Hello! I'm a newcomer to swimming laps, and I'd like everyone's input on a debate I'm having with a friend who also swims.
What is technically a lap?
I say it's based on distance. If you're in a 25m pool - then a lap is down and back. If you are in a 50m pool - then a lap is the length of the pool one way.
He says a lap is the length of a pool.
Can someone solve this battle for us?
Thanks!
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Former Member
Among swimmers, I get the use of the word "lap" as a verb--that is, to pass someone by a circuit's worth. But the lap as a noun doesn't really compute. Don't we tend to speak in distance? 100s, 200s, etc.? I never use the term, and am always brought up short when somebody asks me, "How many laps in a mile?" This is like asking me how many cubits. I am a supporter of standard units of measure in these matters. This the problem with "lap" as a noun: is it a single or a double; is it a LC or a SC single or a double.
I vote to strike the word (lap, n.) from aquatic diction.
Among swimmers, I get the use of the word "lap" as a verb--that is, to pass someone by a circuit's worth. But the lap as a noun doesn't really compute. Don't we tend to speak in distance? 100s, 200s, etc.? I never use the term, and am always brought up short when somebody asks me, "How many laps in a mile?" This is like asking me how many cubits. I am a supporter of standard units of measure in these matters. This the problem with "lap" as a noun: is it a single or a double; is it a LC or a SC single or a double.
I vote to strike the word (lap, n.) from aquatic diction.
