So I just started learning to swim. 23 years old. =)
Former Member
I didn't like the water when I was little and I've been ignoring the problem ever since.
Well, I went to Florida with my girlfriend a few weeks ago and she's quite a good swimmer -- effortless strokes. That did it. Time to learn, I told myself.
I ran into this forum searching the net, and I thought you folks wouldn't mind if I shared my experiences here. Maybe you can give me a pointer or two.
So I bought 10 hours of private lessons to start. My instructor is quite friendly and helpful.
I've had two hours of lessons so far. We've covered kicks, floats and breathing for now... no strokes yet.
On my back, without any assistance, I can swim a length of the pool just with my kicks, arms relaxed.
On my front I have no problem kicking either, but I don't have the breathing quite right -- it's been a bit frustrating.
(Swimming is hard! Can 99% of the planet really do this?)
I have several problems with the breathing:
1. I know I have to empty my lungs under water, but I blow bubbles, and more bubbles, and more bubbles... still more bubbles... and I find it hard to exhale completely. The water resists me.
2. When I turn up for air, due to the above problem, I usually haven't finished exhaling... so I finish exhaling out of the water (this would go
away if I could solve problem 1.) and then try to inhale. At this point I usually take in a bunch of water and I have to stop to catch my breath and cough up the water.
I think the major problem is actually 1. I have a feeling that if I could just empty my lungs fast enough while under water, I would probably be able to catch a very quick breath when I turn my head to breath.
Other than that, I'm also having minor problems with the front and back float. On the front float, my legs always sink. On the back float I do better, but I have trouble getting my midsection to the surface of the water, even with a really good push off the bottom to get me up there. But when my instructor physically pushes my skinny ass up there, then I can float for a bit.
I suppose my progress is pretty good for a complete beginner with a mere two hours in the water in his entire life, but it's also quite frustrating. I wasn't expecting breathing to be a big problem.
Right now I'm doing two lessons per week with my instructor. One half hour on Wed. and one full hour on Thurs. I have the time, willpower, and money to do more lessons per week... do you folks recommend this for someone at my level?
I think that's enough of my blabbing for now. =)
Parents
Former Member
If you stake your claim in lap lane, more advanced swimmers can go around you. It's just like sharing a lane, so as long as you stay on your side, you should be ok to work on floats and such.
As for breathing, if you aren't getting all your air expelled and think you want to get more out try adding another stroke. So instead of doing three and then breathing, try doing four. Then when you turn to breath, you'll be ready. Once you get the hang of breathing and how much you should expell and how much to keep then you can adjust your stroke count.
Getting water up your nose, I had a lesson who had the exact same problem, every time he turned to breathe he got water up his nose. Make sure you are rolling your head out and not picking it up. I've found that the slighest lift or drop of your head can cause the water to go where you don't want it.
When you're floating, if your legs are sinking try to push your hips up to the top of the water. Your legs will follow. It's hard to push them up, but that just takes practice.
Breaking things down into pieces and then patching it together slowly seems to work the best for most lessons I've taught. Speed does help things go smoother, but I think slower is easier to learn.
Good Luck and Welcome to the Water!!!!:woot:
:2cents:
If you stake your claim in lap lane, more advanced swimmers can go around you. It's just like sharing a lane, so as long as you stay on your side, you should be ok to work on floats and such.
As for breathing, if you aren't getting all your air expelled and think you want to get more out try adding another stroke. So instead of doing three and then breathing, try doing four. Then when you turn to breath, you'll be ready. Once you get the hang of breathing and how much you should expell and how much to keep then you can adjust your stroke count.
Getting water up your nose, I had a lesson who had the exact same problem, every time he turned to breathe he got water up his nose. Make sure you are rolling your head out and not picking it up. I've found that the slighest lift or drop of your head can cause the water to go where you don't want it.
When you're floating, if your legs are sinking try to push your hips up to the top of the water. Your legs will follow. It's hard to push them up, but that just takes practice.
Breaking things down into pieces and then patching it together slowly seems to work the best for most lessons I've taught. Speed does help things go smoother, but I think slower is easier to learn.
Good Luck and Welcome to the Water!!!!:woot:
:2cents:
