How long will it take me to learn to do one breath hold?

[fisherdvm]

OK, likely a stupid thread. Just found out that I have to do a one breath swim for 20 M for this class I am planning to take in June (GUE fundies).

So I started breath holding exercises, and got up to 90 seconds yesterday. I'll have to go to the pool and work on the swim.

Don't worry, I'll read through the great number of very wise posts on the same question about 3 weeks ago about the same topic. No point of repeating what has already been said.

I guess it seems like a big challenge. I can go 1/2 way or 3/4 way now... Just wonder, on average, how many tries and how much time it takes to perfect the skill. I am a slow learner. I think I'll work on the surface first, before I go to the dive part. The pool is only 4.5 ft deep, and that is only in the middle.

 

[Rainer]

Um, 90s is pretty darn good for not practicing. I really don't think you'll have a problem, assuming you're a decent swimmer. Only way to find out, though, is to get wet.

 

[DanBMW]

Use a little weight on a belt so you don't have to fight to stay down (always under supervision, never by your self) and just practice going a little further each time. It is really mind over matter. You will be able to do it with practice. Don't try to wing it.

 

[TomP]

If you're going 1/2 to 3/4 now it should not take you too long. I started swimming to get in shape about a month ago, generally twice a week, and end my sessions with an underwater swim. It's a standard 25 yard pool. My first 4 attempts (1 per day) were between 1/2 and 3/4, closer to 3/4 though. Made to the wall on will power alone for shot 5 and 6. Surprised myself by making it fairly easy on tries 7 & 8. Yesterday I added a turn and an additional stroke. Set a stretch goal of 50 yards.

good luck and hope this helps...

p.s. - I tried the modified S stroke that some folks have great success with but couldn't get it. I use the traditional breast stroke form.

 

[TSandM]

The breath-hold swim was one of the biggest challenges of Fundies for me. By the time the class came, I was still making the distance only about half the time. What I found out was what adrenaline and determination can do. I highly recommend doing it with your eyes open (or swim goggles) because it was being able to see the goal line that got me there.

 

[TravelSimone]

OK, likely a stupid thread. Just found out that I have to do a one breath swim for 20 M for this class I am planning to take in June (GUE fundies).

Is this just a regular swim with no fins or mask? Or... are you geared up? I remember having quite a long swim just to get my NAUI OW. Thankfully, I did it when I was young and too stupid to worry about whether or not I would make it. I've considered the GUE fundies, and wondered if the swim was much different.

 

[TomP]

The breath-hold swim was one of the biggest challenges of Fundies for me. By the time the class came, I was still making the distance only about half the time. What I found out was what adrenaline and determination can do. I highly recommend doing it with your eyes open (or swim goggles) because it was being able to see the goal line that got me there.

I agree on the determination and the goggles. I'd advise relaxation over adrenaline and say forget the wall. Sometimes seeing the goal is a motivation, sometimes it can go the other way. In either case looking up causes a lot of drag. I'd say keep your head down and watch the tiles fly by.

 

[Blackwood]

Kick and glide, my friend. Kick and glide.

 

[fisherdvm]

Hopefully more people will sign up. The class is at Gilboa, Ohio. It is on Friday June 1 through Sunday June 3.

 

[Mthelming]

If you can do it on the surface, just take a breath and do some freestyle. If it must be underwater...I do a modified breaststroke when I do 50's underwater. Seriously....just take a breath and start swimming, it shouldn't take you more than 20-25 seconds to swim that far. Otherwise, you might be swimming backwards!:11: My roommate says "Tell them to think of eating french fries, thats what we were told on the high school swim team"