Ready for summer 2016 in Hamptons!

We are very excited that Jodi Roberts of JODI212  is partnering up with Amanda Hartman from Pilatibodi. While child(ren)* are taking their swim lessons &/or tutoring with Jodi, Amanda will be available to do Pilates with the adults, teens &/or tweens. This way everyone can have a fun filled active summer without having to drive all around the Hamptons!

New York Magazine Article with Jodi212

Jodi L. Roberts from Jodi212 was asked about her experience with Fins.

http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/06/kids-training-flippers.html

Finis Positive Drive Fins. Photo: Bobby Doherty

Article by Lauren Schwartzberg

Lessons in the Hamptons – Summer 2015

Jodi212 will be teaching in the Hamptons this Summer, since many New Yorkers escape the city heat with their families, starting late June until Labor day.

She will be within the area: East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, North Haven, and other towns.

Featured Article @ Romy&thebunnies

Features

SUMMER ALERT

Private Swimming Lessons With Instructor Jodi Roberts And More

Summertime and swimming go together like birthday cake and candles, new magazines and a latte, Lauryn Hill and a running playlist… basically we can’t imagine one without the other. Just give us a sunhat, some sunscreen, a pair of floaties for our little ones, and we’re happy. Speaking of little ones and water, all the Instagramming of beaches and pools made us think it’d be good to learn more about the essentials of swimming for babies and toddlers. We’ve asked two of New York City’s best swim instructors to share their knowledge with us, and have also came up with a short list of lesson options in Paris, London, and Hong Kong. (And would love to hear your suggestions too!)

So our first big question was “Just how early can babies start swimming lessons anyway?” Brendan O’Melveny, director of Imagine Swimming’s “Parent & Me” program says, “We start at 6 months at Imagine Swimming, but in the future we may start even earlier. Babies are not born with any fear of the water, so it’s best to start swimming before they have a chance to learn that kind of fear.” And in addition to starting lessons young, it’s also important to keep attending them regularly. Says Brendan, “When babies start early and attend lessons consistently, the water becomes a familiar, relaxing environment, which makes learning to swim so much easier for them.”

Which naturally led to us wonder what sort of skills such young students can learn–especially when they’re still a bit wobbly on dry land. Jodi Roberts, a private swim instructor in New York City and the Hamptons, explained that learning skills like back floats, blowing bubbles, or how to paddle from one adult to another is all individual and depends on the parent, instructor, and baby: “I’ve had some babies who eagerly and happily swim from one grown-up to the next, but who aren’t thrilled to float on their back in their parent’s arms, and vice versa.” Other skills include ever-important lessons in water safety: “We teach them breath control so that they can safely go underwater,” says Brendan, as well as “floating and rotation skills, and safety skills including how to safely enter and exit a swimming pool.” Jodi also pointed out that swimming isn’t just a sport, but a basic life skill. And the sooner kids learn, the better– a 2009 study that Brendan shared “showed that early swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning for children aged 1 to 4 years by 88%.”

So while swimming lessons may be a necessity, that doesn’t mean they can’t also be a good time. Jodi let us sit in on a lesson with Sydney, a fearless and possibly part-mermaid two year old, and it was easy to see why Jodi’s students adore her– something that no doubt contributes to their love for the water. Jodi’s lessons are structured but fun (Sydney chose songs from Frozen as our soundtrack, naturally): “I do a lot of skill based games, so I’m able to not only keep little babies and older children engaged, but also constantly working on their swimming. It’s a happy and fun time as they’re learning.”

So whether your little one is in a group class or private lesson, you can rest easy knowing that they’re not only being taught an incredibly valuable skill, they’re also probably having A LOT of fun. And the icing on the cake? You’re setting them up to be pretty darn smart and confident. Says Brendan: “Studies also attribute many cognitive, social, and emotional benefits to early swimming, including greater intelligence, improved self discipline, and increased self confidence.” We’ll see you all in the water!

Photos and text by Sara Dimmitt

Romy&TheBunnies

Tailored Swim Lessons for Your Child

I believe that through my firm but honest approach to swimming, I can help your child overcome his or her apprehension about the water.

My first and most important job is to make sure that your child feels absolutely safe. And I believe by starting with my commitment to him/her, we can create a bond that will let him/her have the confidence to take on new challenges.

Don’t just take my word. Click here to read testimonials from current clients.

Go Clark Burckle!

My former swim team kid competed in the 200 meter Breaststroke Finals! Great swim, Clark, great swim! Placed 6th at 2:09:25. Well done.

London 2012 Olympics! Go USA!

Cultural Excursions: New Itineraries

Summer of 2012 brings several new and exciting activities for your child!

Custom itineraries can include:

• MoMA P.S. 1‘s Wendy sculpture (the winning design of MoMA’s Young Architect Program)
• Central Park Marionette Theater featuring Little Miss Muffet’s Monster Sitting Service

Please see the Services page for more information about booking a cultural experience for your child!