From Learn to Swim TO Club Swimming,

Building Better Swimmers from the Start.

Our Skills Academy is the next step beyond lessons — building confidence, technique and enjoyment as the foundation for every swimmer’s journey. From turns and streamlines to stroke efficiency, our coaches focus on the details that make a lasting difference.
 

Full Guide: Read the Skills Academy Blog
 

​

Why Choose Basingstoke Bluefins?

• Expert targeted coaching — focused on building advanced aquatic skills from the start
   

• Development measured by technical skills, not just lengths or speed
   

• Pathways for every swimmer — Competitive or Fitness
   

• Homegrown success — many of our County and Regional swimmers began here
   

• A welcoming community — join the Bluefins family
   

Head of Swimming Comment
“Get the fundamentals right, and everything else falls into place.”

 

 

What Makes It Different to Lessons?
Skills Academy is not just lessons. Swimmers learn how to:

• Perfect streamline, scull, and kick correctly
   

• Master starts, push-offs, and turns step by step (our mantra: Set, Drop, Lock, Push)
   

• Train with progressive drills that build confidence and consistency
   

• Work in a training environment — following sets, listening to feedback, and pushing themselves
   

• Understand lane etiquette — swimming with and around others, just like in real squads
   

• Enjoy being part of a club — swimmers want to be here, they love swimming
   

Junior Captain Comment
“Coaches made it challenging but fun — I always looked forward to swimming.”

​

​

Who’s It For?

• Near the top of Learn to Swim and ready for club-style training
   

• Ideally 8+ and breaststroke competent (we also welcome ready 7-year-olds)
   

• Typically around Learn to Swim Stage 6 (or equivalent) before trial
   

• For swimmers who feel they’ve lost direction with lessons — crowded lanes, mixed ages, or limited progress
   

Chair Comment
“At Bluefins, the Skills Academy is not just about swimming technique - it’s about instilling resilience, confidence, and life skills. These are qualities children carry with them well beyond the pool.”

​

​

Your Child’s Pathway

Every swimmer has options:
 

• Competitive Pathway — from first races through County, Regional, and National levels
   

• Fitness Pathway — swimming for health and fun, without racing pressure
   

Learn more: Explore Bluefins Pathways

​

​

Ready to Start?

Weekly trials available — just contact our Amazing Ali​ to book your swimmer's place.
 

​Take the next step — your child’s unforgettable aquatic future starts here.

​​

​

​

​

​

More About Basingstoke Bluefins

How to Join — Step by Step Guide
Exactly how to go from trial to squad — simple, clear, and parent-friendly.

Read: How to Join Guide

 

​

Beyond Swimming Lessons — Club Squads (Ages 10–17)
The fitness/non-competitive route for older starters — keeps every door open.

Read: Beyond Swimming Lessons

 

​

Squad Structure Overview
From Skills Academy to Performance, see how our 16 squads connect, giving every swimmer a pathway that suits their goals.

Read: Squad Structure Overview

 

​

View Current Timetable
When and where we train — always up to date.

View: Timetable

 

​

Our Coaching Approach — An Eye for Detail
What sets Bluefins apart: precision, feedback, and relentless standards.

Read: Our Coaching Approach
 

​​​