Hi all, I remember reading a discussion here about what counted as a "lap" (one length versus a round trip), and there didn't seem to be a consensus. I'm interested to know the statistics. So please take the poll :)
Former Member
Does a lap counter count laps or lengths?
It counts lengths. You show it every lap.
Former Member
A lap in swimming parlance is one length of the pool. Hence a 500 yard swim is 20 laps.
Others may disagree, but they are wrong.
Why would I lie.
You obviously rode the short bus to school. Did you ever leave your helmet at home by mistake?
Former Member
Does a lap counter count laps or lengths?
Is this a question or are you really trying to embarrass yourself?
Former Member
Interesting, the "one length" camp, which had been the majority, has now been surpassed by the "round trip", 52:71!
Former Member
Interesting, the "one length" camp, which had been the majority, has now been surpassed by the "round trip", 52:71!
Ya, i just noticed that. Jumped ahead by a ton.
Former Member
Thank you Mr. Knight for the stunning reply. I have looked at a lap counter before, but I'll certainly examine them more closely next time. Perhaps I'll have an Epiphany and change my ways.
When counting for someone swimming a 1650 and asked the question, "How many laps till he's done?" I'll look at my length counter, convert to laps, add one-half and have a reply. Or is it take one-half away?
I had to take my helmet off so I could scratch my head to try figure that one out.
Former Member
Does a lap counter count laps or lengths?
Are you referring to the position or to the equipment?
No matter.
Both count laps.
The equipment, by the use of a very clever design technique, automatically makes the conversion of laps into lengths. This is facilitated by the fact that the conversion factor is 1 lap = 2 lengths.
If this were not true, the equipment would be much more difficult to operate.
And it works whether the course is in meters or yards!
If you still think 1 lap = 1 length, take some time at your next swim meet to examine these clever devices and you will be amazed (and educated!)
OK, so back in the 70's, my coaches referred to a single length of the pool as a "lap," but in my more recent years in the Masters program, a "lap" is up and back (took me a while to get used to it...). Now we call a single length a "link." I'm swimming in a short course pool, so don't know what the long course swimmers call a single length of the pool. Frankly... a mile is a mile, so what you call each trip across the pool doesn't really matter! It's your time on race day that counts!
Wow, all these years I've been swimming (all 3 of them) I incorrectly thought a lap was two entire length's, i.e., 50 M/Y (SC) or 100 M (LC).
Why do you say you're wrong? The poll shows that most people think a lap is two lengths.
Again,I think this is a frivolous point."Real swimmers" count by distance(25s,50s 100s ,1000s ,5000s,etc)If someone asks me how many laps I swam I know they aren't a swimmer.If someone asks how many yards I swam They may be a swimmer(but one who values quantity over quality,you sprinters know what I am talking about.)
I agree with Allen. :applaud:
