Beginning Diver

Question
Hello! I am 14 yr. old and I am interested in diving. Unfortunately, I do not have much tumbling experience and I am having trouble finding a pool nearby that offers diving! I am in the King County area up in Wasington State. Do you know of any pools with lessons? Would it be wise to take up tumbling and gymnastic classes? Thank you!

Answer
Hi Victoria -

I live in Washington State in Snohomish County so I am familiar with all the places you can dive in King County as I have coached at most of them.

The best pool in the state is located in Federal Way at the King Co. Aquatic Center. They have a team there that offers lessons. The coaches are Jim, Kelly and Liz. Take a visit there starting the week of January 7th on Mondays thru Thursdays between 6:00 and 8:30 PM to see about lessons.
Website is www.metrokc.gov/parks/kcac/index.html

There are diving lessons at the Queen Anne pool in Seattle. They are held on Mondays thru Thursdays also at around 6:00 or 7:00 PM.
Website is: www.cityofseattle.net/parks/aquatics/queenannepool.html

There are also lessons at the Mercer Island Country Club. You do not have to be a member. The coach is Patti Southerland. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]. She coaches there a few evenings a week at 7:00 PM.

You can also try the high school coach at Juanita High School in Kirkland. His name is Mike Fahrenbach. His e-mail is [email protected]. I do not know the days and times he has lessons.

There is diving at the Northshore pool in Bothell. The coach there is Jolynne Leitzel. She can be reached at [email protected]. I do not know the days and times of her lesson program.

There are also summer only lesson programs at pools in the cities of Shoreline and Lynnwood. Check with their recreation departments.

It would benefit you to take gymnastics for the flexibility, stomach muscles and acrobatic ability it takes to learn diving the right way. Most girls your age who are divers have a gymnastic background. It is really important if you want to compete in high school which occurs in the fall. If you just want to learn how to dive recreationally then it is not that important to have a gymnastics background.

Good luck with your pursuit of this fun sport.

Tom Trapp