Scheherazade
Registered
I'm new to this forum and am new to snorkeling. I've combed the Internet for answers to my questions and would very much appreciate thoughts. Here's my situation: Other than trying out a mask (and no fins) in shallow water in Destin, FL last summer, I have no snorkeling experience because I did not learn to swim as a child. As a woman in my late-30's with my share of fat, I could float okay in salt water, of course, but I left snorkeling to the swimmers in my group who I did not think would want to babysit (or worse save) me.
A bit after I returned home, I decided that I liked being in the water well enough to sign up for swimming lessons at the local indoor pool where I learned the basics of buoyancy, floating, exhaling with my face in the water, and gliding on front and back before learning the flutter kick, elementary backstroke, and the basics of freestyle and regular backstroke. (I'm still not good at the last two.) Like many adult learners, I have had my share of challenges especially in the very beginning from feeling cold despite the temperature control, inflexible ankles, variable coordination, and difficulty keeping good body position while side breathing. However, as my teacher took back my kickboard a couple weeks ago, he let slip that I am “not the worst in the class!” Heehee. High praise indeed. I'm probably one of the most persistent, though, because this week, he asked if I have been practicing. And I do practice – I try to get in a pool to increase my feel for the water if nothing else 3 times a week.
My boyfriend booked a trip for Ambergris Caye, Belize for mid-June. That gives me a month to really try. In 2 weeks, the local outdoor pools may open, too, which might offer more opportunities to get in a pool, even for half an hour or an hour at a time. I would like to go to Mexico Rocks with my boyfriend, who is a strong swimmer, and a tour group. I've read various opinions from vacationers about “non-swimmers” and “weak swimmers” doing these tours and getting help from their guides, which is meant to be encouraging. But think of this: if that's the case, it's possible that when I go, I am “not the worst swimmer” on the tour and that other people need more help than me! Also, sometimes equipment doesn't work or conditions aren't ideal; I don't expect people on cruises to post about that on trip advisor (no offense to those on those boards intended).
My question is what specific swimming and snorkel skills should I focus on for the next month to prepare myself. Many people reading this have been swimming so long that they can't remember a time when they did not know how to swim. But please, try to think back to when you saw an adult learner or child at a pool or snorkeling. Or else, think of a time, when conditions weren't perfect or everything did not go right, what did the beginner need to know? Do I need to be able to tread water? Should I practice kicking a lot in the deep end? Should I practice entering and exiting the water? Sorry if this is an obvious question.
Maybe I should add that despite my challenges, one problem I do not really have is embarrassment about learning late or looking silly. I will happily use a vest, wetsuit, or any other device or stay close to or even on the boat in poor conditions. I am open to any suggestions and am especially about increasing my skills. Sorry for the long post and thank you so much for reading!
A bit after I returned home, I decided that I liked being in the water well enough to sign up for swimming lessons at the local indoor pool where I learned the basics of buoyancy, floating, exhaling with my face in the water, and gliding on front and back before learning the flutter kick, elementary backstroke, and the basics of freestyle and regular backstroke. (I'm still not good at the last two.) Like many adult learners, I have had my share of challenges especially in the very beginning from feeling cold despite the temperature control, inflexible ankles, variable coordination, and difficulty keeping good body position while side breathing. However, as my teacher took back my kickboard a couple weeks ago, he let slip that I am “not the worst in the class!” Heehee. High praise indeed. I'm probably one of the most persistent, though, because this week, he asked if I have been practicing. And I do practice – I try to get in a pool to increase my feel for the water if nothing else 3 times a week.
My boyfriend booked a trip for Ambergris Caye, Belize for mid-June. That gives me a month to really try. In 2 weeks, the local outdoor pools may open, too, which might offer more opportunities to get in a pool, even for half an hour or an hour at a time. I would like to go to Mexico Rocks with my boyfriend, who is a strong swimmer, and a tour group. I've read various opinions from vacationers about “non-swimmers” and “weak swimmers” doing these tours and getting help from their guides, which is meant to be encouraging. But think of this: if that's the case, it's possible that when I go, I am “not the worst swimmer” on the tour and that other people need more help than me! Also, sometimes equipment doesn't work or conditions aren't ideal; I don't expect people on cruises to post about that on trip advisor (no offense to those on those boards intended).
My question is what specific swimming and snorkel skills should I focus on for the next month to prepare myself. Many people reading this have been swimming so long that they can't remember a time when they did not know how to swim. But please, try to think back to when you saw an adult learner or child at a pool or snorkeling. Or else, think of a time, when conditions weren't perfect or everything did not go right, what did the beginner need to know? Do I need to be able to tread water? Should I practice kicking a lot in the deep end? Should I practice entering and exiting the water? Sorry if this is an obvious question.
Maybe I should add that despite my challenges, one problem I do not really have is embarrassment about learning late or looking silly. I will happily use a vest, wetsuit, or any other device or stay close to or even on the boat in poor conditions. I am open to any suggestions and am especially about increasing my skills. Sorry for the long post and thank you so much for reading!
Anything you can reasonably do to increase your aquatic comfort and build up your swimming strength in a controlled manner is a good thing.
