Swimming has become one of the most cherished activities in my life. It’s incredible to reflect on how far I’ve come—from nearly drowning in Begnas Lake back in 2016 to swimming like a pro in 2024. This journey wasn’t just about learning a skill; it was about overcoming fears, discovering passion, and setting new goals.
The Beginning of My Swimming Journey
I embarked on my swimming journey with a 14-day course. Eager to improve, I took another 14-day course, making it a total of 28 days. Seeing my enthusiasm, my coach extended the training by an additional 12 days.
The first few days were all about building a foundation. We practiced going underwater, holding our breath, and exhaling through the nose. This helped us get comfortable in the water. Gradually, we moved to leg flapping and hand positioning using a small float.
By the 6th day, the coach introduced us to the deep end of the pool, which was 7 feet deep. It was all about conquering the fear of deep water. Guided by the coach, we closed our eyes, took a deep breath, and moved non-stop from the 7-foot section to the 4-foot section. This exercise boosted my confidence immensely.
By the 10th day, I could do dog paddling and float comfortably in 7 feet of water. After 14 days, we started focusing on freestyle swimming, backstroke, butterfly, and dolphin strokes. We even practiced diving, and I was the fastest to learn! While my friends Bishal, Gaurav, and Sujan struggled with diving, I was able to perfect my technique early on.
Reducing Swimming Time
Initially, I spent up to 3 hours a day in the pool. While it was exciting at first, I realized that staying in the water for such long periods wasn’t sustainable or ideal for my body. Now, I swim for 40 to 60 minutes, which feels just right.
Meeting an Inspiration
During my swimming sessions, I had the pleasure of meeting Kanchan Sir, a renowned Korean language teacher in our city, Pokhara. He started swimming two months before I did and has also become quite proficient. It’s amazing how swimming has become a common passion for both of us!
The Swimming Pool
The pool I practice in measures 25 meters in length and 12.5 meters in width. While I enjoy swimming here, I aspire to swim in a 50-meter pool. I’ve heard there’s one in Kathmandu, and if I visit during the summer, I’ll definitely make it a point to swim there for an hour. It would be an exciting challenge and a step up in my swimming journey.
The Best Achievement of My Life
Swimming has become more than just a skill—it’s a passion that I cherish deeply. Looking back to the day I nearly drowned in Begnas Lake, I never imagined I would one day swim confidently and passionately. Learning to float on my back while gazing at the sky was the most peaceful and fulfilling part of my journey.
As a token of gratitude, I even gifted my coach a bottle of alcohol, hoping they would enjoy a relaxing evening celebrating our progress together.
The Gear That Made It Possible
Swimming gear played an important role in my comfort and progress. I invested 1,600 NPR in swimming goggles, 300 NPR in swim shorts, and 300 NPR in a swim cap, making it a total of 2,200 NPR. This investment was worth every rupee as it enhanced my swimming experience.
Final Thoughts
Swimming has transformed my life in so many ways. It taught me how to overcome fear, embrace challenges, and find joy in physical activities. Whether it’s learning new strokes, diving, or simply floating peacefully on my back, every moment in the water is rewarding.
I can’t wait to continue my journey and explore new challenges, like swimming in a 50-meter pool. Until then, I’ll keep honing my skills and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of swimming.