Sucking in Water When Breathing

Former Member
Former Member
I took lessons when I was a kid and never mastered the breathing technique for freestyle swimming so I gave up on swimming. Now it is 30 yrs later and I am determined to learn how to swim and have been taking a group class at the local natatorium. I have been making a lot of progress and learning things that I don't remember from my childhood lessons (keep your chin to your chest, making the S-pattern during the pull stroke, etc). I have also been focused on rolling of the body more - and especially rolling to breathe so that my head is on my left arm/shoulder (breathing to the right). However, I'm still struggling with the breathing in that I am sucking in water and end up choking. I've had multiple people watch me and they say that my form looks good and even the part when I roll to breathe - but they are unsure at what point I am getting water in my mouth. It's been hard for me to figure it out - here's some of my thoughts - it's a bit hard to self-diagnose and so far the people watching are not catching it - Is the timing of the opening and closing of my mouth just a bit off that I am sucking water when I turn to breathe and return to face down? I'm not the best at exhaling underwater so I wonder if I'm trying to exhale and inhale during the short time that I am turned? Do I need to turn my head more (look at ceiling)? Am I slowly sucking in water when my face is down since I'm not exhaling correctly? Any thoughts on how I can figure this out or other things to look for? Thanks Mike
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member over 15 years ago
    swim25...What you said makes sense. I've been wondering about the hips thing - my teacher said that my position looks good but I know as I get tired, I feel like I am sinking..Also, last night I tried flippers for the first time and the breathing was also better - which probably gets to your "speed" comments - with the fins on, I was "flying" - actually almost ran over a lady in my class :-) So the catch 22 for me is - I'm trying to slow down my pace to not overdue it but not slow down enough that I start sinking!
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 15 years ago
    swim25...What you said makes sense. I've been wondering about the hips thing - my teacher said that my position looks good but I know as I get tired, I feel like I am sinking..Also, last night I tried flippers for the first time and the breathing was also better - which probably gets to your "speed" comments - with the fins on, I was "flying" - actually almost ran over a lady in my class :-) So the catch 22 for me is - I'm trying to slow down my pace to not overdue it but not slow down enough that I start sinking!
Children
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