NO! If fins were allowed then standards were violated. The only aid someone may wear is swim goggles. Spark, keep trying to relax and practice. I'm betting that while you listened to the advice about breathing and exhaling you still tried to power thru the swim. It is not uncommon for people to not get it the first time or even the second. What is important with the swim is technique. Also, those deep breaths are not the kind that you take so that you feel your lungs will burst. The best way I can describe it I inhale for roughly a 1001-1007 count. then exhale the same amount. One more inhale and exhale. Then the third and as you are diving under exhale 1001, 1002 and stroke. This will also help you stay down. If you can swim on the bottom it is much easier in the beginning. When you feel yourself floating up exhale just a tad thru your nose or mouth but do not stop swimming especially for people with a little extra bioprene. The pressure plus exhaling will help you stay under. It usually takes me about 5 -6 good smooth strokes while kicking before I feel the urge to surface and breathe. At this point I exhale another 1001, 1002 count. 3 more strokes with kicks and I'm way beyond the 50 ft.
Now what you need to do is set some goals. Try for 12 meters next. Make two attempts and stop. Evaluate your stroke. I can't emphasize how important it is for them to be smooth and not jerk or rushed. Think of a stroke and glide, stroke and glide. kick as you are bringing your arms back to the postion for the next stroke. Not hard kicking just smooth and clean with small movements from the hip. If you don't make the 50 then just swim for a few minutes and relax. Beating yourself up for not making it will only make it harder as you are likely to tense up and work harder. This builds up more CO2 that you want to avoid. This is new and it is not a race. Small steps with some progress is better than giant leaps that end with you falling on your back and making none.
One more thing- while you are breathing, visualize the swim in your mind. Slow, smooth, and relaxed. be one with the water grashopper.
Now what you need to do is set some goals. Try for 12 meters next. Make two attempts and stop. Evaluate your stroke. I can't emphasize how important it is for them to be smooth and not jerk or rushed. Think of a stroke and glide, stroke and glide. kick as you are bringing your arms back to the postion for the next stroke. Not hard kicking just smooth and clean with small movements from the hip. If you don't make the 50 then just swim for a few minutes and relax. Beating yourself up for not making it will only make it harder as you are likely to tense up and work harder. This builds up more CO2 that you want to avoid. This is new and it is not a race. Small steps with some progress is better than giant leaps that end with you falling on your back and making none.
One more thing- while you are breathing, visualize the swim in your mind. Slow, smooth, and relaxed. be one with the water grashopper.
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