Muse back!
October 02, 2006 / Monday
Swimming Lessons
I went to the first in a series of 11 swimming lessons (3 times a week) this evening. The classes are only half an hour long, so I'm going to have to make good use of time. I spent a few minutes today getting used to floating on my back again, then grabbed a paddle board to work on kicking. I kicked and kicked and went nowhere. We decided to have me float on my stomach instead, so I could get used to having my face in the water. I had my goggles on, and had some fun just hanging out and looking around underwater. I even started to propel myself with my hands, and am getting a better feel for the water. Next class: Wednesday. I'm quite looking forward to it.
It sounds a bit strange for me to say this, but I think I'm starting to understand why some people love being in the water so much.
October 2, 2006 06:55 PM | Water
Comments
from a veteran swim coach...
Kick_ASS that you are taking classes!! Sweet. It's so hard to learn as an adult since we're way more self-conscious than we were as kids.
On the flutter kicking: ankle flexibility is key. Really point those toes. Sit on your knees at night to stretch out those ankles. Also, no harm in getting yourself a pair of fins to start out
Have fun!
As for the hand work...sculling is where it's at (to get a good feel and become more efficient). Lie face down, arms straight out, elbows bent at 90deg and fingers pointed to the bottom. Face your (_straight_) palms back towards your toes. Now, bending only at the elbows & wrists, swish your hands *side* to *side* (not back & forth)...like you're wiping out a bowl. You won't move fast...but if you get it right you'll move forward on both the in and out scull (keep those palms facing back). Get this down and it's the basis for all the strokes...seriously. =) I can show ya' more in person anytime.
Posted by: red at October 3, 2006 12:25 PM
I am definitely having fun. I'm even starting to be hopeful that I'll know how to swim by the end of this month. :)
I'm going to have to read the sculling blurb a few times to see if I get it. More likely, I'm going to have to find you for a live demonstration.
Posted by: Viv at October 3, 2006 12:42 PM
Try these links:
(This link is AWESOME...great videos of mid-sculling on one's stomach, esp. the side views. For beginners ya' may need to kick a small flutter to keep your feet from sinking. Note the side to side motion from elbow and twist of the wrist to angle the palm. It's all about the vorticies baby.)
http://tropicalpenguin.com/Coachorg/Drillsamples/Drill1samples-22.htm
(this has some pictures of breaststroke skulling with arms out front)
http://grassrootsswimming.com/cDrillBreast1.htm
(not so good, but has some photos)
http://www.goswim.tv/drilloftheweek_comments.php?id=1166_0_20_0_C
Posted by: red at October 3, 2006 04:38 PM
oooh, one more.
Look at "FRONT SCULL SLOW.mp4" on this page to see the side to side motion with the wrists turning and the subtle lazy-8 pattern.
http://tropicalpenguin.com/Coachorg/Drillsamples/Drill1samples-16.htm
can ya' tell i miss coaching?
Posted by: red at October 3, 2006 04:47 PM
Ah, I get it! Thanks for the video links! I'll give this sculling thing a try tomorrow. :)
Posted by: Viv at October 3, 2006 05:14 PM