First post... Getting back into swimming.

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

Former Member — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:16:22 GMT

I got a pair of Dolfin Baggies Koko, and they are so soft and comfy they are my new favourite swimsuit, I am going to get a couple more different designs. Thanks for the recommendation. I have also sent an email to my local masters team/group as membership is limited apparently, also their season is ending soon.

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

mlabresh — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:32:20 GMT

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

Former Member — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 07:14:34 GMT

Welcome to the forum! and welcome back to the pool. :D I also came into Masters swimming with NO competitive swimming background. Like you, I did all the lessons, right up to pre-certification for life guard. I wanted to join a team when I was around 13 or 14, but my parents said no as I was too busy with band and theater and such. I swam on and off over the years, but not really any serious workouts. I got back in the pool about 4 years ago, at age 29 (a few months shy of 30), after being married 10 years and having 5 kids. I my first meet last summer at Summer Nationals. That was a blast! :) It sounds like your kick needs some work. Make sure that when you kick, you keep your toes pointed and your legs straight. Try not to bend your knees to much, but rather start your kick from your hips. There are oodles of tutorial videos online on how to improve and refine your stroke and even videos of basic lessons. Check out goswim.tv and search on youtube (I like Jimmy D Shea's videos, he's entertaining and easy to understand) for drills and tips. Do you have a local Masters group that you can join? Also, if you have the ability, get someone to shoot some video of you swimming and post it here on the forum. There are lots of super helpful people here who will be happy to watch and give you tips and advice. :) Since I have been using the Zoomers my kick has been getting better, but I am still no where near fast without them; I try and burn myself out with the Zoomers then do a few laps without then, as I find I can swim better when I am tired because I relax more. Otherwise it is like I must go fast all the time, which is good for fitness. I have been watching a lot of videos online for drills and techniques; it seems that iSport has a few good videos and GoSwim has a ton of videos on there. As for the masters group, our schedules don't work together; they meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights which I happen to work, and then Sunday's which work for me, but I will have to look into it further. Welcome back! Love the picture! As for your suit, Arena has some unique names for their products so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm not sure if they sell Dolfin suits in Canada - but they have quite a few bright selections! :) Anyways, stay away from the snorkel for a while - it's just a torture device. Secondly, you picked a great fin to help you get your kick back and you will soon notice that you will need them less and less as you get back into swimming shape. If the water is really bugging your ears, I would get some ear plugs. If you don't like plugs, do a rubbing alcohol/white vinegar rinse after your workout. Burns that pool water up and the vinegar is cleansing. Love it. Congrats on your waistline shrinkage - how cool is that! I've never used nasal spray but if my nose is stuffy - I will just breathe in and out of my mouth at practice. Finally, when I kick on my back I always make sure I can see the lane line in my peripheral vision (stay close but not too close). You'll get the hang of it. Have fun! Ya, I have seen Dolfin suits here, I will take another look. Ya I did a lot of research before picking a Fin, and then my local shop happened to have them on sale. The water in my ear doesn't bother me too much and I can get it out no problem, I was just wondering if I was rotating my head too much; I just turn 90* and look at the wall not the ceiling, I also listen to my bubbles for my timing and rhythm so sometimes that gets a little messed up. Thanks for all the tips! I am glad I have found such an active swimming forum.

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

Former Member — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 07:02:57 GMT

Welcome back to the water! Welcome back! Love the picture! As for your suit, Arena has some unique names for their products so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm not sure if they sell Dolfin suits in Canada - but they have quite a few bright selections! :) Anyways, stay away from the snorkel for a while - it's just a torture device. Secondly, you picked a great fin to help you get your kick back and you will soon notice that you will need them less and less as you get back into swimming shape. If the water is really bugging your ears, I would get some ear plugs. If you don't like plugs, do a rubbing alcohol/white vinegar rinse after your workout. Burns that pool water up and the vinegar is cleansing. Love it. Congrats on your waistline shrinkage - how cool is that! I've never used nasal spray but if my nose is stuffy - I will just breathe in and out of my mouth at practice. Finally, when I kick on my back I always make sure I can see the lane line in my peripheral vision (stay close but not too close). You'll get the hang of it. Have fun! I love my Dolfin Uglies suit - and it seems really durable. Atlantic, what proportions do you use for the ear rinse? I never used to have much trouble with water in the ears but since getting back in the water I've had to use ear dry. I've been buying it but I know it can be DIY'd much cheaper.

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

Atlantic — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 02:11:43 GMT

Atlantic, what proportions do you use for the ear rinse? I never used to have much trouble with water in the ears but since getting back in the water I've had to use ear dry. I've been buying it but I know it can be DIY'd much cheaper. I do half alcohol and half vinegar in one of those squeezable plastic travel containers from Target. I use it all the time!

RE: First post... Getting back into swimming.

Atlantic — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:26:37 GMT

Welcome back! Love the picture! As for your suit, Arena has some unique names for their products so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I'm not sure if they sell Dolfin suits in Canada - but they have quite a few bright selections! :) Anyways, stay away from the snorkel for a while - it's just a torture device. Secondly, you picked a great fin to help you get your kick back and you will soon notice that you will need them less and less as you get back into swimming shape. If the water is really bugging your ears, I would get some ear plugs. If you don't like plugs, do a rubbing alcohol/white vinegar rinse after your workout. Burns that pool water up and the vinegar is cleansing. Love it. Congrats on your waistline shrinkage - how cool is that! I've never used nasal spray but if my nose is stuffy - I will just breathe in and out of my mouth at practice. Finally, when I kick on my back I always make sure I can see the lane line in my peripheral vision (stay close but not too close). You'll get the hang of it. Have fun!