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!
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.
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.
I'm certain I will never give up my solo practices. Too many external factors within a workout structure. My delicate sprinter frame couldn't withstand the repetitive stress anyway.
The water at my community pool may be kept too warm (84 in the winter; 82 in the summer) for me, but I do have the advantage of always getting my own lane. :banana: Even the noodlers aren't a problem anymore, since I fought on behalf of ALL of the pool users to get our pool chemical imbalance problem resolved.
I am also very fortunate when I train with my coach/training partner at Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We each always get our own lane, side-by-side, right in front of the pace clock.
The downside of never having to circle swim, though, is crashing into the lane lines during warm-ups at meets, because I'm afraid to wander too close to the center of the lane. I can't remember a meet, since returning to competition, where I didn't come home with a souvenir bruise, cut, scrape, or nicked fingernail... :blush: Don't even get me started on what it's like to warm up at Nationals! :afraid:
Different question, but still related to lane etiquette. Does anybody have issues with tailgaters?
One guy who is roughly the same speed as me will always leave 3 seconds behind me and sprint the first lap to get close enough to draft. He has no interest in passing me or leading the lane and will stay on my butt whenever possible. He openly admits this is quite intentional. I don't really mind because it's quite satisfying when I can drop him. Also, when I get particularly tired and want someone else to lead, this guy will happily do so, knowing he owes me.
Next time...push off "acting like normal", but stall out underwater on the pushoff. He'll then push off racing to catch you, and run into you 5 yards off the wall.
Or just flip at the 25, find him on your butt and stop...let him go by, then ride him like he likes it. It'll stop soon.
I had a kid doing this earlier in the fall and was supposedly going 3-4 seconds faster than me on the reps when we were going some Best Average 100s. He had little endurance but had speed. I had the back half endurance to keep going almost forever at my speed. I made him go ahead of me, and a few reps later he finally conceeded the lead back to me, and then fell apart.
Different question, but still related to lane etiquette. Does anybody have issues with tailgaters?
As long as they don't interfere with my turns, I don't care. Sometimes I encourage slightly slower swimmers to "tailgate" me so that they can make an interval that is comfortable for me but tough for them (i.e., an interval they couldn't lead, or don't think they could).
Different question, but still related to lane etiquette. Does anybody have issues with tailgaters?
One guy who is roughly the same speed as me will always leave 3 seconds behind me and sprint the first lap to get close enough to draft. He has no interest in passing me or leading the lane and will stay on my butt whenever possible. He openly admits this is quite intentional. I don't really mind because it's quite satisfying when I can drop him. Also, when I get particularly tired and want someone else to lead, this guy will happily do so, knowing he owes me.
I'm certain I will never give up my solo practices. Too many external factors within a workout structure. My delicate sprinter frame couldn't withstand the repetitive stress anyway.
I would NEVER try this now as an adult!
Heavens no, you'd probably get sued! (Here in Tennessee, we'd dispense with the suing & get straight to the shooting ...)
The lane etiquette in the club I go to now, open 24/7, with no organized workout groups, is simple: one person to a lane. If all lanes are occupied, wait until someone gets out. You are allowed to share a lane if the first occupant agrees.
It works surprisingly well. 95% of the time there's no waiting at all, and if there is, it's usually just a couple of minutes. I get a lane to myself every time, and can do whatever strokes and intervals I please.
The lane etiquette in the club I go to now, open 24/7, with no organized workout groups, is simple: one person to a lane. If all lanes are occupied, wait until someone gets out. You are allowed to share a lane if the first occupant agrees.
It works surprisingly well. 95% of the time there's no waiting at all, and if there is, it's usually just a couple of minutes. I get a lane to myself every time, and can do whatever strokes and intervals I please.
I'd like to swim there for sure. The YMCA lap swim (when I do it) is random and horrible situations at times. I don't mind splitting a lane with anyone, but when 3+ are there...oh boy :(
