Treading water, once and for all, can someone solve this for me?

Former Member
Former Member
I apologize for having three active threads. This is the last one. I promise. =) I'm *REALLY* confused about treading water. I've seen all the videos. I understand what sculling is. I've tried numerous things in the water. I've heard all kinds of conflicting information. As I understand it, there are various kinds of kicks you can use to varying degrees of efficiency including: - an 'upright' breastroke kick - a scissor kick - a bicycle kick - a 'frog' kick? - an egg-beater kick I don't fully understand the difference between all these kicks nor do I know which one is most efficient. What I do know is that I'm so frustrated with treading water, *I don't care* which one I learn. I just want to be able to stay upright in the deep end without assistance. I asked my instructor if I could just try a scissor kick, and she said "no, it's most definitely not a scissor kick, it's a a bicycle kick" -- implying, I suppose, up and down motion of the legs like you would have on a bike. But I've watched TI and GoSwim videos all of which show people successfully treading with a scissor kick. And if I understand correctly, a scissor kick is what I would do normally on backstroke or freestyle. So... is there any reason in the world that I shouldn't just stick with the scissor kick and hand-sculling for treading water? I need to pick one thing and focus on it, because I'm haphazardly trying all these different kicks and getting nowhere fast. Thanks.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    This is tough stuff. I always seem to have a difference of opinion. Many of the underwater kicks you mention from others may work. However, scissors kick uses way too much energy. The point of treading water is to stay afloat for a long period of time without being tired. The bicycle kick is also one that uses energy unless it is done slowly with optimum results. I, personally, can't use these. I use a modified egg-beater kick with an occasional vertical flutter kick. But my arms and hands are making circles at this same time. I make very slow circles with my arms and very slow circles with my legs. You can first try this out by using one arm to hold on to the edge of the pool. Start a kick that you think will work and the other arm making sculling/circles. Once you get whatever you choose to get going, let go of the wall. If you start sinking, kick more or change the kick to another type. There are many ways to tread water. And, once again, there is more than one way. I hate to tell you this, but I don't have to tread water to stay afloat. My body just does it. Also, breathing out will cause you to sink a little. That's why people who are in serious distress have sad outcomes. They release all of their air from their lungs calling for help and sink. Stay close to the pool wall and practice, practice. You will find what works for you, I promise!@! Donna
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    This is tough stuff. I always seem to have a difference of opinion. Many of the underwater kicks you mention from others may work. However, scissors kick uses way too much energy. The point of treading water is to stay afloat for a long period of time without being tired. The bicycle kick is also one that uses energy unless it is done slowly with optimum results. I, personally, can't use these. I use a modified egg-beater kick with an occasional vertical flutter kick. But my arms and hands are making circles at this same time. I make very slow circles with my arms and very slow circles with my legs. You can first try this out by using one arm to hold on to the edge of the pool. Start a kick that you think will work and the other arm making sculling/circles. Once you get whatever you choose to get going, let go of the wall. If you start sinking, kick more or change the kick to another type. There are many ways to tread water. And, once again, there is more than one way. I hate to tell you this, but I don't have to tread water to stay afloat. My body just does it. Also, breathing out will cause you to sink a little. That's why people who are in serious distress have sad outcomes. They release all of their air from their lungs calling for help and sink. Stay close to the pool wall and practice, practice. You will find what works for you, I promise!@! Donna
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