From grassroots advocacy to digital innovation, SwimSmart was built to transform swimming access worldwide.
In 2015, John founded Sailfish Swim Club with a mission to make competitive swimming inclusive for para-athletes and able-bodied swimmers alike.
His belief was simple: everyone deserves the same opportunities in the water, and no swimmer should ever be seen as different.
As Sailfish grew, John expanded his mission. Sailfish Swim School was bornâflexible, individualized, and built to meet each studentâs unique learning style.
In 2024, he launched STRIDE Aquatics, a nonprofit making swim lessons accessible regardless of income, now with 3 locations across the U.S.
The pandemic reshaped how people learned. As pools closed, interest fadedâbut John saw an opportunity to evolve swim education for a new era.
âThe need for swimming hadnât disappearedâit had grown. We just had to meet people where they were.â
Thatâs when SwimSmart was born.
SwimSmart is a subscription-based online platform created to reignite the joy of swimming. Designed for all skill levels, SwimSmart offers expert lessons, athletic coaching, podcasts, and pool rental bookingâall in one digital space.
To carry over the same values of accessibility and empowerment, John brought on STRIDEâs General Manager, Tori Rystrom, to co-build the SwimSmart platform. Together, they blended aquatics expertise with inclusive design to create a platform that supports swimmers from every walk of life.
Founder, Visionary, Adaptive Swimming Advocate
Aquatics Operations Specialist & Platform Strategy
SwimSmart is here to reignite the joy of swimming, make it accessible for all, and build a global community of confident, empowered swimmers. Whether youâre learning to float or pushing for the podium, SwimSmart is more than lessonsâwe're a movement.