How do you make your turns in a cable swim? It seems like there should be a smoother way than to come to a complete stop and change directions. Any suggestions?
Former Member
Let's say the turn is counter clockwise:
It takes a bit of practice, but going into the turn, flip over (without stopping) and do a very few strokes of back stroke before the apex of the turn. At the apex or just after, when your right hand hits the water, flip back to your stomach with your left hand pointing (more or less) towards the direction you want to be going in. You might have to make a slight adjustment, but you will be going, more or less, in the correct direction. Obviously, reverse this if it is a clockwise turn.
As an added benefit, when you flip to your back, you can usually get a quick glance at what is going on behind you.
-LBJ
That's an interesting idea on how to make a turn but I don't know if I would try it. I would basically do a water polo pivot. Swim close to the buoy, angling across as you reach it, do a pivot and a scissors kick to change direction. That works both ways.
The reason why I wouldn't recommend a flip or turning over on your back if you don't have some experience is because the only time you are going to have to be really thinking about how to turn is if you are swimming in a pack. If you are, I don't think you want to turn over on your back and not see where the other swimmers are around you.
If you have some more comfort with being in a pack then maybe try the back turn as described--which sounds like a good idea if you have more experience and comfort.
I was always told to do sort of a spin.
1 Take a stroke
2 with the hand you didn't stroke, reach behind you and do a back stroke.
3. stroke normally.
I have a terrible time doing it but the people I've seen so it look great.
