Man oh man, we all know one of them. In some cases, we are one of them. It's hard to try and learn how to swim in one hour a week for 6 weeks, so most future Fishes are born in the Remedial Swim Program.

Those who have been through this crucible that separates those who can and cannot (and for some still in), it can be a grind sometimes (read most of the time), but in the end, when you finally manage to get that chlorine taste outta ya mouth, it's a hard-won time of enjoyment. Despite that, here are some emotions I've experienced as an AquaRock.

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1. The Legitimately Can't Swim

Coach: "Alright guys, start with a down and back warm up."

Mid: "Coach, I can't swim...."

Coach:

2. Helpful Advice

"Just breathe in and you'll float."

3. Too early for this Swim

0600, winter, and cold LEJEERRRNE Pool.

4. How You Feel After Morning Swim

5. Overload

"You wanna swim on your side, and pull with one arm, keep kicking, breathe on one side or both, press your chest down, keep your hips up, don't forget to breathe, exhale in the water, don't freak out, look down not forward, keep kicking....."

6. "This is more important that whatever you got during Sports Period."

7. "Congrats...."

Mid: "Did I make it?"

Coach: "No, but you got faster by 3 seconds."

8. Easy Class

"Alright guys, this will be short, just go hard for 400m and then you can leave."

9. Passing the Test Accidentally

10. "Forgetting" To Go to Remedial Swim

11. Qualifying as a Fish

When you finally get out of Remedials:

11. And When You Tell Your Friends

The Highs and Lows of an AquaRock are many, but usually, they are the 10m Jump and the Bottom of the Pool during the 50 Underwater. I've been through that grind, and some of my guys and gals are still on it. Maybe it is just a requirement for graduating, but damn does it eat away at your will to try.

And yet, to be part of this place, I'd do it all over again.

BONUS:

Hanging out too Long in the Changing Room