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.
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?
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.
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.
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:
