What Families Are Saying
Since 2021, Palekana Swim has grown through the support of our families—from backyard lessons to our own space today. Here’s what they have to say about their experience.
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"We have had lessons with two instructors and they are both amazing. They push my kids to practice and try new things while still making the lessons fun. My kids have made more progress in two months with Palekana than they have in the previous 6 years of lessons elsewhere, and they love going to their lessons!"
-Lindsey
Private Lessons
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"Matt Lowell is an incredible instructor. He has now done two sessions with our older daughter (2 yrs old) and one with our 6mo old. We are so impressed with Matt's ability to teach kids of all ages and put both the kids and parents at ease in an otherwise stressful situation. People who see our kids often ask how we got them to swim like that at such a young age but we can't take credit for it. We are huge proponents of ISR and have convinced several friends to enroll their kids as well. Everyone loves Matt as much as we do. We can't thank him enough for his kindness and the skills/confidence he has given our kids. It really is a huge gift for them."
-Stephanie G.
ISR Survival Swim Lessons
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"The Lowells have been such a blessing. Water safety was a huge anxiety for me. Both my boys go and they absolutely love Matt. They’ve made amazing progress. We are so, so fortunate."
-Elissa B.
Private Lessons
ISR Self Rescue™ Reviews
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"For over a year we had been trying swimming private weekly lessons, drop-ins, summer programs, and all kinds of options for our now 5-year-old. We were referred to Matthew Lowell for swimming lessons by a friend. In a few days, our daughter was floating and swimming independently. Matt not only helped our daughter have the safety skills she needs in the water, he helped her gain confidence in trusting herself. I wish we knew about ISR and Matt sooner! We’re enrolling our second baby as soon as we are able to."
- ISR Parent 2022
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"Amazing experience!! The best seeing the progress in just 4 weeks time. We were very lucky and happy to have met Matthew and Katherine. Highly skilled instruction and Matt was very patient beyond words and made our kiddos experience more memorable! The impact Matt has on teaching these babies/kiddos is remarkable. He is so patient, a great communicator, and has the ability to encourage anyone! Would definitely recommend anyone to take lessons with him!"
-Melody A. & David N.
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"Matt Lowell is amazing at working with my kiddo through his tears and fuss (and there is a lot on some days), and getting him to know his abilities. Cj has accomplished so much in the last two weeks alone!"
-Haley J.
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"Both of my kids are so receptive to Matt’s teaching techniques. The skills they learn in three short weeks is so impressive!"
-Tida T.
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“I was blown away with my child's experience in ISR lessons. This experience has ignited a passion in me to help share and make these lessons available for many more kids. I'd like to try and help find a location for Matt to teach at. I have lots of friends who have young kids that they would like to enroll."
-Bailey
ISR Parent 2023
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"We are so impressed with the skill level that both of our boys have now after completing ISR with Matthew Lowell. He was a perfect combination of kind, firm, patient, and fun. His wife does a great job handling communications and overall we were very, very happy with the class. The boys miss going so much and still mention him often. Matthew instilled a love of the water and swimming into our sons and we are forever grateful for that, and for the peace of mind we've been given."
-Amy I.
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"Matt Lowell was very patient with my 4-year old Isabelle, and knew how to push her slightly and also offer comfort and security when needed. He’s an excellent instructor and has a great demeanor with kids and parents. My child trusted him right away, and the way the instructor was able to communicate with her was very age appropriate, encouraging, and positive. Highly recommend!"
-Jen D.
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"Matt has been an amazing instructor with Olly. Really focused on Ollys outcome and him progressing, tailoring each lesson specifically to Olly. Olly loved working with Matt - you can tell he is great with children. Nothing but good things to say and would highly recommend ISR and Matt as the instructor for any local parent seeking swim lessons and safety skills for their young one."
-ISR Parent 2023
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"Matt was amazing. My daughter loved going to swimming, even when it got tough for her. He was patient and kind, and that is a lot when dealing with moody 3 year olds. My daughter came away with valuable skills. "
-ISR Parent 2023
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“Matt Lowell was great with Cyrus and Sloane in their refresher classes. One week for Cyrus, 6, was enough to get his float in top form. Matt was very generous with his time during Sloane's lessons and she made great progress in all aspects of swimming. Both kids are very comfortable in the water and this makes a huge difference to us as we are a water sport family - from white water rafting to snorkeling in tropical locales."
-Terry L.
Private Lesson Reviews
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"We have had lessons with two instructors and they are both amazing. They push my kids to practice and try new things while still making the lessons fun. My kids have made more progress in two months with Palekana than they have in the previous 6 years of lessons elsewhere, and they love going to their lessons!"
-Lindsey
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"Coach Matt is amazing!!! My boys ages 6&8 went from non-swimmers to very confident and water safe 3 months! We skipped years of rec center lessons with the results we got. And my boys just absolutely loved him!"
-Emilee Naik
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"Today my 4.5 year old who couldn’t do anything in the water in June, survival swam tonight just a few months later (and is well on her way to swimming soon)! Matt is so patient and my kids really like him! I definitely recommend him if you are looking for an amazing swim instructor!"
Kristine J.
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"The Lowells have been such a blessing. Water safety was a huge anxiety for me. Both my boys go and they absolutely love Matt. They’ve made amazing progress. We are so, so fortunate."
-Elissa B.
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"We were only planning to take classes for the summer but my 3 year old made such great progress that we decided to continue - getting the dome was brilliant for the winter. I had such anxiety about my son and water but already feel so much more confident in his abilities in knowing what to do. Matt is so patient and kind and knows exactly how to deal with kiddos. So grateful to have found him!"
-Katy Christiani
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"My three boys take lessons with Matt. We love him. My youngest was in a near drowning and has been terrified of water.. now he is swimming with head in the water!!! Amazing!"
-Julie Bergenser
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"I have recommended Matt to so many of my friends! He has so much patience and has worked extremely well with my autistic son who has had a few meltdowns. Matt is such a fantastic instructor. We can’t say enough about him!"
-Sharon S.
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"My daughter has been taking lessons from Matt and he is so great. Totally recommend him! She was afraid to put her face in the water and her first lesson she wouldn’t even get off the top step, and now she’s able to swim a little ways in her own. I’m amazed!"
-Allison Parker
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“More love for coach Matt! My daughter may have had a 3 year old fear of a male teacher. Despite that, he taught her so much in such a short time and was always calm and reassuring! She already loved water, but Matt was able to break down the steps and help actually her swim! Stoke and float combos, she was swimming across the pool! He is so good and patient with the kids too, pushing them just enough!"
-Casey B.

