Swimming lessons

[MikeWaters]

I've never been a great swimmer.

I took lessons as a kid, but swimming was always a struggle.

For example, while treading water, I would have to use 5x the effort of everyone else. It's hard for me to float.

So I'm thinking about taking adult lessons.

[TripletDaddy]

Have them teach you the eggbeater kick.

It is what water polo players use to basically stay afloat the entire match and works particularly well in mild current conditions, such as when you go swimming at the beach (or maybe a large lake?).

The downside is that it requires some training and endurance. The upside is that it really helps get you into shape. Also, after awhile, you don't even notice you are doing it.

Sometimes when there are no swells but you dont want to just sit on your board, you jump into the water, cool off, and tread for awhile. It is fun.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I've never been a great swimmer.

I took lessons as a kid, but swimming was always a struggle.

For example, while treading water, I would have to use 5x the effort of everyone else. It's hard for me to float.

So I'm thinking about taking adult lessons.

I hired a coach to help me swim better. It's a little humiliating to have the Archaeans of the world swimming four times as fast as you (while you're wearing fins, no less), but it's worth it.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I've never been a great swimmer.

I took lessons as a kid, but swimming was always a struggle.

For example, while treading water, I would have to use 5x the effort of everyone else. It's hard for me to float.

So I'm thinking about taking adult lessons.

It has nothing to do with floating. That's an invalid belief. Eliminate that thought immediately. Most world class swimmers sink and don't float.

It has everything to do with your stroke pattern and nothing to do with floating.

Thrashing isn't efficient.

Swimming is about water feel and efficiency. And ultimately fitness.

[landpoke]

Increasing your BMI is the easiest and surest way to more effective floating. I suggest you butter everything you eat.

[Runner Coug]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I've never been a great swimmer.

I took lessons as a kid, but swimming was always a struggle.

For example, while treading water, I would have to use 5x the effort of everyone else. It's hard for me to float.

So I'm thinking about taking adult lessons.

That is pretty much the reason I have never done a triathlon. My complete inability to swim with any sort of appropriate technique could very well land me in last place.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Runner Coug

That is pretty much the reason I have never done a triathlon. My complete inability to swim with any sort of appropriate technique could very well land me in last place.

Swimming is the LEAST important aspect, as the least amount of time involves the swim. Survive it and you will do well.

Swimming is attitude. If you don't care if you sink, then you can swim.

It involves "feel" for the water, hip and shoulder rotation, and work.

[MikeWaters]

when i was wearing a fullbody wetsuit, I noticed it was easier to swim. I felt like I was pulling myself along the surface instead of going up and lateral.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

when i was wearing a fullbody wetsuit, I noticed it was easier to swim. I felt like I was pulling myself along the surface instead of going up and lateral.

It sounds as if you are sinking your hips, that you might need to raise the hips and lower your head.

[hyrum]

Originally Posted by landpoke

Increasing your BMI is the easiest and surest way to more effective floating. I suggest you butter everything you eat.

Fake ta-tas or pecs made of foam rubber can also help.