Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
~Margaret Mead
Personal Training, Retreats, Group Fitness Classes, Nutrition Coaching & Swimming lessons in Ashland & Online.
Solara Swim School
** SUMMER 2025 SWIM LESSONS SIGN UPS ARE OPEN FOR JUNE & JULY!**
To learn about last minute pop-up swim lessons in May follow @TrainingwithTamara on Instagram or join our private Facebook Group.
Our swim lessons provide a 1-1, non-competitive, safe atmosphere for your child to build confidence and skill in the water. Lessons are designed to give children a positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience. Each class is a carefully balanced set of activities including skill work, swimming, submersion, floating, and games.
* Currently our lessons are only for beginning swimmers ages 4mo-8yrs.
We look forward to empowering your children in the pool!
For ages 6mo - 4 yrs with a caregiver
15 min lesson - $20
30 min lesson - $40
Parent / Child Lessons
For babies, toddlers & pre-school aged children who learn better in the arms of a parent or caregiver.
Our parent/child swim lessons build swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water.
For this level we offer on-going classes as well as 1 time workshops. You & your child participate in guided class sessions that help children learn elementary skills, including water entry, bubble blowing, front kicking, back floating, underwater exploration and more.
Adult accompaniment in the water is required.
For ages 3-8yrs
15 min Lessons - $20
30 min Lessons - $40
Beginning Private Swim Lessons
For beginner swimmers ages 3-8yrs.
Come explore, sing, submerge, float, and swim as we learn about water safety with our 3 – 8yr olds.
Lessons are designed to give young children a positive, developmentally appropriate aquatic learning experience. Each class is a carefully balanced set of activities including skill work, swimming, submersion, floating, and games.
15 min lessons are ideal for:
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Little kiddos who get cold easily.
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Families that want to book multiple lessons in a week.
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Kids with short attention spans.
30 min lessons are ideal for:
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Kids who take longer getting used to their environment.
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Kids with fear of water.
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Kids who want to spend as much time as possible in the water.
For all ages
Snorkeling Instruction
Whether you're off to warm exotic places, exploring our Oregon Coastal waters or just playing in nearby lakes, snorkeling can be a fantastic adventure!
Learning to snorkel or simply brushing up on your snorkeling skills, is often easier than learning how to swim. Snorkeling incorporates three pieces of equipment: a mask, snorkel, and set of fins.
Becoming comfortable wearing your mask and learning to: breathe through your snorkel, clear your snorkel, and effectively use your fins are all skills that most beginning swimmers can learn in just one or two lessons.
Meet your Instructors
Tamara Smith
Tamara, founder of Solara Swim School has been teaching children to swim for over 20 years and is certified as a Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard, and SCUBA diver. She specializes in working with beginners and helping children overcome fear of the water through a patient, supportive, and confidence-building approach.
Beyond swim lessons, Tamara teaches and guides all things water—from snorkeling and water sports to aqua aerobics. She is also currently training in aquatic bodywork therapy for both children and adults, adding a new dimension to her work. Her unique methods help swimmers build trust, comfort, and a lifelong love for the water.
Ali Van De Graaff
Ali has been coaching swimmers of all levels—from beginners to advanced—for over ten years.
A mother of four with a background in swim team, she brings a wealth of experience, patience, and enthusiasm to every lesson.
Her positive energy and ability to connect with kids make learning to swim a fun and rewarding experience, keeping students coming back year after year. We’re so grateful to have her on our team!
Sky Smith
We’re excited to welcome Sky Smith to our coaching team this summer! While home from college, where she’s studying physical therapy, Sky will be joining Ali and me in the pool.
A lifelong water lover with years of experience in swim lessons, summer camps, and coaching, Sky has a special ability to connect with children and make them feel safe and confident in the water. She has also been personally trained in my unique methods for teaching new, fearful, and beginning swimmers, ensuring the thoughtful approach families trust.
Note to Parents
Your child will never be forced underwater to meet parent or teacher agendas! We will meet your child at his/her level, build trust, encourage and demonstrate the joy of underwater swimming!
We have had years of success using our methods. We hope you'll embrace and mirror these strategies wherever your water adventures may take you.
Pricing & Location
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$20/lesson - private 1-1, 15 min.
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$40/lesson - private 1-1, 30 min.
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$30/lesson - semi private, 2-1, 15 min.
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$70/lesson - semi private 2-1, 30 min.
** Please note - semi private lessons are designed for 2 children at roughly the same swimming level.
We use a private, saltwater pool at Solara Studio in Ashland. Directions will be sent to you with all the
additional details you need before your first swim lesson.
Testimonials
Stephanie S.
Tamara took so much time working to help my son overcome his fear of water! I can't thank you enough. We'll be back next summer.
Megan D.
My daughter has taken lessons all over the Valley for the past 7 years. She's hated them all. We almost gave up on trying. The we finally got a spot with Tamara. Tamara flipped the switch for my daughter. Not only is she no longer fearful, swimming is now one of her favorite things to do.
Melissa H.
Ali is so great with my kids in the pool. Her level of patience is remarkable. My kids look forward to every single lesson and leave feeling on top of the world. Thank you Ali!