American Digger In Europe
Registered
I'm a 59 (almost) year old disabled diver. My left ankle is fused at a 90 degree angle and has zero flexion. I passed my OWD Swim Test with flying colors by doing a combat side-stroke.
I ran into some problems, however, when I did my Dive Con 800 meter snorkel swim. Since my left ankle is fused, it causes serious drag while swimming on the surface. It acts like a water brake and basically, I'm propelling myself forward with one leg! I still completed the swim on time, but with seconds to spare, but in order to do so, I had to use my arms and was exhausted at the end of the swim.
I use a goofy looking modified kick under the water, but it is comfortable and works for me. If I make a surface swim and do it on my back, I can outkick just about anyone in my club. Once I turn on my stomach, I slow down by at least 30 percent. It's physically impossible for me to maintain my speed.
It's really frustrating but there is nothing I can do about it.
I ran into some problems, however, when I did my Dive Con 800 meter snorkel swim. Since my left ankle is fused, it causes serious drag while swimming on the surface. It acts like a water brake and basically, I'm propelling myself forward with one leg! I still completed the swim on time, but with seconds to spare, but in order to do so, I had to use my arms and was exhausted at the end of the swim.
I use a goofy looking modified kick under the water, but it is comfortable and works for me. If I make a surface swim and do it on my back, I can outkick just about anyone in my club. Once I turn on my stomach, I slow down by at least 30 percent. It's physically impossible for me to maintain my speed.
It's really frustrating but there is nothing I can do about it.