Swimming

[scubaboy-200]

Where does one go to improve their swimming? Should you just swim laps to build endurance or should you get individual instruction?

 

[Big-t-2538]

There are a few options.

One of them is to continually swim, but that proves to be ineffective 9 times out of 10

One is to take some private lessons, but those can be expensive

One is to join a Master's team in the area with a coach

Lastly, you could read a book or two. There is a thread in this area about a book called Total Immersion. I've never read it, but from the comments that many have made regarding swimming, it certainly seems worthwhile.

Whatever you do, in order to improve your stroke, you're going to have to do a lot of drills. The two biggest things people usually do wrong are not rotating thier shoulders as they swim and they have a very ineffecient feel for the water due to a bad "catch" and poor arm position under the water.

If you concentrate on body roll, extending your arm as it enters the water, and keeping your elbows "high" during the underwater part of the stroke, that will make improvements.

-T

 

[scuba-punk]

I would highly recommend the Total Immersion books and methods. They've really helped me prepare for my upcomming race. "Swimming Made Easy" would probably be the best book because he has drills in there for all 4 strokes (Freestyle, Back, Breast and Butterfly). Don't forget your scuba training... Body position in the water is just as important (if not more so) for swimming because you are going much faster through the water than you are when diving. Think hydrodynamic efficiency

Big-T's recommendation of finding a Master's team is great. Most local Y's have them. Take advantage of their experience.

-Frank

 

[Hank49]

Where does one go to improve their swimming? Should you just swim laps to build endurance or should you get individual instruction?

Some good advice from the others on how to learn to swim freestlye or another stroke. But since you asked the question on Scubaboard, is it safe to presume you mean improve your finning skills? With dive gear on, you won't use your arms much under water or on the surface. It's all fins. Legs. To improve this type of swimming, put on fins, a mask and snorkel and do laps in a pool or similar conditions. Perhaps with a litte weight to keep your feet under water.

 

[scubaboy-200]

There are a few options.

One of them is to continually swim, but that proves to be ineffective 9 times out of 10

One is to take some private lessons, but those can be expensive

One is to join a Master's team in the area with a coach

Lastly, you could read a book or two. There is a thread in this area about a book called Total Immersion. I've never read it, but from the comments that many have made regarding swimming, it certainly seems worthwhile.

Whatever you do, in order to improve your stroke, you're going to have to do a lot of drills. The two biggest things people usually do wrong are not rotating thier shoulders as they swim and they have a very ineffecient feel for the water due to a bad "catch" and poor arm position under the water.

If you concentrate on body roll, extending your arm as it enters the water, and keeping your elbows "high" during the underwater part of the stroke, that will make improvements.

-T

What is a Masters Team and where do u find them

 

[scuba-punk]

Your local YMCA or swim club usually has one. Also check out http://www.usms.org/links/usmsclubs.htm - it looks like there are 4 clubs in your area. Good luck!

-Frank