First day of class and sunk like a ROCK!

[bcutie]

I started my class last night (PADI) and the instructor had us do our 200 yd swim so we could get it out of the way. I made it maybe 100 yards and almost died. My legs felt like aching noodles. Then he had us float for 10 minutes and I lasted for 2. Felt like eternity. I can run 2.5 miles no problem. Why was I in the pool DYING???? Should I even bother going back to class, or should I try to get some private swim lessons first? Is it possible for me to improve enough to do the extra 100 yds in 2 weeks??? I was thinking of taking private lessons while in class. I'm feeling a bit discouraged right now. :0( Somebody cheer me up!

Tonya

 

[Diver0001]

You can give yourself a little help with the 10 minute treading water by keeping your lungs as full as possible...

For the rest it's just a matter of hanging in there. If you're not a strong swimmer maybe go the pool and try to pick up some tips. The breast stroke takes less energy and you can change from breast to back to crawl to help your aching noodles. Maybe try that. The requirement is to finish the swim, not to break any records or look good doing it.

R..

 

[Rick Inman]

Oh man, I hate the pool tests. Had to do some for DIRF and stressed about it the whole time.

I passed though. What you need is just a little pool time on your own. Did the instructor tell you that you can do any stroke you want? That's right. Just do some crawl, then as you get tired turn over on your back and easily wing your arms to keep moving forward, then switch back when you catch your breath. Back and forth as you need. Do it yourself a couple of times and you'll get your confidence.

 

[bcutie]

This is probably a really stupid question, but how do you keep your lungs full and breath at the same time????

Tonya

 

[laurelgsc]

Sounds like it is not an endurance problem but maybe a stroke efficiency problem. What stroke are you using? Did you try to swim too fast? I know that whenever I renew my lifeguard instructor cert I have to swim 500 yards. I really have to pace myself and go slow. You might ask your instructor some agencies let you substitute a 300 yard fin, mask and snorkel swim for your 200 yard regular swim. If you can get through half of it, you can make it the rest of the way without too much coaching. Here is a suggestion try switching your stroke halfway through your swim to give you a break. Good luck!

 

[laurelgsc]

Tonya,

I don't know what stroke you are using, but I breath out underwater so when I turn my head to breath (freestyle) or come up to breath (breast stroke), I can take a full breath. Is there anyone that you know that could coach you on stroke mechanics?

 

[Diver0001]

This is probably a really stupid question, but how do you keep your lungs full and breath at the same time????

Tonya

The answer to that one is going to cost you....

Just keep your lungs as full as you can as much of the time as you can while still breathing....breathe in all the way, hold it for a few seconds and do it again.

Oh and alternate kicking (cycling) movements on left and right legs. You don't need to kick them both at the same time to stay on the surface and by alternating you're spreading the energy you put into upwards movement over more time. If you kick them both together you propel yourself up and then there's no more propulsion and when your body sinks back in the water between kicks it sinks further which causes you to put more energy into the next kick etc etc.

R..

 

[MSilvia]

Why was I in the pool DYING????

You were working too hard. Swimming doesn't have to be aerobic lap swimming at race speed. When I did mine, I alternated between a leisurely sidestroke, backstroke, and breast stroke. I hardly raised my pulse rate doing it, and it wasn't because I'm in great shape, but because I wasn't working hard enough to get tired.

Several tips:
The more relaxed you are, the more bouyant you'll be.

The more air you keep in your lungs, the better you'll float. Exhale quickly, inhale fully, and keep your lungs full as long as is comfortable. They'll basicly stay full except while you're exchanging the air, and you'll be bouyant except for the instant in which your lungs are empty, during which you kick to keep from sinking.

If you hold your breath, you'll probably float at eye level if you're vertical in the water. If you can hold your breath for 15 seconds, you can float for 15 seconds without moving a muscle. Kick when you're exhaling, then breathe, and you'll be able to float for a minute with very little effort. Breathe as deeply as possible while treading water leisurely, and you'll float high enough to keep your mouth out of the water without getting fatigued.

 

[moneysavr]

Tonya,
Relax and dont give up,Man I did it ! You can too! Swich strokes, get on your back and do the back crawl, Its not a race,same with tread water,lay back use your hands & feet, think of how great it will be when you pass! AND YOU WILL!
Good nights sleep, lots of fluids,good mind set and go for it!
Be safe,
Brad

 

[Xanthro]

There is not a time limit for the swim, you probably just started out too fast.

Ironically, I found the swim to be the hardest OW test, and I used to be a lifeguard and a competitive swimmer. First 100 meters was easy, just like old times, but since I hadn't really swam in more than 10 years I just hit this wall and had to start floating to gain breath and finish. It was embarrasing.

Just take it slow, and change your strokes. Go backstroke if needed. Not racing will make it much easier.