked out- besides the daunting prospect of whether I would need to be rescued from the cold murky Bay, it got worse over the past few days when I realized I didn't know the first thing about where to change, leave my stuff, would people be helpful to a virgin bay swimmer? Anxiety anxiety that was taken away as quickly as my breath upon the first plunge into those cold Bay waters! There were some of us newbies who didn't have the right kind of earplugs (I had actually completely forgotten mine in the car) - and they found extras and patiently explained the importance of what we were using. The entire staff was gracious, looked out for your safety, gently pushed you and encouraged you...and took pictures. Lots of pictures. My friend Fujigirl would have been proud of them. I met a woman who went from not being able to swim a lap in a pool at 50 to placing amongst top finishers in her age group as a triathalete- Pedro taught her. I don't know HOW he did it - but by the end of the 40 minutes I was in the water, as I was approaching the final cross up to the beach, instead of "oh my God this is cold- yup- sure we're going to sprint across the opening of the channel, I can't hear- how can you hear with these earplugs in - WHERE do we go?- wow- that buoy/ship/beach sure seemed closer a few minutes ago", I was smiling from ear to ear thinking "now this-- this is pretty cool!" By the time I hit my car, I was trying to figure out how to get to the 6 am morning swims (and I am NOT a morning person!) on Tuesdays. See you next week Pedro! read more

I just completed the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim yesterday and I could not have done it without Coach Pedro and the rest of the team at Water World. They are knowledgeable, professional, and welcoming of swimmers at every level. I did my first open water swim with them 4 months ago in Aquatic Park. Everyone was so friendly and encouraging, including the fellow swimmers. I did an Alcatraz crossing with them a month ago and it made all the difference. I told Bob who checked me in that I felt a little nervous and he paired me with Coach Ann who was so reassuring. She stayed with me and another first timer from beginning to end. She gave us tips for Sharkfest, showed us landmarks for sighting, and swam next to us the whole way. With her help, I had a great time. And a fun time at Sharkfest too. read more

I'm here to sing the praises of Coach Pedro, his colleagues, and his swimmers! WWS meets on the bleachers and costs $15 for non-members to join an hour-long swim session (a real steal compared to another swim group I checked out). Coach Pedro introduced himself and the other coaches to the group then invited new faces to introduce themselves. He encouraged conversations between strangers as swimmers were getting checked in, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Before heading out, another coach went over the workout/routes for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced swimmers using a color-coded and detailed map of AP. WWS allows swimmers to self-sort but coaches keep an eye out in case you have difficulty and need to be guided into another group. Beginner: stuck close to the beach to work with Coach Pedro on technique and open-water essentials like sighing. Intermediate (the group I joined): An "inside-inside" swim from the beach to the "jacuzzi" then along the inside of the harbor wall and back (against a strong current today!) Advanced: An "outside-inside" swim from the beach to the opening and around the outside of the harbor wall (out in the real chop!) then back along the inside of the harbor wall. Swimmers were told beforehand that we could continue along MUNI pier or to the flag buoy to extend our workout if we wished. Both the Intermediate and Advanced groups had kayak escorts (bright yellow with orange flags on the stern) that coached and kept an eye out for us. The overall pace in the Intermediate group was a bit slower than I expected but it was still a great swim! Overall, an EXCELLENT experience. Will 100% go out with WWS again! read more

Swim with Pedro on Sundays at 10a. it is really relaxed and fun. you learn how to be safe in the bay, what the tides are doing, where to go and how to watch where you're going. :) they have kayaks to keep an eye on you if you decide to swim outside of aquatic park. They separate you into groups of fast/experienced, medium and slow so swimmers of all levels are welcome. thanks Pedro!!! read more

I can't recommend Water World Swim and it's community enough. Incredibly kind, helpful, and passionate coaches that will support you no matter your skill level as a swimmer. This is an especially good place to start for beginners as the coaches will keep you close to shore and work with you to build your technique and confidence! read more

I recently completed my first Alcatraz crossing with Water World Swim, and have nothing but great things to say about WWS, its coaches, and members. Like any good organization, the culture starts at the top. Coach Pedro's enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, open water swimming is infectious. He and his coaches were a joy to work with. Coach Mike Lockwood did a tremendous job of training me (in a lap pool) for the Alcatraz crossing via email for several months in advance. By the time the swim arrived, there was nothing he hadn't prepared me for, so I felt totally confident, and very well prepared. When I arrived at my first "practice," a Thursday night "Swim with Pedro" at Aquatic Park, I found the coaches and swimmers to be extremely friendly and welcoming to swimmers of all ages and skill levels. There was no competitive vs. non-competitive stratification whatsoever. They were not in any way intimidating or condescending to the newbies. Rather, they welcomed the uninitiated with open arms. WWS is a first class, professional group of dedicated and friendly experts. Hard to find in any walk of life these days. If you ever get the chance to work and play with them, you should do it; it will be your pleasure. Thanks WWS, Coach Lockwood, and Coach Pedro, for the experience of a lifetime! read more

if you're thinking about making the transition to open water swimming, i highly recommend water world swim aka swim with pedro! here's the gist. the group gathers at aquatic park thursdays at 6pm (mar-sep) and sundays at 10am (year round). there's no commitment or membership fees, so you can go as often or as little as you want. just pay $10-$15 each time you go. if you can't find parking in the lot next to aquatic park, pull into the fort mason parking lot at bay and franklin. they offer free two hour parking there. before jumping in the water, coach pedro will explain how the currents are that day and where you should swim. spotting is the hardest part about open water swimming, so just listen up. once you're in the water, there are coaches and kayakers to spot you. the coaching is really dependent on how big the group is. i've gotten 1:1 attention before during the hour-long swims when the group was small... amazing! people of all levels and ages swim with this group. you have olympic swimmers all the way to the slowest swimmer ever (me). the best part is that the group is VERY welcoming to all and it really doesn't matter if you're fast or slow or veteran or new, as long as you have a good attitude. see you all sunday! read more