Wahoo Swim Academy is the Learn-to-Swim Program for Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA), a non-profit founded in 1959 by Bill Sonner, former All American athlete and Director of Physical Education at N.C. State University.

Mr. Sonner was instrumental in teaching generations of Wolfpack students to swim. Honoring the tradition of his life's work, Wahoo Swim Academy opened in the summer of 2014 when we opened our facility.

Our mission is to meet each participant where the participant is and lead the participant toward reaching his or her goals, whether the goal is to float, to be able to swim with friends in the summer, to get a band at the summer pool to allow swimming in the deep end, or to join a swim team. We focus on small group lessons of similar age and ability on consecutive days for an immersive experience. 

Our staff of experienced adults provide exceptional instruction in a nurturing, friendly environment designed for maximum success. Staired entry, 88 to 90 degree Fahrenheit water and warm air provide an optimum environment. In addition, the instructional pool boasts lane lines, Ts and backstroke flags like the 'big pools' to enable participants to acclimate to a training setting for those hoping to join a swim team.