The only time I ever circle swim is during warm up at a meet. I'm unsure about one aspect of how to do it properly. If I'm coming into a wall for a turn, do I veer to the left before the wall and then push of straight or do I swim into the wall straight (on the right side) and then push off at an angle? Also, If I want to stop, do I hang out all the way to the right side or left side of the lane (assuming I'm facing the wall)? I've always done it one particular way, but was told recently that the other way was correct. Several beers ride on the answer.
Thanks, Rich
Parents
Former Member
I think this is the most problematic when it's not in an organized workout.
At least you (should) have swimmers of similar skills/speed in a given circle lane when it occurs in an organized workout. Coaches should make sure this happens.
But when you're at the YMCA open lap swim ... all bets are off. The manatees are simple unaware of the serious swimmers around them. I can be bearing down on them at the wall, and they'll still push off instead of waiting two seconds and letting me pass.
Fortunately for me, circle swimming at my pool is a rarity. Their schedules are well known, and very consistent. There is really only one circumstance that causes circle swimming: when the aerobics class gets 4 of the 6 lanes, and one lane is used for a swimming class. All lap swimmers of any capability are all collapsed into one remaining lane. I might find myself in that situation about 2 or 3 times a year. And when I am there, I make sure all participants know some basic rules: Swim to the right; turn on the left side of the T; stop on the right side of the T; keep aware of who is behind you and let them pass if they are catching up.
I think this is the most problematic when it's not in an organized workout.
At least you (should) have swimmers of similar skills/speed in a given circle lane when it occurs in an organized workout. Coaches should make sure this happens.
But when you're at the YMCA open lap swim ... all bets are off. The manatees are simple unaware of the serious swimmers around them. I can be bearing down on them at the wall, and they'll still push off instead of waiting two seconds and letting me pass.
Fortunately for me, circle swimming at my pool is a rarity. Their schedules are well known, and very consistent. There is really only one circumstance that causes circle swimming: when the aerobics class gets 4 of the 6 lanes, and one lane is used for a swimming class. All lap swimmers of any capability are all collapsed into one remaining lane. I might find myself in that situation about 2 or 3 times a year. And when I am there, I make sure all participants know some basic rules: Swim to the right; turn on the left side of the T; stop on the right side of the T; keep aware of who is behind you and let them pass if they are catching up.
