Preparing for DIRF

[Far_X]

I have decided that as I want to enter into the realm of technical diving, cave and ice, I ought to adopt the principles of DIRF - not just for my own safety but that of my buddy's. I have sent an initial email to Bob Sherwood enquiring about the DIRF classes he holds at Dutch Springs, PA. I have read the pre-requisites and tested myself on one of them this morning after my 2km swim. The swimming on one breath. As it is easie to swim underwater holding my breath, I tried it without kicking the pool side wall to gain momentum. I was a few metres short of 15. I tried twice more. Nearer on the second time but a little less on the third. Obviously I need to practice this and will every morning I go swimming in the pool. Underwater, I am just using my legs for forward momentum as my arms would act as a brake.

Here's the initial question. Does anyone have any tips on how to swim further on one breath? If I just practice most mornings will I get further or are there any breathing exercises that I can do as I sit at my desk or at any other place. All comments eagerly awaited.

 

[Xanthro]

I'm not sure of the rules for the DIR-F tests. Are you using fins? Are you allowed to hyper-ventilate before the swim?

I've done 100 meters on one breath, so I could help you with techinque, but I did that swim without fins.

If you give me the rules I'll try to help.

Xanthro

 

[Wendy]

make sure you have a pool buddy with you when you do breath hold swims. one up, one down

 

[Far_X]

If I could use fins I would be able to get further - it is just wearing a bathing suit I think. I only have to swim 15 metres so it is not far but I would like to swim a lot further than that. I guess swimming on the surface would possibly be quicker and thus further as only half the body has resistance from water. Then there is swimming 300 metres in 14 minutes which once I know the actual size of the pool then I will be able to guage whether I can do that or not. I swim at least 100 lengths most mornings (usually 106) but that is with mask, snorkel and swimming fins and it takes me 65 minutes - all breaststroke and not going quickly. I think the lengths are 25 metres but not too sure - I'll ask in the morning. Thanks for any tips in advance. More thanks after I read some stuff.

 

[Far_X]

make sure you have a pool buddy with you when you do breath hold swims. one up, one down

I didn't do that this morning as I didn't think to with the pool being only 3 - 4 feet deep at most but shall ask people tomorrow. As I am trying to see how far I can get and trying to get that extra metre, it is best to have someone there with me. Thanks for the tip.

That means I will have to speak with someone, yikes!!

 

[mer]

No fins for the swim test. The test is to be done in a bathing suit and exposure protection if needed.

If you take the course with Bob at Dutch Springs, you'll be using a local YMCA with a 25 yard/meter per length pool. Most lap pools are 25meters (short course), Olympic size would be 50meters. So you'll need to do 6 laps to make 300 meters and 2/3 of a length (50 feet) for the breath hold.

Biggest technique thing with the breath hold is slowing things down and using the glide portion of your underwater breast stroke to make the most distance. Glide glide glide. When you think you need to come up, exhale a little and work through the burning. You can take a few cleansing breaths before you start to reduce your CO2 load... it is CO2 that triggers you to breathe. Everyone in my class was able to do the FULL length (75 feet) on the second try.

 

[jbd]

I didn't do that this morning as I didn't think to with the pool being only 3 - 4 feet deep at most but shall ask people tomorrow. As I am trying to see how far I can get and trying to get that extra metre, it is best to have someone there with me. Thanks for the tip.

That means I will have to speak with someone, yikes!!

Excellent advice from Wendy and you seem to have taken it. By way of reenforcement I will say that one of our scubaboard members experienced shallow water blackout while
practicing underwater swimming as you are. At the very least, you should let the lifeguards know what you are doing and ask them to keep an eye on you.

BTW I use my arms in the manner of doing the breaststroke and found that a flutter kick helped keep me moving better than the frog kick motion.

 

[Soggy]

Underwater, I am just using my legs for forward momentum as my arms would act as a brake.

Actually, like in surface swimming, your arms actually provide most of the forward momentum. Try using a slow breast stroke with frog kick and glide as long as possible before doing the next stroke.

50ft *should* be a no-brainer with a little bit of technique.

 

[Far_X]

Biggest technique thing with the breath hold is slowing things down and using the glide portion of your underwater breast stroke to make the most distance. Glide glide glide. When you think you need to come up, exhale a little and work through the burning. You can take a few cleansing breaths before you start to reduce your CO2 load... it is CO2 that triggers you to breathe.

you should let the lifeguards know what you are doing and ask them to keep an eye on you...I use my arms in the manner of doing the breaststroke and found that a flutter kick helped keep me moving better than the frog kick motion

Try using a slow breast stroke with frog kick and glide as long as possible before doing the next stroke

Thanks for these tips. For my usual stroke on the surface, I don't do the frog kick as I find it awkward with the fins on so I do an improvised one where my feet are together and I kick both feet downwards as the same time as I draw the stroke with my arms. But underwater, I was just kicking my legs without fins as fast as they go - not the most efficient of strokes I guess. I'll let you know how far I get tomorrow.

 

[PatH]

Here's the initial question. Does anyone have any tips on how to swim further on one breath? If I just practice most mornings will I get further or are there any breathing exercises that I can do as I sit at my desk or at any other place. All comments eagerly awaited.

It's all mind over matter. Go slow as everyone has said and work through the burn. Breathing out a little just when you think you can't go any more will relieve a bit of the burn. You get the "feeling" you need to breath long before you actually have to. I find a gentle breast stroke and frog kick with a very long glide works best. You probably only need about 5 strokes to cover 75'. I tend to do a very gentle flutter between frog kicks.

Each time you practice... do it twice and always go just a bit further on the second try. It's all about control. Soon you'll be turning at the wall and working you're way back.