New to Swimming

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:37:55 GMT

I would say lose the nose clip. On a positive note, swimming underwater is faster than above water so you have something on your side. j/k!! Just try to remain relaxed and try to be as aerodynamic as possible. Think long and sleek. Concentrate on form and fluidity and speed will come naturally.

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 12:37:53 GMT

It's nice to read postings from a fellow Volunteer! I went to Grad School at U.T.K. from 1995 - 2001.....I was at the Florida Game in 98 when we won the National Championship in football and stormed the field after beating Florida......I also swam briefly with the Prime Time Masters Swim Team there in Knoxville about 4 years ago....I had to quit b/c I had so much school work that I couldn't find time to do both. I am behind you 100% Viper!....I wish you the very best of luck with this....You can do it....Mind over Matter....You can do anything you put your mind to!...... I also wish your gf the best of luck too with her college swimming career...I love the lady vols.....especially the lady vols swim team! newmastersswimmer

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 11:57:25 GMT

Do not worry about looking like an idiot, one day people will ask you how long you have been swimming and will be amazed at your level considering little experience.Besides one day you started lifting and probably thought the same.I "made friends" with swimming 3.5 -4 months ago(I weightlifted for 5 years prior to that, so I know how you feel) and already some people are asking me if I compete for school or have been swimming for a while(well, I swim every day ,sometimes twice a day, too).And you know what?The very beginning is the most rewarding period - you will see some tremendous results right away - very encouraging. There's one thing you might dislike though if you get into swimmig seriously after weightlifting.If you were like me who thought about nothing but gaining muscle weight for 5 years, ate like crazy(5-6 times a day) and achieved pretty respectful bulk of muscles, you should be ready to put up with dropping some weight if you swim a lot, that's what happened to me.But instead of 6-pack that I used to have, mine transformed into an 8-pack(I am not kidding).Those muscles that you have will look rock solid!!!Trust me. So welcome to the water!

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 08:11:15 GMT

Thanks Leonard for the reply however, I KNELSON, I don't know, my GF and I are great, we have been dating for 5 months, and nothing can go wrong, damn she is a college athelete and is damn good at what she does, she is very experienced, and more qualified than some profesional IMO, however I know that she will not make me do anything that I don't want to do either, or push me to hard. but thanks for the concern, I fully trust her than anybody!!

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 08:10:29 GMT

Viper, There is an important element in learning to swim, and it is called "readiness." You do not sound like you are ready to learn to swim. You need to learn to be comfortable in the water first! If your girfriend does not understand that, she may try to teach you skills that you simply are not ready to grasp. I would say these are some of the skills that you need to master in order to develop a comfort level that will allow you to learn to swim: floating on back floating on front gliding rhythmic breathing All of these in water that is not over your head. As said already, there may be programs in your area designed for "terrified of water" adults. Trying to learn to swim before you overcome the fear may set you back even more! Good luck!

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 06:42:51 GMT

Originally posted by viper10139 I just don't want to look like a moron that is 23 and don't know how to swim, Its very embarrassing!! Viper - I didn't learn to swim until I was 39, so not to worry, you can do it. Uncle Leonard's dating advice to the lovelorn(tm): Turn your "weakness" to your advantage, grasshopper. Your quote above shows that you are "thinking like a guy" too much. Don't be worried about what it looks like. In fact, this can work to your advantage since she is helping you and this is something that you two can share. Be positive/upbeat about trying to learn to swim - she's taking her time and swimming is something that is obviously important to her. Furthermore, you can show your gratitude for her help in some small way, like taking her for coffee after or, if this relation has progressed a bit farther, a small bouquet of flowers (or a single rose if you are a student and $ is tight.) She'll remember the appreciation and the time spent together long after she's forgotten that you used to look like a drowning victim. -LBJ

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 06:25:57 GMT

Hi - I agree with the preivous post about getting rid of the nose clip - that may have contributed to your feelings of panic. It looks like your friend is a terrific swimmer and I think it's great that you want to learn how to swim!:) Have you considered checking out your local YMCA where they may offer adult swimming lessons and possibly even a TOW (terrified of water) class? Maybe you will be under less pressure to learn when you are under the guidance of a "neutral" person. Just a thought:D Good luck! Heidi

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 06:22:14 GMT

Take it slow. Don't worry about feeling like an idiot (I know easier said than done), but just remember the fact that you are doing something that you want. Stay in the shallow end and work on just being comfortable in the water. When you feel like your ready, start putting your face in and blowing bubbles. Work your comfort zone up slowly. You'll be swimming in no time!! ~Kyra

RE: New to Swimming

Former Member — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 06:16:50 GMT

ok cool thanks for that reply, I really do appreciate the postive feedback here. So far so good, and I am just a beginner and I thought the nose clip would help me from getting water up my nose( I just want to get discouraged and that would help me to get by that) I realize that some water is going to be there, but just not a a lot. Thanks again!!

RE: New to Swimming

knelson — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 01:53:46 GMT

I agree with Heidi that it's probably a good idea to takes some lessons from a professional, rather than your gf. Even if your gf is a great teacher things can go bad in these kind of situations.