Private Swim Lessons That Come to Your Pool.

Year-round lessons for all ages and abilities in North Hollywood and the Valley. No waitlist. No level chart.


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Swim Lessons in North Hollywood & the Valley

Year-round private swim lessons for every age and ability — infants, beginners, adults, and competitive swimmers. Every lesson is built around the swimmer, not a level chart.

The STRIDE difference

STRIDE was founded by John Manison, the only known paraplegic in the world to fully recover, who credits swimming for getting him back on his feet. That belief, that the water meets you where you are, shapes every lesson. No level chart, no waitlist to "graduate." We evaluate each swimmer on day one and build from there.


Lessons for All Ages & Abilities

Infants through adults, every skill level.

Adaptive by Design

Every lesson is built around the swimmer, including swimmers with disabilities.

Water Safety First

Safety is built into every lesson, for swimmers and parents alike.

The STRIDE Method

No levels, no time limits. We start where you are.

Why STRIDE Aquatics?

Here's what a STRIDE lesson actually looks like.

instructing-students-pool

Through Music & Play

Songs and guided play in every lesson. Kids don't realize they are learning, because they are too busy having fun.
group-train-learn-swim-pool

One-on-One

Every lesson is private, so instruction is tailored to the swimmer with no pressure to keep pace with a group.
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Start Where You Are

No time limits, no preset curriculum. Swimmers move at the pace that works for them.
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Adaptive Instruction

Swimmers with disabilities don't get a modified afterthought. Every STRIDE lesson is already built around the individual.

Why We Are Trusted

Families trust STRIDE.

  • Amy Geriak
    John and his team are honestly the best of the best. I have four kids and have used MANY swim teachers/coaches to teach my kids to be water safe and swim, but when we found John, we knew he was a cut above the rest! John matches the energy of your child and gives them very individualized instruction. He cares deeply for his profession and it shows! He is very reasonably priced and my family and I just love him!!5 Star Review
    Amy Geriak
  • Reagan Smith Smutny
    We have been doing lessons for a “two week intensive”, ending today, with my 4.5 year old. She could swim pretty well for her age before this but has made amazing progress during these lessons. Her lessons have focused on safety (so important with young kids!), technique, and having fun! I love that fun is encouraged so swimming and water sports can become a lifelong enjoyment. When my daughter has been a little nervous, she’s been strongly encouraged and praised heavily. When she’s made mistakes, she’s still lifted up and encouraged; never brought down. It is so nice having them come to you. I highly recommend.5 Star Review
    Reagan Smith Smutny
  • The Karpmans
    Really happy we found Sailfish. John and his life story is a true inspiration. Kayla is amazing with kids of all ages and skill levels. My 5-year-old can’t wait to go to the pool! Thank you guys for being responsive, responsible, and overall a great team!!!5 Star Review
    The Karpmans
  • Kayla Ward
    This is an excellent club! Their STRIDE principles set them apart from other clubs and classes. The coaches are wonderful and caring, they really strive to make you feel like you belong in the water. Not only are they a USA swim club, they also offer lessons for everyone from toddlers to adults. So when you finally learn to swim, you cam learn to compete too! I highly recommend giving this smaller club a try :)5 Star Review
    Kayla Ward
  • Maren M.
    Kendra & Karissa were my 3 year olds teachers. Both are fantastic with kids. Ash looked forward to going to swim lessons, got right in the pool with them. We had lessons 2 times a week for a month and he learned so much! We continue with their methods at home. High recommend! 5 Star Review
    Maren M.
  • Linda Franco F.
    Great location in North Hollywood. Swim instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating to my toddlers needs. My son learned how to swim and jump into the pool without hesitation. We can't wait to continue next summer. They go to you as well if you own a pool. 5 Star Review
    Linda Franco F.
  • Janice A.
    My grandson had his first lesson with Sailfish today. He is 10 years of age. One on One swimming lessons can't be beat. The attention to details is no contrast to group lessons. I did private lessons many years ago with his father. After Jayden left his lesson he said on the ride home "Grandma that was the best lesson" the staff is great and friendly. You won't regret using this company. 5 Star Review
    Janice A.
  • Adelle
    John is amazing with children. He was able to get my 2-year-old to trust him so quickly. His way of teaching with a mix of fun songs and a determined attitude is perfect with kids(and parents). John is not only a coach but a friend. We are so grateful he has given our son the gift of safety and love of swimming.
    Adelle
  • We have been doing lessons for a "two week intensive", ending today, with my 4.5-year-old. She could swim pretty well for her age before this but has made amazing progress during these lessons. Her lessons have focused on safety (so important with young kids!), technique, and having fun! I love that fun is encouraged so swimming and water sports can become lifelong enjoyment. When my daughter has been a little nervous, she's been strongly encouraged and praised heavily. When she's made mistakes, she's still lifted up and encouraged; never brought down. Having them come to you is so wonderful. I highly recommend.

Why we teach.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., and an average of 11 people drown every day. Formal swim lessons cut a young child's risk of drowning by 88%. A swim lesson is not just a skill. It is protection.

Sources: CDC; JAMA Pediatrics.

Swimming should be for everyone.

STRIDE Aquatics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Through our Adopt a Child program, donors fund three months of lessons that bring a child from our low-income waiting list to fully water-safe. 100% of every Adopt a Child gift goes straight to that child's lessons.