Is it legal to keep your hands in a streamline position and just dolphin kick for a 200 fly (as long as you're not underwater more than 15 meters)? Or swim it by 50s alternating fly and kicking? Just wondering ... I think it is based on something the Wolfman said, but would like confirmation.
Don't bother to say swim the whole thing. I can't/won't/don't want to/aren't interested. I have a power fly stroke not suited for a 200 and can't keep the arms recovering for 200 yards/meters.
Fort -
The real benefit of the underwater dolphin is in the streamlining, better kick (both up and down) and reduced resistance underwater.
If you read the rule, once you come to the surface in each length, you have to remain on the surface and on the *** until you reach the wall. I don't know about others, but my dolphin on the surface is no where near as clean and easy as that underwater, nor as fast.
You may want to think about this before you punish yourself in a meet.
Just my :2cents:
I've seen people try to do this. The biggest challenge is not letting your hands separate when you breathe. The stroke judges will look for any sculling motion.
People in Perth were disqualified for kicking in a layout position based on the FINA wording of the rule which is:
SW 8.2 Both arms shall be brought forward together over the water and brought backward simultaneously through-out the race, subject to SW 8.5.
The phrase "through-out the race, subject to SW 8.5" can be interpreted to mean that you must have a continuous arm action, except for the underwater section on the start and turn.
This would be a good one to pose to the Rules Chair.
The Canadian rules explicitly forbid kicking in a layout position without an arm action. This was based on the understanding that this was the FINA interpretation.
The most interesting aspect of this issue occurs in the oldest age groups as many in these age groups cannot swim fly with a legal arm action for the entire distance but can complete the races kicking. When you get to this stage kicking may in fact be faster than swimming. In this case someone who can't actually swim butterfly as it is normally swum could potentially get the win or even hold the world record.
