fisherdvm
Contributor
- Messages
- 3,577
- Reaction score
- 52
- # of dives
- 200 - 499
I'm glad you said that about the swimming, because that's my plan. I really am terrible at crawl stroke...I get winded doing one length of the pool almost (it's my breathing technique and form)...but elementary back stroke is relaxing and easy, so I plan to do that no matter how embarrassing it is, especially as I'll be going on about four hours of sleep the night before. And at some point, I will get some stroke help.
I did the back stroke too. But I would encourage you to learn the breathing technique needed for the crawl stroke. I think it will make you a much more confident diver, especially on the surface. There is something about rhythmic breathing that makes me feel better about my ability to handle waves and rough situation on the surface.
Once I put my mind to learning the crawl stroke, it took about 3 to 4 weeks to get the technique down, and several more months to get the endurance. I can do 1 mile comfortably with the crawl stroke, and about 1 year ago, I can barely do 20 yards without huffing and puffing.
Get a coach if you can. I kind of learn the crawl on my own, and the bad technique caused some shoulder pain until I roll a bit better.