Freestyle Snobs?

Former Member
Former Member
Am I alone in pursuing freestyle only? I never understood/appreciated anything other than "swim as fast as you can from A to B". I was a long time hard-core runner, and the different swimstrokes seems to me to be akin to running backwards or sideways. (Or....heaven forbid......Racewalking!!) Why shouldn't swimming follow the same path as running? Ie No stroke rules. Just go from A to B in the water anyway you wish? As fast as you can. School me! Kick my ass! In my newbieness I cannot understand anything other than "A to B in the water as fast as you can." Why do we have these 4 different strokes? It seems like a beauty contest. (I expect to be crucified for such blasphemy.) Educate me, USMS people. Help me understand why you would want to find a way to swim slower!! :)
Parents
  • You work different muscle groups with the different strokes. And I would be inclined to bet that your cardio conditioning is enhanced by the variety, as well. Besides, my fly is actually faster than my free, at least for short distances.
Reply
  • You work different muscle groups with the different strokes. And I would be inclined to bet that your cardio conditioning is enhanced by the variety, as well. Besides, my fly is actually faster than my free, at least for short distances.
Children
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