Swimming Pools and Lessons in Kiel/Hamburg

[NickF]

Hallo! Firstly, I apologise that I must write in English...I am slowly learning German but it is a difficult language!

I have now moved to Kiel and am looking for some advice regarding swimming. My first question is - where to swim? I have tried the University pool, but it is far too busy (12 people in one lane the other day!) and is now shut for maintenance for a few months. I also tried the pool in Gaarden in the mornings but there are no lanes, and lots of old ladies swimming breaststroke over the entire pool. Maybe someone has some experience with some other options?

My second question - I want to have some swimming lessons, maybe just once or twice a month for the next few months. My 1500m time is currently around 25mins, but I would like to target somewhere closer to 21-22mins. I am prepared to go a little further to Hamburg for some good quality lessons - preferably with some form of video analysis also (but this is not entirely necessary). If anyone could give me some advice regarding this, that would be great.

Thanks!
Nick

[loomster]

Hi Nic,
have you thought of joining one of the city's swimming clubs? I was training with Wiking Kiel (water polo), but I know that they have master's training. That would at least be a starting point. And if you are a student, then there are some more training sessions throughout the day (but that might be above your level). While I was learning for my finals, I was doing a lot of work-outs two-ish. Then there is less traffic and only sports swimmers/triathletes.

[jannjazz]

I´m training in Neumünster, half way to Hamburg from Kiel. We have an Olympic Pool all year and members only lanes for the local triathletes 3 times a week. Also we have a good trainer and interesting athletes. For more details send a pm or meet me at Marathon Kiel this saturday.

[MatthiasR]

I have now moved to Kiel and am looking for some advice regarding swimming. My first question is - where to swim?

It seems USC Kiel (http://www.usc-kiel.de/)is the triathlon club in the region - even though the 'S' in the name stands for 'ski'.

But according to their website they are swimming in the university pool, which is closed at moment (as you said).

Best regards, Matthias