Originally Posted by
Dalai
Total Immersion is a great book. They also do clinics...
http://www.totalimmersion.net/index.html
And join a swim squad / or tri club with a good swim coach once you have moved to Madison. Having immediate feedback poolside about your technique is invaluable.
I just started reading the book and it sounds interesting. If (as it sounds) the OP has little swimming experience, it may be a really good place to start as they won't have any 'habits' to break.
Can't vouch for it's effectiveness, but I'm inclined to give it a try - not much to lose in trying new things.
//k