Private Swim Coaching in Porto and Matosinhos
Learn to swim efficiently with confidence.
For adults, children and triathletes. Lessons available in English, French and Dutch.
- Qualified Swim & Triathlon Coach
- First taught swimming at age 16
- Lessons in English, French and Dutch
Services
Private Lessons Adults
Learn to swim efficiently with confidence. Personalized coaching adapted to your level, from beginner to advanced.
- Water confidence
- Breathing and body position
- Independent, efficient swimming
€40 / 1h
Discuss planning on WhatsAppChildren Swim Coaching
Fun and safe swimming lessons for children. Build water confidence and learn proper technique in a supportive environment.
- Water safety and confidence
- Fundamental swimming skills
- Technique taught step by step
€30 / 45min
Discuss planning on WhatsAppTriathlon Swim Technique
Improve your open water swimming for triathlon. Focus on efficiency, breathing, sighting and race-day strategies.
- More efficient freestyle
- Sighting and breathing
- Open-water preparation
€40 / 1h
Discuss planning on WhatsAppDuo session: €60
Small Group Lessons
Private small-group programs for adults, children and triathletes
Learn to Swim
3-5 people
Learn to swim with confidence
Availability: On request
For a group you have already formed
Location: A swimming pool in Matosinhos, agreed together
€250 / 10 sessions
Included
- ✓Pool entry
- ✓7/7 possibility to ask questions through WhatsApp
Not included
Pool registration/insurance of €22 paid directly to the facility (first session only)
To bring
Swimwear, Swimcap, Goggles, Slippers, Small lock for the lockers
Learn Freestyle
3-5 people
Learn freestyle with confidence and ease
Availability: On request
For a group you have already formed
Location: A swimming pool in Matosinhos, agreed together
€250 / 10 sessions
Included
- ✓Pool entry
- ✓7/7 possibility to ask questions through WhatsApp
Not included
Pool registration/insurance of €22 paid directly to the facility (first session only)
To bring
Swimwear, Swimcap, Goggles, Slippers, Fins (if you have them), Small lock for the lockers
Swimming Lessons for Children
3-5 children
Build water confidence and swimming skills together
Availability: On request
For a group you have already formed
Location: A swimming pool in Matosinhos, agreed together
€250 / 10 sessions
Included
- ✓Pool entry
- ✓7/7 possibility to ask questions through WhatsApp
Not included
Pool registration/insurance of €22 paid directly to the facility (first session only)
To bring
Swimwear, Swimcap, Goggles, Slippers, Small lock for the lockers
Freestyle for Triathlon
3-5 people
Swim faster with less effort
Availability: On request
For a group you have already formed
Location: A swimming pool in Matosinhos, agreed together
€250 / 10 sessions
Included
- ✓Pool entry
- ✓7/7 possibility to ask questions through WhatsApp
Not included
Pool registration/insurance of €22 paid directly to the facility (first session only)
To bring
Swimwear, Swimcap, Goggles, Slippers, Small lock for the lockers, Fins, pull buoy, kickboard (if you have them)
Small group lessons are available on request for pre-formed groups of 3–5 participants. Please put your group together before contacting me. We will then agree on the schedule and a suitable pool in Matosinhos. The full course is paid in advance once the dates have been agreed. Lessons missed because of illness or any other reason for absence cannot be refunded or rescheduled, as the pool is reserved for the group. If I have to cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled or refunded.
About Me
Elise
Passionate about swimming and coaching, I have been teaching swimming for several years. With a background in competitive triathlon and sports education, I offer personalized coaching for all levels.
Whether you are a complete beginner looking to feel comfortable in the water, a parent wanting your child to learn safely, or a triathlete aiming to improve your performance, I adapt my teaching to your specific goals and pace.
My approach focuses on building confidence, developing proper technique, and making every lesson enjoyable. I believe everyone can learn to swim well with the right guidance and encouragement.
Qualified Swim & Triathlon Coach
I have an academic background in Sport Sciences from KU Leuven, where I specialised in swimming and obtained my Swimming Instructor B qualification as part of the programme.
- Master’s degree with a specialisation in Sport Management
- Educational Master’s degree
- University-level specialisation in swimming at KU Leuven
- Swimming Instructor B qualification
- Triathlon Initiator qualification
- 15 years of competitive triathlon experience
- Several years of swim coaching experience with children, adults and beginner triathletes
- Experience teaching water confidence and fundamental swimming skills
This combination of academic knowledge, educational training, recognised coaching qualifications and extensive sporting experience forms the foundation of my coaching approach.
I provide structured and personalised swimming lessons for children, adult beginners, recreational swimmers and triathletes.
What My Students Say
“Elise is an exceptional swimming teacher. My son has a deep fear of water, and thanks to her patience, empathy, and skill, he is now not only more confident but genuinely happy in the water. She creates a relaxed and supportive environment where he feels safe, while also teaching important rules and techniques that are valuable for all children. I couldn't recommend Elise more highly.”
— Mónica
“I’ve been taking lessons with Elise for 5 weeks (had 10 lessons), and I’ve learned so much (practically from zero)! My breathing has improved a lot (I honestly never thought I could breathe under water like this before), and now I finally understand how to swim breaststroke and freestyle correctly. She’s professional, patient, and very friendly. Sadly I’m moving out of Porto, but I’m really happy I had the chance to learn from her. Highly recommended!”
— Rytenis
“I highly recommend Elise. I was very nervous about getting into the water, but she immediately helped me feel calm and safe. Her client-centered approach met me exactly where I was, and I appreciated how she built my technique step by step — breathing, posture, and movement. I was amazed by how much I improved in just one hour and I'm really looking forward to continuing our lessons.”
— Di
“Elise is a very patient teacher and highly motivating. She listens carefully and always finds alternatives to improve whatever is needed. I highly recommend her.”
— Luís
“I am rebuilding my confidence in the water after just a few lessons. She has helped me with my technique, and I feel improvements after every session. Highly recommended.”
— Harvey
“I approached Elise after seeing her in the pool with another student. What caught my attention was that she was in the water demonstrating the exercises — something many instructors don't do. Elise is an excellent instructor, clearly an expert, extremely patient, and also very fun. She breaks exercises down into smaller parts to make them easier to understand and practice, and after each lesson she sends me a summary with videos, which is incredibly helpful. I recommend her to anyone who wants to learn to swim or improve their technique.”
— Natasha
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to help you prepare for your first swimming lesson.
Are lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Lessons are adapted to your current level, including adults and children who are not yet comfortable in the water. We work step by step on confidence, breathing and fundamental swimming skills.
Is there a minimum age for children?
There is no fixed minimum age, but I do not offer baby swimming. We can discuss your child’s needs before booking to make sure an individual lesson is suitable.
Can parents stay during a children’s lesson?
Yes. Parents may enter the water when they wear swimwear and pay the pool entrance fee. During a child’s lesson, however, parents are advised to keep their distance and swim independently rather than follow the lesson closely. This helps the child focus and supports the learning process. Depending on the pool, parents who do not enter the water may be able to follow the lesson from a cafeteria or viewing screen.
Where do private lessons take place?
Private lessons take place at suitable pools in Porto and Matosinhos. The exact location is agreed during booking. Small group lessons take place at a suitable pool in Matosinhos, agreed together.
Do you offer trial lessons?
I do not offer separate trial lessons. Your first booking is a regular lesson, fully adapted to your level and goals.
What is the cancellation policy?
Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and no-shows are charged in full. Exceptions may be made for unforeseen circumstances such as illness or an accident.
Which languages are available?
Lessons are available in English, French and Dutch.
Practical Information
Location
Porto & Matosinhos
Various pools available
Schedule
Monday to Saturday
Flexible hours
Booking
Contact me via WhatsApp
We will agree on a suitable time together