Didn't pass swim test

[Walter]

Actually, yes. It's a medical fact that black people have a higher density of muscle, and that equates to them being far less buoyant than their Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic counterparts. Don't even start with the racist crap. I served with soldiers from all over the world, of every color and combination, and patched up those soldiers. We all bleed the same color. It's a non-issue. *shrug*

That's misleading statement. I don't know if a black person's muscle is denser than those of other races or not, but if it is true then a black would be less buoyant than someone of another race only if they had the same % of body fat. Percentage of body fat goes up in blacks just as it does in others. When % of body fat goes up, so does positive buoyancy, regardless of race.

 

[H2Andy]

Actually, yes. It's a medical fact that black people have a
higher density of muscle, and that equates to them being far less buoyant than
their Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic counterparts.

please provide a link from a reputable source that contains this finding.

i would prefer something approved by the American Medical Association,
but a research journal will do.

 

[tech24]

If you will back float and kick you should be fine just relax and Don't get in a hurry.

 

[Hank49]

That's misleading statement. I don't know if a black person's muscle is denser than those of other races or not, but if it is true then a black would be less buoyant than someone of another race only if they had the same % of body fat. Percentage of body fat goes up in blacks just as it does in others. When % of body fat goes up, so does positive buoyancy, regardless of race.

I don't know if there is a difference in muscle density...but I have heard or read that blacks have a higher % white to red muscle than whites...anyway, Walter is right.

 

[CameronMartz]

Before this thread goes the way of Jimmy the Greek, let's remember we're trying to help one specific person to pass the swim test. <g>

I can't emphasize enough that swimming is best learned from an instructor, like you're doing. Also, for hopefully obvious reasons, passing the swim test should not be a once-in-a-lifetime event for a diver.

Cameron

 

[vondo]

Since I didn't see anyone else mention it, for me the "elementary backstroke" is the way to go for distance. Motions kind of like breast stroke, but on your back. Lots of float/glide time, no set rhythm, and very efficient. I won't set any speed records, but I could probably swim a mile this way without too much trouble.

 

[liberato]

please provide a link from a reputable source that contains this finding.

Well, if you need more.

 

[Supernal]

Back to the topic....

I'm going to let the swimming instructor know what my goals are, and work toward those.

There's another diving school not too far from where I work that has new sessions starting every month - I'll keep going back until I can pass the swimming test!

Thanks for everyone's advice.

 

[H2Andy]

Well, if you need more.

those are all popular press (Wall Street Journal) et. al. commenting on
various ideas about race and sports.

i was asking for a scientific document that establishes african americans
have more muscle mass than equivalent caucasians.

in fact, let me posit that differences between various African body-types,
such as eastern africa and western africa (were most US african americans
come from) are far more different that between african american and
caucasian body types... just saying

[alright.. let's go to PM's so we don't keep hijacking this thread]

 

[DeputyDan]

The reason I've never condsidered becoming an instructor is due to my lack of swimming ability.

I knew I would have problems with this so I joined a pool six months prior to taking the OW class and went swimming 3X a week. Was up to 800 yards non-stop when it was time for OW class.

I did not learn to swim until college and it was required to graduate.

The point is - yes you can overcome the swimming barrier to diving it just takes time and work.