Fundamentals Swim Test

[Ste Wart]

Any tips for achieving the 50-ft breath-hold swim? I tried it using a sort of ugly breast stroke, and I didn't make it 50 feet.

Pull and glide.

oh and as one GUE instructor told his student when he couldn't make the distance first time "MTFU!"

Seriously though. Pull and glide.

 

[TSandM]

SparticleBrane, years ago, gave me some links to some videos on swimming underwater. It's a breaststroke kind of thing, where you do a huge pull and kick, and then glide as long as you can before you do it again. If your arms are strong, you can do the whole length of the pool in about three kicks; I can definitely get the 50 (or 75 feet that we had to do for C2) with three or four. For me, the impossible part is staying underwater, and luckily that's not required. You just have to keep your face in the water and clearly not take a breath.

 

[Gareth]

Actually the standards now say "submerged" for the breath-hold swim.


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[TSandM]

Well, phooey! What on earth is the purpose of THAT? With my lungs full of air, I'll need a flipping WEIGHT BELT to stay underwater for 75 feet!

 

[Andy_HFC]

I really did struggle with the GUE-f swim. I can only do a really bad breast stroke, so my technique really went against me. I made a special effort for tech 1 and completed it no probs. My advice would be to go swimming, practice and you'll get there. That's what I had to do for T1, and it worked well.

Ironically, I didn't have a problem with the breath hold. But, pull and glide, stay relaxed is definitely the key.

 

[mainedvr]

Thanks Andy

I am a pretty decent swimmer, and the thing is I never actually have swam laps timing them and I know when I don't pace myself I poop out and have to stop...we are just going to get some practice timing and figuring out the best pace....breath hold I am not worried about... and as someone one pointed out there are more things to concentrate on but that is something we do anyhow it was just the swim test my wife and I were like hmmmm wonder how that is going to work out...

I really did struggle with the GUE-f swim. I can only do a really bad breast stroke, so my technique really went against me. I made a special effort for tech 1 and completed it no probs. My advice would be to go swimming, practice and you'll get there. That's what I had to do for T1, and it worked well.

Ironically, I didn't have a problem with the breath hold. But, pull and glide, stay relaxed is definitely the key.

 

[Cyprian]

Mainedvr,

When do you plan to take Fundies and how long has it been since you have swam laps?

I ask because I am an avg swimmer myself. I passed the Fundies swim test with no issue; however, I am telling this story to tell you this.......as I am about to take Cave 1 starting this coming Friday:

I was "bad" and did not swim since my Fundies class (Feb 2013). When I finally decided to get off my backside and swim Jan 2014 I was huffing and puffing after only one lap! I've probably been to the pool 20 times since Jan and my 400 yard swim time (C1/T1 level) has dropped almost 3 mins in just 20 +/- swim sessions.

So, yes, get in the pool and set your baseline. If you can already knock out the 300 with little problem, great! Just work on lowering your time. If not, then build up to the full 300.

You'll get it! Good luck in class, sir.

 

[kathydee]

I admit that the swim test was a challenging part of Fundies for me. Working with a talented swim coach has greatly improved my swimming skills and has proven well worth the effort/cost.

It's easy to time 300-400 yards in a pool to assess if pre-Fundies swim coaching/practice is needed.

On the flip side, I've heard of divers who manage to do the full Fundies swim tests while floating in a relaxed backstroke .

Good luck with Fundies !

 

[jrgregory]

Actually the standards now say "submerged" for the breath-hold swim.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Sorry to revive an old thread, but there is not much out there on the Internet about this topic, and I want to clear up some outdated info:
The breath hold swim test does NOT require you to stay fully submerged underwater. I don't know if it did at one point and they changed it, but as long as you keep your face underwater, it is ok if you float to the top. Emphasis on BREATH HOLD.

My understanding is that they recognize that some people are more naturally buoyant, and want to avoid having divers weight themselves for a swim test.

Source: passed Fundies a few days ago. Had been unnecessarily worried about this, as I float right to the top...

Per instructor: "Technique that works best is a very slow breast stroke with long gliding phase to not overuse energy"

Helpful video:

 

[JoeTPhilly]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but there is not much out there on the Internet about this topic, and I want to clear up some outdated info:
The breath hold swim test does NOT require you to stay fully submerged underwater. I don't know if it did at one point and they changed it, but as long as you keep your face underwater, it is ok if you float to the top. Emphasis on BREATH HOLD.

My understanding is that they recognize that some people are more naturally buoyant, and want to avoid having divers weight themselves for a swim test.

Source: passed Fundies a few days ago. Had been unnecessarily worried about this, as I float right to the top...

Per instructor: "Technique that works best is a very slow breast stroke with long gliding phase to not overuse energy"

Helpful video:

I think you caught a break from your instructor:

2.2.2.8 Required Dive Skills and Drills
2.2.2.8 (A) Required Dive Skills and Drills for a GUE Fundamentals - Recreational Rating
a. Must be able to swim at least 300 yds/275 m in less than 14 minutes without stopping.
This test should be conducted in a swimsuit and, where necessary, appropriate thermal
protection.
b. Must be able to swim a distance of at least 50 ft/15 m on a breath hold while submerged.

https://www.gue.com/files/standards9/FundP2-Standards-v9.2.pdf