Meet Our Swim Coach
Meet Swim Coach Zahyra
Nationality: Dutch (from Curacao)
Living in The Netherlands since: 2024
Languages: Papiamentu, English, Dutch & Spanish
Pool location: Amsterdam
Profile:
Growing up near the beaches of the Caribbean, I developed a deep passion for swimming from an early age, starting lessons at just 5 years old. With my mother as a swimming instructor, I naturally gravitated towards the pool, observing and assisting whenever possible.
Her dedication and passion for helping people achieve their swimming goals inspired me to pursue a professional swimming career for two years before transitioning to water polo, where I competed for six years.
Training almost daily to better myself, I developed a profound love for the sport, which led me to start assisting with swimming lessons at 16. Over time, I expanded my experience by teaching at various pools across my home island, Curaçao, and later became a youth water polo coach.
In the summer of 2024, I took a significant step by moving to the Netherlands for my studies. Beyond swimming and being a student, I have a strong passion for sports, an active lifestyle, music and reading to expand my knowledge.
Coaching style:
My style of coaching is always based on creating a safe and supportive environment for my swimmers because trust in the water is key, I ensure swimmers feel comfortable and safe before introducing new skills in the water. My coaching approach/strategy also built on patience, step by step progression and personalized instructions to help build the confidence of each swimmer.
Every person/swimmer is different and learns at their own pace; therefore, I find it important to be observant and to focus on each person individually. The key to swimming is mastering the basics, so I like to pay extra attention to the basic techniques and strokes first before moving on to endurance and speed.
The way I inspire my swimmers and keep them engaged is by being myself, by being patient and open-minded, to any fears and obstacles that might come along the way. I like to give my swimmers compliments and reassuring words to keep them confident, because encouragement and celebrating every little progress helps build the confidence and motivates the swimmers to” just keep swimming”.
Swimming Certifications, Achievements, & Recognitions:
- Diploma KNZB Trainer water polo 2 (2023)
- KNZB rescue swimming (2023)
- Diploma A, B, C and D (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)
- Water polo referee certification (2024)
Specialties:
I have been most successful in working with beginner swimmers, particularly children aged 4 to 14, as my primary focus during my two years as a youth water polo and swimming coach was on this age group. However, I am always open to helping anyone eager to learn how to swim.
While every stroke is equally important, I have extensive experience in teaching all four strokes. Seeing as a professional swimmer myself its important to understand the techniques behind every stroke to improve in the sport. My approach emphasizes first explaining the purpose and technique behind each exercise before practice.
I incorporate both in-water and on-land demonstrations to ensure swimmers fully understand each movement, making learning more effective and engaging.
“Every stroke takes you closer to your goal – with patience, determination and love for the water!”
- ALL YOU NEED IS THE FIRST STEP, WE'L TAKE CARE OF THE REST! -
Our range of swimming classes for adults
Which class suits you best? Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
Meet Our Swim Coach
Meet Swim Coach Zahyra
Nationality: Dutch/Curacao)
Living in The Netherlands since: 2024
Languages: Papiamentu, English, Dutch & Spanish
Pool location: Amsterdam
Profile:
Growing up near the beaches of the Caribbean, I developed a deep passion for swimming from an early age, starting lessons at just 5 years old. With my mother as a swimming instructor, I naturally gravitated towards the pool, observing and assisting whenever possible.
Her dedication and passion for helping people achieve their swimming goals inspired me to pursue a professional swimming career for two years before transitioning to water polo, where I competed for six years.
Training almost daily to better myself, I developed a profound love for the sport, which led me to start assisting with swimming lessons at 16. Over time, I expanded my experience by teaching at various pools across my home island, Curaçao, and later became a youth water polo coach.
In the summer of 2024, I took a significant step by moving to the Netherlands for my studies. Beyond swimming and being a student, I have a strong passion for sports, an active lifestyle, music and reading to expand my knowledge.
Coaching style:
My style of coaching is always based on creating a safe and supportive environment for my swimmers because trust in the water is key, I ensure swimmers feel comfortable and safe before introducing new skills in the water. My coaching approach/strategy also built on patience, step by step progression and personalized instructions to help build the confidence of each swimmer.
Every person/swimmer is different and learns at their own pace; therefore, I find it important to be observant and to focus on each person individually. The key to swimming is mastering the basics, so I like to pay extra attention to the basic techniques and strokes first before moving on to endurance and speed.
The way I inspire my swimmers and keep them engaged is by being myself, by being patient and open-minded, to any fears and obstacles that might come along the way. I like to give my swimmers compliments and reassuring words to keep them confident, because encouragement and celebrating every little progress helps build the confidence and motivates the swimmers to” just keep swimming”.
Swimming Certifications, Achievements, & Recognitions:
- Diploma KNZB Trainer water polo 2 (2023)
- KNZB rescue swimming (2023)
- Diploma A, B, C and D (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)
- Water polo referee certification (2024)
Specialties:
I have been most successful in working with beginner swimmers, particularly children aged 4 to 14, as my primary focus during my two years as a youth water polo and swimming coach was on this age group. However, I am always open to helping anyone eager to learn how to swim.
While every stroke is equally important, I have extensive experience in teaching all four strokes. Seeing as a professional swimmer myself its important to understand the techniques behind every stroke to improve in the sport. My approach emphasizes first explaining the purpose and technique behind each exercise before practice.
I incorporate both in-water and on-land demonstrations to ensure swimmers fully understand each movement, making learning more effective and engaging.
“Every stroke takes you closer to your goal – with patience, determination and love for the water!”
- ALL YOU NEED IS THE FIRST STEP, WE'L TAKE CARE OF THE REST! -
Our range of
swimming classes
for adults
Which class suits you best? Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
Meet Our Swim Coach
Meet Swim Coach Zahyra
Nationality: Dutch/Curacao
Living in The Netherlands since: 2024
Languages: Papiamentu, English, Dutch & Spanish
Pool location: Amsterdam
Profile:
Growing up near the beaches of the Caribbean, I developed a deep passion for swimming from an early age, starting lessons at just 5 years old. With my mother as a swimming instructor, I naturally gravitated towards the pool, observing and assisting whenever possible.
Her dedication and passion for helping people achieve their swimming goals inspired me to pursue a professional swimming career for two years before transitioning to water polo, where I competed for six years.
Training almost daily to better myself, I developed a profound love for the sport, which led me to start assisting with swimming lessons at 16. Over time, I expanded my experience by teaching at various pools across my home island, Curaçao, and later became a youth water polo coach.
In the summer of 2024, I took a significant step by moving to the Netherlands for my studies. Beyond swimming and being a student, I have a strong passion for sports, an active lifestyle, music and reading to expand my knowledge.
Coaching style:
My style of coaching is always based on creating a safe and supportive environment for my swimmers because trust in the water is key, I ensure swimmers feel comfortable and safe before introducing new skills in the water. My coaching approach/strategy also built on patience, step by step progression and personalized instructions to help build the confidence of each swimmer.
Every person/swimmer is different and learns at their own pace; therefore, I find it important to be observant and to focus on each person individually. The key to swimming is mastering the basics, so I like to pay extra attention to the basic techniques and strokes first before moving on to endurance and speed.
The way I inspire my swimmers and keep them engaged is by being myself, by being patient and open-minded, to any fears and obstacles that might come along the way. I like to give my swimmers compliments and reassuring words to keep them confident, because encouragement and celebrating every little progress helps build the confidence and motivates the swimmers to” just keep swimming”.
Swimming Certifications, Achievements, & Recognitions:
- Diploma KNZB Trainer water polo 2 (2023)
- KNZB rescue swimming (2023)
- Diploma A, B, C and D (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017)
- Water polo referee certification (2024)
Specialties:
I have been most successful in working with beginner swimmers, particularly children aged 4 to 14, as my primary focus during my two years as a youth water polo and swimming coach was on this age group. However, I am always open to helping anyone eager to learn how to swim.
While every stroke is equally important, I have extensive experience in teaching all four strokes. Seeing as a professional swimmer myself its important to understand the techniques behind every stroke to improve in the sport. My approach emphasizes first explaining the purpose and technique behind each exercise before practice.
I incorporate both in-water and on-land demonstrations to ensure swimmers fully understand each movement, making learning more effective and engaging.
“Every stroke takes you closer to your goal – with patience, determination and love for the water!”
- ALL YOU NEED IS THE FIRST STEP, WE'L TAKE CARE OF THE REST! -
Our range of swimming classes for adults
Which class suits you best?
Select from beginner to advanced swimming lessons. We offer classes suitable at different levels, from classes for beginners to classes for those who want to refine their technique and increase their stamina.
Water introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 1 of 5
No swimming ability? Fear of water? Past lessons unsuccessful or a long time ago? Then it’s time to begin again — from the very start — with a water introduction at ground zero!
Perfect for absolute beginners or those with fear of water.
- Overcome fear of water
- Get comfortable in shallow water
- Learn to float and move freely
- Build basic water confidence
Stroke introduction
Difficulty: Beginner
Lessons range: 2 of 5
Comfortable in water, but not yet able to swim the four basic strokes? This level provides the right fit.
Requirements include: completion of the introduction level, or ability to swim back-crawl and backstroke (with froggy leg kick).
For those who are water-confident but don’t yet swim strokes.
- Learn the 4 basic strokes
- Improve breath control
- Build up stamina in shallow water
- Transition from water play to structured swimming
Intermediate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lessons range: 3 of 5
Participation in this level requires the ability to swim comfortably in shallow water. Discomfort in deep water is acceptable.
Requirements include: knowledge of all four basic strokes.
You can swim in shallow water but still improving technique or confidence.
- Refine technique for all 4 strokes
- Improve efficiency and endurance
- Get more comfortable in deeper water
- Work on swimming longer distances without breaks
Advanced
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 4 of 5
No issues in deep water and able to swim more than 100 meters without exhaustion? This level is the perfect match. The goal: getting fitter and stronger through swimming as a weekly workout.
You swim 100m+ without stopping and want cardio & progress.
- Swim in deep water with full confidence
- Increase swimming stamina and speed
- Improve stroke power and breathing
- Prepare for diploma-event and/or sports-level training
Sports Class
Difficulty: Advanced
Lessons range: 5 of 5
Take swimming skills to the next level with the Sport Class! Designed for holders of official swim diplomas or advanced swimmers seeking new challenges — this class delivers focused, high-level training.
For advanced or diploma-level swimmers seeking challenge.
- Train like an athlete
- Learn interval and endurance sets
- Improve race technique and starts
- Build peak swimming fitness
