Meet Our SWIMSHARK Coaches!
Coach Matt is training new swimming coaches with his fun and efficient technics used in every single swimming lesson. In his recruiting process, swimming Coach Matt makes sure his new coaches are as passionate as him about teaching strong swimming skills to children with fun.
About Coach Matt
Coach Matt is the founder of SwimShark. Originally from the UK, Coach Matt comes from a background of swimming and has over 5 years of experience coaching swimming. Coach Matt specialises in the Learn to Swim coaching program for younger children, developing his own methodology. Coach Matt has adapted his teaching to support all ages – from infants/toddlers and school aged children – and from the total beginner to the most advanced.
His vision of swimming
Coach Matt is an unwavering swimming enthusiast who puts lots of energy into his sessions. He likes to make swimming fun during his classes, paying close attention to the different levels of ability and personalities. He has only one goal: encouraging your kids to become real little swimming sharks. Tailor-made, is the word to describe Coach Matt’s classes.
There is no doubt that your children will love Coach Matt’s sessions!
Coach Matt’s qualifications & experience
Coach Matt holds several swim coaching certifications:
- AustSwim Licence
- Certified Standard First Aider CPR AED License
- National Register of Coaches (NROC)
- Values & Principles in Sport
All these certifications are recognised internationally.
Coach Matt started his career as a swimming coach working for different organisations and international schools in Singapore:
- Sports4Kids
- ProActi Sports
- Dover International School
- Canadian International School
- Eton House
Coach Matt’s personal life
Originally from the UK, Matthew Oratis and his family arrived in Singapore in 2018, and now the happy father of two children.
Before becoming Coach Matt and the founder of SwimShark he was a Systems Data Analyst for 10 years. When coach Matt isn’t in the water, he’s on two wheels taking in the Singapore sights by cycling around the National Park Connectors. He loves all sports, but his favourites are Football and Tennis.
How did he start to swim?
Coach Matt had the opportunity to swim at school and in a local leisure center from the age of 4. Matt said: “I remember my dad teaching me to swim at an early age because he was a Scuba Diving Instructor. After that, I went to my Dad’s diving club every week…”
Matt also became a qualified Scuba Diver ((BSAC) – British Sub – Aqua Club & PADI Qualified) from the age of 10. He realised the dreams of any diver: diving in the Red Sea & on the Great Barrier Reef.
Coach Matt’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Wonton soup
A place in Singapore: East Coast and Gardens By the Bay
A favorite movie: Back to the Future
Languages: A bit of Greek and Chinese!
Something surprising: He was an extra in a scene of Game Of Thrones! (Now you just have to find out which! …)
Do you want to find out more, do you have more questions?
Just drop Coach Matt a message.
He will be glad to hear from you and happy to answer any questions with his legendary enthusiasm!
About Coach Aaron
Coach Aaron is a former national swimmer in Singapore. With also over 5 years of coaching experience, his athletic techniques help trainees of any levels achieve the next height. Coach Aaron’s full time career did not stop his passion for coaching with SwimShark
Coach Aaron’s qualifications & experience
Coach Aaron holds several swim coaching certifications:
- AustSwim License
- Certified Standard First Aider CPR AED License
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
Coach Aaron started his career as a swimming coach working for different organisations in Singapore
- Tao li swim club
- H20 Performance
- Elite swimming club
Coach Aaron’s personal life
Born in Singapore, Aaron Loh is currently working as a Interior designer as a full time. Loving the outdoors and for a balance lifestyle, he occasionally goes to the gym and swim. Often playing games during the weekends with his friends online.
A dish in Singapore: Hokkien mee
A place in Singapore: Jewel
A favourite movie: Star wars
Languages: English, Chinese
Something surprising: I would like to keep an exotic animal
About Coach Luca
Coach Luca is a swimming and scuba diving enthusiast. Luca is trilingual, he speaks Italian, French and English.
Luca developed his passion for teaching learn to swim skills following his childhood days in Italy, where he spent his free
time leisurely swimming and diving around his neighbourhood beaches.
The unique SwimShark teaching technique suits Luca’s dynamic style and personality and provides proven results. Come have fun and learn to swim better with Coach Luca.
Coach Luca’s qualifications & experience
Coach Luca holds several certifications:
- American Swimming Coach Association
- PADI Instructor Qualified
- Scuba Schools International
- Certified PADI Standard First Aider CPR AED License
About Coach Gladys
Gladys is no stranger to the waters as she has been swimming since 6 years old. She feels that water is her element and she enjoys her time in the pool. Her experience as a Preschool Teacher previously has allowed her to connect better with her younger students and she finds it meaningful to journey alongside them as they develop their confidence in the water.
Coach Gladys’s qualifications & experience
- AUSTSWIM Certification (ongoing)
- 6 months of swimming coaching experience
- Worked with children as young as infants previously in Preschool attachments
Coach Gladys’s personal life
Gladys has a Psychology Degree & a post-graduate diploma in Counselling Psychology. She hopes to slowly move in this direction and to provide support & help to people in need. Additionally, she is a marketing specialist with years of experience in different industries. She is also someone who is active & loves dancing. She has been exposed to several genres of dance since the age of 6, not limited to Ballet, Contemporary dance, Chinese dance, Jazz, Hiphop, Funk, Waacking & Soul Dance. In her leisure time, she enjoys baking and arts & craft too.
Coach Gladys’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Chili crab
A place in Singapore: Anywhere with people I love
A favorite movie: Too many to keep track. Some include Studio Ghibli, Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Greatest Showman, etc.
Languages: English & Mandarin. Self learning a little Spanish
Something surprising: I was a Singapore Airlines Air stewardess before and a pageant queen
About Coach Claire
From swimming competitively as a teenager in the UK to coaching in beautiful Singapore, Claire has expanded on her 22 years experience in the classroom and taken it into the pool!
Claire is also founder of DiscoverMum & DiscoverKids, for all parenting needs in Singapore. A multi-disciplinary service provision from birth preparation to everything that is involved in the magical journey of parenthood!
Coach Claire’s qualifications & experience
- AUSTSWIM certified coach
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Coach Claire’s personal life
Mummy of three, certified doula and early years educator, happiest when I’m busy helping others smile!
Coach Claire’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Chicken Rice
A place in Singapore: Mount Faber as that is where I was proposed to
A favorite movie: Dirty Dancing
Languages: English and Basic French, German and Spanish
Something surprising: Ex professional dancer
About Coach Val
Coach Val is a scuba diving enthusiast and has developed a passion to work with children since young.
She was trained to be a language teacher and has worked with children of all ages in different settings. She always brings on positive and bright energy to the session.
Coach Val’s qualifications & experience
Over 2 years of swimming coaching experience
- AUSTSWIM Certification (Ongoing)
- STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
Coach Val’s personal life
Originally from Hong Kong, Val has been in Singapore for over 10 years. Outside of the pool, she’s a Pilates instructor and enjoys sharing her knowledge of fitness and wellness. Val loves travelling and exploring the nature. She goes for bike rides along East Coast Park and long walks around MacRitchie Reservoir in her spare time.
Coach Val’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Laksa
A place in Singapore: MacRitchie Reservoir
A favorite movie: Top Gun
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese and a little Japanese
Something surprising: I had fear of water when I was a child
About Coach Mel
Coach Mel is another resident coach at Dakota. She got the job because she was spotted to have a talent with kids. In a short span of time, Coach Mel fostered a strong bond with the children at Waterbank. She believes that building a positive relationship with young swimmers can make their learning experience enjoyable and help them excel in the sport.
Coach Mel’s qualifications & experience
As a kid, Coach Mel was a school swimmer and represented her primary school in many inter-school competitions. She believes that sports build character and discipline.
Coach Mel’s personal life
Coach Mel is a local bred Singaporean. Apart from coaching, she is a realtor who goes above and beyond for her clients. So don’t be surprised if you see her conducting viewings one day!
Like many singaporeans, Coach Mel is a foodie and enjoys Netflix. When she’s not traveling or working, she would be exploring restaurants and going for bike rides along East Coast Park.
Coach Mel’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Char Kway Teow
A place in Singapore: East Coast
A favorite movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Languages: English and Mandarin
Something surprising: Travels alone most of the time
About Coach Kev
Coach Kev had no swim experience before but it was his passion to become a swim coach. With daily practice, alongside his coaching training, Coach Kev has fulfilled his dream and hope to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Coach Kev’s qualifications & experience
- AustSwim Certified
- First Aid CPR AED certified
- English Football Association certified Coach
Coach Kev’s personal life
Kevin has lived in Singapore for 6 years, and has 3 young kids of his own.
He plays football for the British Club in his spare time, and also works as a football coach for the Borussia Academy.
Coach Kev’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Hawker mixed vegetable rice
A place in Singapore: Saint Johns Island
A favorite movie: Scream
Something surprising: Brought up in a nunnery
About Coach Amelia
Amelia has been swimming since the age of 5 with more than 20 years of swimming experience. She enjoys the process of journeying with clients to achieve breakthrough results in their swimming progression.
Coach Amelia’s qualifications & experience
- SSGA Certified
- AUST SWIM certified (Nov)
- Over a year of swimming coaching experience
- Worked with kids through volunteer programs in church
Coach Amelia’s personal life
Outside of the pool, Amelia is a full time Chartered Accountant. She takes up dancing classes and dance video projects in Hip hop, Street Jazz and Waacking genres. Occasionally, she will have pop up classes and production performances too. She also loves hiking in the greenery areas of Singapore.
Coach Amelia’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Laksa
A place in Singapore: The green corridor trail
A favorite movie: Spirited Away
Languages: English and Mandarin
Something surprising: I learn to use a gun at the age of 14
About Coach Valencia
Coach Valencia was a former competitive swimmer specializing in breaststroke. She swam for 16 years and recently retired from the swimming scene. She is transitioning from a swimmer to a coach and hope to pass down her knowledge to younger kids!
Coach Valencia’s qualifications & experience
- Over 2 years of swim coach experience
- AUSTSWIM Certification
- PADI Open Water Diver
Coach Valencia’s personal life
Val loves travelling and trying new experiences. Outside of her University degree and coaching, she attends Pilate classes during her free time. On weekends she loves to go on drives around Singapore to look at houses or cars.
Coach Valencia’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Chilli crab
A place in Singapore: Millenial walk
A favorite movie: Avatar 2
Languages: English and Mandarin
Something surprising: I like cars
About Coach Julian
Coach Julian always enjoys being in the water and coaching. With this, he hopes to help kids and adults conquer the fear of water.
Coach Julian’s qualifications & experience
- Singapore National Swim Certification (Bronze, Sliver and Gold)
Coach Julian’s personal life
Coach Julian’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Thunder Rice
A place in Singapore: Joo Chiat
A favorite movie: Matrix
Languages: English and Chinese
Something surprising: I like reading books
About Coach Nicholas
Nicholas has been swimming since the age of 6, and he loves being in the water as it gives off a very tranquil and relaxing feeling. Additionally, he enjoys the process of watching his students progress over time.
Coach Nicholas’s qualifications & experience
-
AUSTSWIM Certification
-
CPR & AED
-
Bronze Cross
- Bronze Medallion
Coach Nicholas’s personal life
Coach Julian’s Fun facts
A dish in Singapore: Chicken Rice
A place in Singapore: MacRitchie
A favorite movie: Kingsman
Languages: English and Chinese
Something surprising: I used to be very afraid of putting my face in the water