Press and Testimonials
2015 - Here is an excerpt from an email written to coach Valentin after the Beginner Clinic on February 11, 2015
Hi Rob,
First off let me say that your class was fantastic. In that short period of time I learned more than the last 3 classes I have taken. I appreciate your teaching style and to tell you the truth you made me much more comfortable in the water.
... I really would like to get as much instruction as possible as I would like to do a Triathlon this year. I run distances as long as 50k and have biked distances up to 40 miles. Now all I need to do is swim, and thanks to yesterday, I now know that I actually can float. - Luis Marcial
2014 - "I took your Level 1/Level 2 class in February/March. I wanted to thank you for your lessons and have seen significant improve in my stroke/comfort level. I am currently taking scuba training for my certification. As part of that training, I am required to swim 200 meters/10 minute thread. I completed both exercises and my scuba instructor told me that I swim with such ease/comfort considering I learnt how to swim until I was in my late 30s. After my scuba training is over, I intend to continue my swim training via you. See you soon!" David Acharya
"I had gotten to that point where I was a decent swimmer but was stagnated. No matter how much I train, I had the same time. No matter how many of us are in the pool, Robert corrects at least one thing (and reminds me of previous corrections) per session. I was worried at the beginning because we did not do distance, as an Ironman I feel I need to get the meters in. We are now doing both distance and drills and I never felt that powerful, pulling water across the pool. I went from 26-7 strokes to 22 and still get my 100m under 1"35. Robert is so energetic and positive that I can go twice a week even when beat after work..He brings it out of me." Ironman, Chantal Line Carpentier
"Robert is amazingly able to perceive the subtle technical difficulties of each individual swimmer (even when working with a sizable group with diverse skills), and prescribe tailored drills that address these problems. I was able to swim 500 meters for the first time after just two sessions with Robert. He is challenging, encouraging, and a complete pleasure to work with. I can't recommend him highly enough." Cassandra Ritas, Level 2 Lap Swim Clinic
Time Tested Testimonials
Deep Water Running in TIME OUT NEW YORK:
http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/spas-sport/80502/best-indoor-pool-classes-in-new-york-city
Check out the feature about the best way to cross train or train while injured!
"My husband and I had been using Doug Stern's DWR for over 10 years, but usually only to fine tune before a marathon or post operative recovery from knee surgery. There was never any doubt of it's validity! After my husband's passing several years ago I decided to attend workouts weekly, and have been doing so for three years. My strength and endurance clearly improved; the only thing I was doing differently in my training was the weekly DWR. It was the only explanation! This year my marathon (14th NYC) training had several setbacks; I laughed saying only that the locust and plague didn't hit it. I then get bronchitis in October, so that left only the locust! Mileage was down, long runs minimal (no 20 milers) never-the-less I had my strongest marathon ever! I attribute that solely to the fantastic strengthening work-outs that we receive from Robert's coaching and the DWR method." Kathleen Rosenberg
"Hi Robert, Thank YOU! I won my age group at Alcatraz. I was SO HAPPY!!!! So THANK YOU for all your patience and encouragement and great coaching!"
Polly de Mille, RN, RCEP, CSCSExercise PhysiologistSports Rehabilitation and Performance CenterHospital for Special Surgery
"Deep Water Running exceeded my expectations during training as well as while running the marathon. Fun. Confidence Building. Effective. I was amazed by my muscle memory; how my body self-corrected while running up and down hills. I also 'carried' Robert’s kind and motivational words of 'Don't forget to drive those arms when you get tired. Come on... you've pushed through water, you can push through air! Have a great ‘time.’ ' He undoubtedly enhanced my memorable marathon experience." Kristy Napora, RD, ACE-GFIRegistered Dietitian & Group Exercise Instructor
"Robert,Just wanted to say that I really loved the swim class this evening. I did, indeed, go home and rave to my husband. I obviously need to work on my endurance (and not psyching myself out), but it's clear that I am going to enjoy the class. I would also love to do the Monday night swim when I've built up a bit more." Kim Killion
“When I was preparing for the marathon I reached a point where my body was having trouble with the extra miles. I asked around and the unanimous opinion (among the trainers I spoke with) was that “deep water running is the best cross training for runners.” I could not have finished the marathon without the deep water running classes. They allowed me to train extra days each week, building my stamina without the extra pounding on my knees. More importantly, I would not have recovered as fast after the marathon. I did the deep water running the day after the marathon and again 3 times in the two weeks afterward. I’m back running now and I intend to stick with “the best cross training for runners”. Thanks a million (actually 26.2)" Rev. Joseph J. TyrrellMaster of CeremoniesSt. Patrick's Cathedral
"As someone with a long time fear of deep water, I came to Robert with some hesitation. After countless swim classes that didn't work for me, I had all but given up on swimming as a sport. But I knew this class was entirely different from the very first day I entered. In the pool alongside my classmates, Robert coached us with a gentle and thoroughly intuitive process that matched each of our needs uniquely. No longer was I expected to go through the Red Cross checklist of skills and move on to the next, regardless of whether I mastered the last lesson. While he swam along with us, we could imitate his moves and he could see exactly what wasn't working. He understands that everyone has his own internal time line on learning and Robert allows you to find and master each step before pressing you on to the next. From his beginner swim course, he continues to mentor and guide you with his weekly swim classes, taught in a private pool where you can focus without distraction. Now I have a place where I can learn at my own pace and grow as the swimmer I've always wanted to be. It's a true oasis in New York City and I have Robert to thank for that." Gregory Kennedy
"Once more, i wanted to say huge THANKS...definitely overcoming major hurdles recently and it feels great!!! Looking forward to continued practice and progress over the summer and coming back to class in September that much stronger! Suzanne
"I'm happy to say that I just finished my first marathon. And when I turned the corner from the Bronx to head back into Manhattan and saw the empire state building ahead of me, in my delirious state and amid great exhaustion, i suddenly heard your voice saying, "there's the empire state building - and its calling out to you saying come, come home". and that got me through those last 5 miles. I'm sure you get a million thanks from a million people, but there's really something special about the comfort your class brings to those of us who are fraught with injury-related anxiety weeks before the marathon. I really appreciate the energy, spirit and humor you shared with us in that class." Thanks,Talia
"I cannot begin to explain how much I enjoyed my experience the past six weeks. It was a lot more than just learning to swim - you really tapped into a part of me that I thought was lost. You have sparked a passion in me and brought out the competitive nature I once had when I was younger. You are more than just a swimming instructor - you are a person who can identify with individuals and reach them with your charisma. Thank you are not the correct words, I believe grateful is more proper." Best, Peter
2015 - Here is an excerpt from an email written to coach Valentin after the Beginner Clinic on February 11, 2015
Hi Rob,
First off let me say that your class was fantastic. In that short period of time I learned more than the last 3 classes I have taken. I appreciate your teaching style and to tell you the truth you made me much more comfortable in the water.
... I really would like to get as much instruction as possible as I would like to do a Triathlon this year. I run distances as long as 50k and have biked distances up to 40 miles. Now all I need to do is swim, and thanks to yesterday, I now know that I actually can float. - Luis Marcial
2014 - "I took your Level 1/Level 2 class in February/March. I wanted to thank you for your lessons and have seen significant improve in my stroke/comfort level. I am currently taking scuba training for my certification. As part of that training, I am required to swim 200 meters/10 minute thread. I completed both exercises and my scuba instructor told me that I swim with such ease/comfort considering I learnt how to swim until I was in my late 30s. After my scuba training is over, I intend to continue my swim training via you. See you soon!" David Acharya
"I had gotten to that point where I was a decent swimmer but was stagnated. No matter how much I train, I had the same time. No matter how many of us are in the pool, Robert corrects at least one thing (and reminds me of previous corrections) per session. I was worried at the beginning because we did not do distance, as an Ironman I feel I need to get the meters in. We are now doing both distance and drills and I never felt that powerful, pulling water across the pool. I went from 26-7 strokes to 22 and still get my 100m under 1"35. Robert is so energetic and positive that I can go twice a week even when beat after work..He brings it out of me." Ironman, Chantal Line Carpentier
"Robert is amazingly able to perceive the subtle technical difficulties of each individual swimmer (even when working with a sizable group with diverse skills), and prescribe tailored drills that address these problems. I was able to swim 500 meters for the first time after just two sessions with Robert. He is challenging, encouraging, and a complete pleasure to work with. I can't recommend him highly enough." Cassandra Ritas, Level 2 Lap Swim Clinic
Time Tested Testimonials
Deep Water Running in TIME OUT NEW YORK:
http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/spas-sport/80502/best-indoor-pool-classes-in-new-york-city
Check out the feature about the best way to cross train or train while injured!
"My husband and I had been using Doug Stern's DWR for over 10 years, but usually only to fine tune before a marathon or post operative recovery from knee surgery. There was never any doubt of it's validity! After my husband's passing several years ago I decided to attend workouts weekly, and have been doing so for three years. My strength and endurance clearly improved; the only thing I was doing differently in my training was the weekly DWR. It was the only explanation! This year my marathon (14th NYC) training had several setbacks; I laughed saying only that the locust and plague didn't hit it. I then get bronchitis in October, so that left only the locust! Mileage was down, long runs minimal (no 20 milers) never-the-less I had my strongest marathon ever! I attribute that solely to the fantastic strengthening work-outs that we receive from Robert's coaching and the DWR method." Kathleen Rosenberg
"Hi Robert, Thank YOU! I won my age group at Alcatraz. I was SO HAPPY!!!! So THANK YOU for all your patience and encouragement and great coaching!"
Polly de Mille, RN, RCEP, CSCSExercise PhysiologistSports Rehabilitation and Performance CenterHospital for Special Surgery
"Deep Water Running exceeded my expectations during training as well as while running the marathon. Fun. Confidence Building. Effective. I was amazed by my muscle memory; how my body self-corrected while running up and down hills. I also 'carried' Robert’s kind and motivational words of 'Don't forget to drive those arms when you get tired. Come on... you've pushed through water, you can push through air! Have a great ‘time.’ ' He undoubtedly enhanced my memorable marathon experience." Kristy Napora, RD, ACE-GFIRegistered Dietitian & Group Exercise Instructor
"Robert,Just wanted to say that I really loved the swim class this evening. I did, indeed, go home and rave to my husband. I obviously need to work on my endurance (and not psyching myself out), but it's clear that I am going to enjoy the class. I would also love to do the Monday night swim when I've built up a bit more." Kim Killion
“When I was preparing for the marathon I reached a point where my body was having trouble with the extra miles. I asked around and the unanimous opinion (among the trainers I spoke with) was that “deep water running is the best cross training for runners.” I could not have finished the marathon without the deep water running classes. They allowed me to train extra days each week, building my stamina without the extra pounding on my knees. More importantly, I would not have recovered as fast after the marathon. I did the deep water running the day after the marathon and again 3 times in the two weeks afterward. I’m back running now and I intend to stick with “the best cross training for runners”. Thanks a million (actually 26.2)" Rev. Joseph J. TyrrellMaster of CeremoniesSt. Patrick's Cathedral
"As someone with a long time fear of deep water, I came to Robert with some hesitation. After countless swim classes that didn't work for me, I had all but given up on swimming as a sport. But I knew this class was entirely different from the very first day I entered. In the pool alongside my classmates, Robert coached us with a gentle and thoroughly intuitive process that matched each of our needs uniquely. No longer was I expected to go through the Red Cross checklist of skills and move on to the next, regardless of whether I mastered the last lesson. While he swam along with us, we could imitate his moves and he could see exactly what wasn't working. He understands that everyone has his own internal time line on learning and Robert allows you to find and master each step before pressing you on to the next. From his beginner swim course, he continues to mentor and guide you with his weekly swim classes, taught in a private pool where you can focus without distraction. Now I have a place where I can learn at my own pace and grow as the swimmer I've always wanted to be. It's a true oasis in New York City and I have Robert to thank for that." Gregory Kennedy
"Once more, i wanted to say huge THANKS...definitely overcoming major hurdles recently and it feels great!!! Looking forward to continued practice and progress over the summer and coming back to class in September that much stronger! Suzanne
"I'm happy to say that I just finished my first marathon. And when I turned the corner from the Bronx to head back into Manhattan and saw the empire state building ahead of me, in my delirious state and amid great exhaustion, i suddenly heard your voice saying, "there's the empire state building - and its calling out to you saying come, come home". and that got me through those last 5 miles. I'm sure you get a million thanks from a million people, but there's really something special about the comfort your class brings to those of us who are fraught with injury-related anxiety weeks before the marathon. I really appreciate the energy, spirit and humor you shared with us in that class." Thanks,Talia
"I cannot begin to explain how much I enjoyed my experience the past six weeks. It was a lot more than just learning to swim - you really tapped into a part of me that I thought was lost. You have sparked a passion in me and brought out the competitive nature I once had when I was younger. You are more than just a swimming instructor - you are a person who can identify with individuals and reach them with your charisma. Thank you are not the correct words, I believe grateful is more proper." Best, Peter