Help from swimmers

[jtivat]

I am taking my DM swim test at the end of this month and have been practicing for two months but have a few questions. First some background I never had any instruction in swimming and would say I am a strong swimmer but don't have good form, as I don't even know what good form is. I have always been athletic and am in good shape, I am 6’6” and 230lbs., which has always been to my advantage in most sports however little guys at the pool seem to fly by me? My question is do you think a swimming cap and Speedo will really help my times and worth getting and looking like a dork? Also any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks
JT

 

[xSandman3]

Just from a good taste point of view...speedos should be outlawed.

I am going to start my DM training in the fall, and have read the requirements as far as swim times, etc. I'd say that if you're in good shape and can swim fairly well, you shouldn't have any problems.

Good luck!

 

[pipedope]

It would probably help more to invest in some time with a good swim coach.

Technique is far more important than swimwear.

 

[freediver]

If you're a competetive swimmer and are trying to shave seconds off your time then the speedo and cap may be nice. With the DM swim though, just make sure your mechanics are efficient. Remember, any movement in swimming that does not result in either propulsion or streamlining is wasted motion ex.. a real forceful kick. Have you been practicing rhythmic breathing and are you efficient at it? Is your body rotation effective? Can you actually "feel" your hands pulling you through the water? The key to good times in the water is not how fast you move your arms and legs but stroke length. Try this drill: swim a distance of the pool and count the strokes it takes to reach the other side then try and reduce that # of strokes. Before you know it you're slicing through the water with great ease. Good luck!

 

[Snowbear]

I'm not a strong swimmer at all and had no problem passing the DM swim test. The GUE Tech1 test was more stringent and I passed that one as well - even when I got a muscle cramp under my scapula :11:

So I'm thinking if you can do the laps at a steady pace, you should have no trouble passing... Does your agency require a snorkel and fins swim as well? If so - a pair of freediving fins can halp a lot

 

[jtivat]

I'm not a strong swimmer at all and had no problem passing the DM swim test. The GUE Tech1 test was more stringent and I passed that one as well - even when I got a muscle cramp under my scapula :11:

So I'm thinking if you can do the laps at a steady pace, you should have no trouble passing... Does your agency require a snorkel and fins swim as well? If so - a pair of freediving fins can halp a lot

Yes, I also have to do the snorkel, which I can already do in the best time to receive maximum points but I am interested in these "freediving fins" where do I find info on them? Also I have my swimming time well into the passing range I just hate not getting the best score possible.

freediver, the stroke-reducing thing sounds good I will give it a try.

Thanks all
JT

 

[Snowbear]

You and me both on wanting the best score, even if a lesser score is all that's needed to pass

The freediving fins I have I bought many years ago for snorkeling in Indonesia. They are longer and more slender than most Scuba fins. I found out in a hurry that they actually suck big time as scuba fins, but they are awesome for the DM snorkel swim test as well as for freediving. They don't have a brand name on them.

Personally, I would not buy a new set of fins just to excell at the swim test unless you plan to need them for their designed purpose as well. You will pass the test if you get the minimum number of points or the maximum.... is it really worth the stress or the extra $$ spent just to get a better passing score? Is it even going to matter in a year? 10 years?

 

[freediver]

Hey JT, here are just a few of the freediving fins out and the best price i can find on them:
Cressi Gara 2000 $75
Cressi Gara 3000 $100
Esclapez Immersion &68
Imersion Initiation $52
Picasso Start $72
Sporasub Dessault $82
Sporasub Pure $242
Then there are the C4 Falcons (my fin of choice!)
Falcon 25, 30 and 40 $299
Falcon 80 $350
The primary differences are the stiffness of the blades and the material the blade is made of.

 

[Kestrell]

It would probably help more to invest in some time with a good swim coach.

Technique is far more important than swimwear.

Don't worry about what you are wearing. Focus on you mechanics. An hour or so with a swimming instructor (or a well trained swimmer) will do wonders for your times.

 

[el ridgeo]

Forget the cap and speedo. Just swim! Get thee to the pool and work on slow, easy distance swimming. I started lap swimming 3 years ago to try to improve my SAC and for weight management (I was going to have to find a wetsuit in a triple-xtra-bubba siza). I started at 1000 yards and gradually increased the distance to 2500. Then I started timing myself. It took about 42 minutes when I started. That's down to about 35 minutes now. I don't try to swim hard. Instead I try to concentrate on my stroke and streamlining. If I find that I'm breathing hard then try to slow down, stretch out and concentrate on my stroke. I'm about the same size as you: 6'4" & 225 lbs.
You might check out Total Immersion: http://www.totalimmersion.net/
Their workshops are a little on the pricey side (in my opinion), but you can get a DVD or even just the freestyle stroke drill cards.