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
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.
I've done this quite a few times when I was younger with my age group team, but we were all friends, and we'd "get each other" like this all the time...works great just as the guy is starting into his flipturn and you catch him 'head down butt up' and then he's dead in the water. :)
I would NEVER try this now as an adult, in a lap lane during a YMCA lap session, or other public lap lane setting. You may be able to swim faster than them, but remember, in less than 25 yards you're coming face to face again, and don't be surprised if it comes to blows at that point!
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.
I've done this quite a few times when I was younger with my age group team, but we were all friends, and we'd "get each other" like this all the time...works great just as the guy is starting into his flipturn and you catch him 'head down butt up' and then he's dead in the water. :)
I would NEVER try this now as an adult, in a lap lane during a YMCA lap session, or other public lap lane setting. You may be able to swim faster than them, but remember, in less than 25 yards you're coming face to face again, and don't be surprised if it comes to blows at that point!
