"Swim Well" – How a Passion for Water Changes Adult Life

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A conversation with Aleksander Ryszka, Total Immersion coach from Rybnik

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Musician, composer, radio producer, freediver – and a swimming instructor who helps adults fulfill their dream of an effortless, smooth front crawl. Aleksander Ryszka, the creator of the “Pływaj Dobrze” (Swim Well) brand, talks about his unconventional path into the world of swimming and how he effectively teaches adults from scratch.

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From Sound to Water – About Himself and the Brand

‍Who are you, and what does “Pływaj Dobrze” mean to you?

By education, I’m a musician. For years I’ve been working in sound production, mainly in radio advertising. But swimming has long been my passion – and it increasingly fills my life. “Pływaj Dobrze” was born from the need to share that passion – especially with adults who often don’t know where to start.

Why Total Immersion?

It’s a method that truly works – it teaches you to swim “with your head,” both literally and figuratively. For me, front crawl has always been the most natural stroke. When I started teaching it to others, I naturally reached for Total Immersion – because it delivers real results, even for people starting from zero.

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Breathing Is the Foundation

Without breath control, there’s no control over the body. In TI, we teach conscious, calm breathing, which reduces stress and allows better command of technique. However, this requires solid fundamentals: balance, streamlining, and efficient arm and leg work. These are the keys to swimming lighter and with greater enjoyment.

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Freediving – A Lesson in Calm

Freediving taught me patience. It’s not a strength-based sport but one built on trust in your body and breath. I seek calm, economy of movement, and lightness in it – values very close to both the coach and the swimmer.

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From Recreation to Mindful Movement

What were your early experiences with swimming like?

I swam “my own way” as a child. It was only in adulthood, and the desire to teach my son to swim, that changed my approach. I began learning technique – consciously. I observed others and strived to reach their level. When I discovered TI – I knew it was my path.

YouTube Channel – What’s Next?

I post content there irregularly, but I’m planning more technical tips. I want to help people who train beyond their actual level. Everyone – regardless of skill level – can learn something.

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Collaboration with Paweł Lewicki

We met at a TI coaching course. We clicked right away. Today we run Open Water camps together. Paweł has passed on a tremendous amount of knowledge to me – and every conversation with him motivates me to keep growing.

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Summer Swimming Camps

It’s intensive but very rewarding work. We spend most of the time in the water – analyzing technique, planning workouts, teaching navigation, adaptation to natural conditions, and safety.

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Freediving – From Fascination to Competition

It started with the desire to swim the length of a pool underwater. Then came competitions, training sessions, trips – Zakrzówek, Egypt. Pool freediving pairs beautifully with TI swimming.

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Sport for Yourself, Not for Medals

I swim for myself. I competed at the World Championships in Belgrade (2013) and won the Polish Vice-Championship (2014). Since 2016, I’ve been taking part in marathons – but it’s about becoming a better swimmer, not about medals.

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Open Water – Adventure with Purpose

I sometimes compete in events (Pogoria, Srebrne Fale), but the greatest thrill comes from “crossings” – for example, swimming from one shore of a lake to the other. It’s an adventure and a communion with nature.

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Tips for Open Water Beginners

• Realistically assess your abilities – divide your pool skills by four.
• Before a longer swim – a minimum of 1.5 km of continuous pool swimming.
• Never swim alone – having a safety escort is essential.
• A swim buoy is nothing to be ashamed of – it’s safety.
• Choose calm waters, free of motorboats.
• Respect nature – if conditions are bad, don’t swim.

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Swimming Metronome – A Tool for the Aware

For intermediate and advanced swimmers, a metronome is an excellent tool for working on rhythm. I use one regularly, but I wish there were more competition on the market.

What do I expect from the ideal metronome?

• Simplicity – quick parameter changes without a complicated menu.
• Portability – easy to clip onto goggle straps or slide under a swim cap.
• Durability – long battery life, resistance to pool conditions.

It’s not a gadget – it’s real support for mindful swimming.

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Total Immersion Courses in Rybnik

I run regular TI courses (mainly front crawl fundamentals), focusing on participants’ independent practice. I organize new editions every month. I also offer individual lessons – from beginners to advanced swimmers.

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Swimming Is More Than a Sport

Swimming and freediving are, for me, a form of self-discovery. Being “here and now.” Not for medals – for calm, for joy, for lightness.

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Aleksander Ryszka shows that swimming is more than just a sport.

It’s conscious presence in the body, the ability to manage stress, a dialogue with water and with oneself.

Whether you’re a beginner, a dreamer, a triathlete, or a depth seeker – his story inspires you to “swim well,” not only technically, but in life as well.

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