Swimming w/ Head Above Water in *** & Freestyle OK/Safe?
Former Member
Hello,
I'm a new swimmer, who is currently self-teaching myself (while awaiting trained instruction to begin next Tuesday at the local city rec. center).
A quick question I have that I have not found good answers for online thus far is whether or not one can safely swim with their head above water (at all times) doing the *** or freestyle strokes? I am aware that "normal" instruction and competitive swimming has the head and/or face in the water at some portions of those respective strokes, but am wondering if there is a safe variation that would allow a head-above-water swim?
To be sure, I have seen some in my local rec. pool do the freestyle in that way, but had wondered whether that was just improper form on their part or if there actually is a safe/viable variation like that.
I appreciate everyone's time and help and thank you very much in advance for the help!
Parents
Former Member
Just started my first swimming lessons today and it was exciting!
I read through everyone's comments and wanted to thank you all for the time you put into answering my question and the explanations & advice that came with it. :banana:
------------------------------------------------------------------
We used a kickboard to learn how to kick, floated on our stomach and backs, and started learning the basic freestyle.
I did find face-in-the-water was easier! It felt more natural to me and relaxed that way, despite looking hard when I first was experimenting. I realized that you float easier and have better form/movement when you're parallel to the pool bottom. The stroke flows so much better and smoothly compared to have your head up.
Ironically, when I was also using the kickboard with my head up, I kept getting water splashed into my nose where I was breathing out of as well. Head up turned out a less pleasant and efficient position.
Reply
Former Member
Just started my first swimming lessons today and it was exciting!
I read through everyone's comments and wanted to thank you all for the time you put into answering my question and the explanations & advice that came with it. :banana:
------------------------------------------------------------------
We used a kickboard to learn how to kick, floated on our stomach and backs, and started learning the basic freestyle.
I did find face-in-the-water was easier! It felt more natural to me and relaxed that way, despite looking hard when I first was experimenting. I realized that you float easier and have better form/movement when you're parallel to the pool bottom. The stroke flows so much better and smoothly compared to have your head up.
Ironically, when I was also using the kickboard with my head up, I kept getting water splashed into my nose where I was breathing out of as well. Head up turned out a less pleasant and efficient position.