Does Pool Depth have an effect on surface turbulence?
Former Member
I noticed that I really struggle breathing on backstroke in shallow pools (e.g. 5ft deep) because when there are a bunch of other swimmers, there's TONS of surface turbulance and I have trouble keeping my face above the water.
Should I just tuck my chin more (possibly risking my legs sinking?) or maybe try a deeper pool?
Does anyone else have this problem?
Parents
Former Member
The breathing in freestyle was probably the most difficult part of the stroke for me to learn when I started swimming. Timing is key. After you have finished your pull under water, as your elbow is lifting out of the water, turn your head to the side, breathing under your elbow, and then placing your face back in the water as your hand reenters the water. You want to make sure you aren't actually lifting your head to breathe, for as soon as you pull your head up, your hips will drop, throwing your whole rhythm off. If your hips are dropping now, you need to kick more. The low in the water stuff is good for some, but not everyone. It requires a lot of balance, which you might not have just quite yet. Take Muppet's advice.
The breathing in freestyle was probably the most difficult part of the stroke for me to learn when I started swimming. Timing is key. After you have finished your pull under water, as your elbow is lifting out of the water, turn your head to the side, breathing under your elbow, and then placing your face back in the water as your hand reenters the water. You want to make sure you aren't actually lifting your head to breathe, for as soon as you pull your head up, your hips will drop, throwing your whole rhythm off. If your hips are dropping now, you need to kick more. The low in the water stuff is good for some, but not everyone. It requires a lot of balance, which you might not have just quite yet. Take Muppet's advice.
