Stony’s Sector Spotlight: Wahoo Swim School

Diving In: The Journey

Ryan and Heidi’s love of swimming began early when their parents enrolled them in lessons that taught safety, confidence, and perseverance in the water. Those lessons sparked a lifelong passion that led them to swim competitively, work as lifeguards, which is where they met, and eventually discover their shared love for teaching. While living in California, Ryan discovered that swim coaching could be a full-time career. The opportunity to coach in a historically established swim market such as California provided him with advanced teaching techniques and the chance to hone his craft. After leaving California, they gained experience in leading programs across North America before deciding to bring Wahoo Swim School home to Stony Plain.

Staying Afloat Through Challenges

Like many new businesses building from the ground up, Swim Wahoo’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. Construction took longer than expected, and Ryan and Heidi had to navigate delays that tested their patience and perseverance. They recognize the impact this had on families eager to enroll and are deeply grateful for the community’s understanding and continued support.

Now that the facility is fully operational, Wahoo Swim is focused on delivering a reliable, high-quality swim experience close to home. Families who may have had to wait before can now see the difference for themselves: a welcoming space, expert instruction, and flexible programs designed around community needs.

Finding Their Lane

When designing Wahoo Swim’s facility, Ryan and Heidi drew on years of experience in public pool environments and set out to create a space where learning could truly flow. They recognized that distractions such as waterslides, diving boards, and spectators often make it harder for kids to focus, so they built a calm, purpose-driven environment centred on skill development.

The facility holds two 25-meter regulation lap pools and three 10-meter shallow pools for younger swimmers ready to dip their toes in. Wahoo Swim also uses modular above-ground pools, among the first commercial installations of their kind in the EMR. This design allows for precise temperature control, efficient maintenance, and flexible layouts that adapt as the business grows.

Building Strong Swimmers

Swim Wahoo’s programs are built on the SwimAmerica model, which emphasizes strong foundations and proper technique from day one. Using a progression-based approach, students begin with essential skills like breathing and balance, then advance through kicking and streamlining. Each swimmer moves at their own pace, ensuring confidence and safety before progressing to the next level.

Families and coaches celebrate every milestone, reinforcing positive learning and building excitement around achievement. Infants and toddlers are introduced to self-rescue techniques, including breathing before entering the water, getting back to the wall, and rolling onto their backs if they cannot reach safety. Older swimmers learn through structured play that strengthens form, discipline, and awareness.

“Good swimming is safe swimming,” Ryan explained. That philosophy flows through every level of Swim Wahoo’s programming, shaping not just strong swimmers but confident individuals who respect the water and their own abilities.

The Current That Drives Them

Heidi is especially passionate about working with sensory-diverse children. “Every child experiences the water differently,” she shared. “You must slow down, listen, and adapt every moment to what they need. When you see their confidence grow and the joy on their families’ faces, that’s what fills my cup. For so many of these kids, finding the right environment can be hard, and knowing Swim Wahoo can be that place means everything.”

Ryan believes swimming can be part of a healthy life at any age. “There comes a time when you can’t stay active in all the ways you used to,” he said. “Swimming gives you freedom because it’s gentle on your body but keeps you strong and moving.” He sees Wahoo Swim School as a space where people of all ages and abilities can stay confident and connected through the water. Many local seniors visit for lane swims and light exercise, finding a welcoming place to stay active. Ryan encourages anyone, or anyone with a loved one, looking for a low-impact way to keep moving to reach out and see how the pool can work for them.

Ryan and Heidi also value community connection. Wahoo Swim partners with local businesses, including Perks Coffee House, McDonald’s, Boston Pizza, Chopped Leaf, Bee Maid Honey, and Enlightened Massage. These collaborations add value for students and parents through shared community partnerships, while also strengthening Stony Plain’s business community by demonstrating how local entrepreneurs can work together to create meaningful benefits for residents.

A Ripple Beyond Stony Plain

Swim Wahoo’s impact reaches beyond the EMR, attracting students from as far away as Whitecourt and Hinton. Their growing reputation reflects not only the quality of instruction, but also the welcoming, community-driven environment they’ve created.

With competitive pricing, small class sizes, and personalized instruction, Swim Wahoo offers an accessible alternative while complementing regional swim programs. For Ryan and Heidi, it’s about creating a trusted space where everyone from first-time swimmers to lifelong athletes can learn, grow, and feel at home in the water.