The Fun-da-mentals
	This emphasises the fact that it is more fun to be imaginative and mindful in the water than to switch off and be on automatic pilot. The Shaw Method guides you through a series of foundation practices that will help you to explore and understand the physics of swimming, particularly the effects of buoyancy and resistance.
	Whatever your ability, you have to go 'back to basics'. In order to develop a way of swimming that promotes the best possible 'use' of the body, as the Alexander Technique describes it, you must have a wide repertoire of skills. Although many of these skills can be cultivated during the process of re-learning the four strokes, they are more effectively assimilated without the distraction of trying to get from one side of the pool to the other.
	Here is an oppotunity to develop a new relationship with the water. The fundamental practices are made up of the following: • Buoyancy • Balance and stability • Resistance • Efficient swimming • Breathing with ease • Steps in the water • Swimming different strokes “Very carefully constructed, learning each piece and repeating until everyone could move on to the next. I really liked the light hearted way in which we learned.” Clare Martin, workshop attendee, 2005