Just wondering, when lane swimming and a faster swimmer can't for some reason go around a slower swimmer (narrow lane, busy lane, slower swimmer is in the middle of the lane, whatever), is it acceptable etiquette for the faster swimmer to pass underneath the slower swimmer? Will that freak out the slower swimmer?
Alan
You''d only have to go under the other swimmer once and freak him out. Chances are good that he'll stay out of your lane after that. Although I do like the idea mentioned in another post where 2 swimmers (swimming sides) had a 3rd person join them--the first 2 swimmers decided to do lengths of butterfly--3rd person left!
You''d only have to go under the other swimmer once and freak him out. Chances are good that he'll stay out of your lane after that. Although I do like the idea mentioned in another post where 2 swimmers (swimming sides) had a 3rd person join them--the first 2 swimmers decided to do lengths of butterfly--3rd person left!
Swimming under someone is rude,unless you have an agreement with them that it is OK.2 people swimming fly to avoid circle swimming is also rude(but their maybe extenuating circumstances in which it is the best option.)
You''d only have to go under the other swimmer once and freak him out. Chances are good that he'll stay out of your lane after that. Although I do like the idea mentioned in another post where 2 swimmers (swimming sides) had a 3rd person join them--the first 2 swimmers decided to do lengths of butterfly--3rd person left!
Unless the other person was not swimming laps at all, that's pretty rude...
Where I live, the accepted practice is for the overtaking swimmer to tap the slower swimmer on the foot to signal intention to pass. The slower swimmer is then to pull up at the wall and let the faster one turn and go first. Otherwise, turning short of the wall might be the best option. Going underneath carries some risks.
Just wondering, when lane swimming and a faster swimmer can't for some reason go around a slower swimmer (narrow lane, busy lane, slower swimmer is in the middle of the lane, whatever), is it acceptable etiquette for the faster swimmer to pass underneath the slower swimmer? Will that freak out the slower swimmer?
Alan
The speed difference between two swimmers would have to be huge if an underwater pass is possible. In that case, a surface pass is way easier and faster. Even if the lane is narrow, busy or the slower athlete is plugging the middle, there is always room to squeeze past if you are that much faster. A few friendly words have always eliminated this kind of problem for me "If I need to go past you, I'll tap your foot so you know what side I'm on. Don't stop. It's my job to pass without messing you up."
Where I live, the accepted practice is for the overtaking swimmer to tap the slower swimmer on the foot to signal intention to pass. The slower swimmer is then to pull up at the wall and let the faster one turn and go first. Otherwise, turning short of the wall might be the best option. Going underneath carries some risks.
I pass, always with a foot tap but I'll berate my teammates if they stop. Don't use me as an excuse to sneak in a quick break. Even if we flip at the same time, the tap indicated which side to turn and we keep going until I'm clear and one of us slides back to the proper side for circling.
Interesting comments here. In my group, people always pull to the side to let others pass (with or without foot tap). But that is very frustrating for the slower swimmer -- now they are even further behind than before! I like the idea of the faster swimmer passing, but our lanes do seem very narrow, and so perhaps that is why no one does it.
Old School Rules:
On the first length, tap gently on the foot. Considerate swimmers will stop at the end of the lane, move to the side, and allow you to pass on the turn.
If that doesn't work, perhaps the gentle touch was too light. On the second length, stab firmly, forcefully, and unmistakably. Considerate swimmers will stop at the end of the lane, move to the side, and allow you to pass on the turn.
If that doesn't work, on the third length, you are allowed to grab the swimmer's left ankle with your right hand, and pull hard. You will pass one very surprised slower swimmer a few tenths of a second later. Problem solved.
Of course, be absolutely sure you really are faster before trying this trick.
Most of my training is in a 6 lane 25 yard pool with narrow lanes. Since you have a group and are not just doing lap swimming with random strangers, try talking to them about it.
We're pretty good about passing without anyone having to stop. I'll usually pass down the center, with a tap on the left foot. Most people cross over the lane a bit before doing a flip turn. If I'm starting a pass close to the flags, it will be on the right, with a tap on the right foot. The team mate I'm working with will know to come off the wall close to the lane line on the right. I'm free to flip in the center without worrying about a collision, then complete the pass during the next lap.
Hmm, I am not sure that my group is up for that. I like the idea in principle, though.
