Testimonials

“I have known Mickey Murad for the last 10 years as an athlete, coach and friend. Mickey swam for me in high school for my club team, North Coast Aquatics. Mickey was one of the most talented swimmers I have ever coached and was one of the elite middle distance freestyler's in the United States in his era. He went on to a college swimming scholarship to UC Berkeley and continued his swimming under the legendary Nort Thorton. Mickey was always a student of the sport and I hired him to assist with my club program upon his return from college. He has a gift for analyzing and teaching stroke mechanics and I am excited to watch him apply his teaching talents to his new venture, First Wave Swim Academy.”

-Jeff Pease, Head Coach and Team Owner: North Coast Aquatics

"Matt skillfully identifies the strengths and weaknesses of swimmers of all levels. Olympic, collegiate, age group, masters, triathlon and SWAD swimmers dramatically improve under Matt’s sharp eye. He has an amazing ability to communicate what needs to be done to effect the required change in technique that maximizes the efficiency of each individual stroke."

-Mike Bottom, U. of Michigan, Head Coach

"I have been racing in triathlons for 13 years and have always been a good swimmer, but since I started to work with Mickey and First Wave I was able to get to a swim level that I never thought I'd be able to be achieve, taking my swimming to the next level. They focused on technique, giving me tips that only someone at an Olympic level would know! Today I'm confident I will be able to swim side by side with the best triathletes in the world."

-Caue Suplicy, Professional Triathlete, 3x Solana Beach Triathlon Event Winner, 4x Camp Pendleton International Champ (Set Course record), 8th overall 2009 Hona Ironman 70.3 kailua-kona

“As an elite swimmer, small shortcomings in everyday training can have drastic consequences when it counts the most. Matt recognized these shortcomings on a day to day basis. His ideas helped me on my journey to winning an Olympic medal!”

-Mike Cavic, Beijing silver medalist, 100 fly

“Matt’s coaching enthusiasm, current swimming background and calm demeanor can help you achieve the world!”

-Peter Wood, 10 time triathlete, Xterra age group world champion

"I have been under the coaching of Mickey Murad of First Wave Swim Academy for the past 2 months in order to prepare for my first mini-triathlon. Before starting my training I was very anxious about the swimming portion specifically. After only a couple of sessions with Mickey, who was actually in the water with me and showing me how to improve my stroke, turns and pace, I am extremely confident that I will perform well at the event. I have even cut well over a minute and a half off of my time and feel stronger than ever before. Mickey has also given me some invaluable tips specifically for triathlon swimming which will give me a definite edge over my competition. Mickey has a relaxed coaching style that is very conducive to learning and yet knows how to get the most out of me at every session. I would highly recommend Mickey Murad and First Wave Swim Academy to anyone who is looking to improve the form and efficiency of their stroke or to anyone looking to have a personal best in a swimming event or triathlon. Thanks Mickey for everything you have done for me!"

- Dr. Devin Shea D.C., C.S.C.S., C.C.W.P.

"As a novice swimmer, I was very anxious about competing in my 1st sprint triathlon. Mickey evaluated my stroke and demonstrated techniques in the water with me. This enabled me to visualize ways in which I could improve my stroke and efficiency during the swim. Mickey was always flexible with training sessions and even held an open water swim session. Mickey's relaxed, encouraging, and technical coaching style alleviated my anxiety and instilled in me the confidence complete my 1st sprint triathlon. Thank you Mickey! I could not have done it without you!"

- Love Hailey, RN, BSN