When should you start surfacing after dive starting?
Former Member
Right now, I lift my head up as soon as my legs submerge in fear of hitting the tiles with my head (where I swim, the pool does not have recessed starting area), but I was wondering, theoretically speaking, when exactly is the ideal point at which I should stop submerging and start surfacing.
There is no ideal point at which to stop submerging and start surfacing. It all depends on the individual and the event. For me, during fly and free races of 100’s or longer, I am submerging for the first 5-7 meters, and rising for the next 5-7 meters, usually breaking the surface and starting to swim around 10 to 14 meters.
you should kick out untill your underwater speed is equall to your swimming speed. This could be 4 meter or it could be 15 but there are only a few people in the world limited to the 15 meter mark except in backstroke which has many people that are limited by the 15 meter mark.
you should kick out untill your underwater speed is equall to your swimming speed. This could be 4 meter or it could be 15 but there are only a few people in the world limited to the 15 meter mark except in backstroke which has many people that are limited by the 15 meter mark.
Not to detract from Rob's reply (it says the same thing, basically).
It all boils down to:
Under water and streamlined is -after the dive and /or push-off- faster
than on the surface.
When does it slow down to the point that on-the-surface becomes faster, will vary with each individual's kick (D or F), strength, strengths, body-shape, and all the other variables.
Trial (and timing) and error, will determine at which points it is best for you to transition.
Warren hit the nail on the head. Here is a site that will help you some more. A breakout is discussed and that will help you begin to measure the improvement or lack of, after you dive in and begin swimming. Good luck, Coach T.
swimming.about.com/.../aa_breakouts.htm
