I don't have any Open Water swimming experience but decided to challenge myself and join the Swim Around Key West open water event, with five other friends (2 miles each). I live about 30 minutes from the water so using my pool is probably the most convenient at this point. The only problem... my backyard pool is only 15ft long.
After deciding to do the swim I got on the internet and found this "aquatic trainer" (as the manufaturer describes it) online called the Superswim. Has anyone had any experience with it? It was a little over $200. To me, it looks like a fishing pole but seems to provide a decent alternative to the jet pools (which cost over $20k I think). I've only had it for a few days and used it twice for training...
I'm just curious about it's ability to build endurance for such a race. Any thoughts are appreciated.
The website for Superswim is http://www.superswim.com
Thanks in advance
I haven’t used Superswim, but I have used swim belts. Which incorporates a similar concept but at about 1/10 the cost.
Yes you can use this method of swimming in place to gain endurance but it takes a lot of discipline. For me it’s hard enough to swim laps alone, with only a pace clock to push me. I find it is difficult to motivate myself to work hard when the pace clock factor is eliminated, especially when training for long open water swims.
I found this thread while searching for information on resistance swimming.
I too have only a small pool to swim in. I used to be a competitive swimmer, but am way out of shape now. I understand the point about motivation to go faster, but mostly I am looking for the basic toning and cardiovascular benefits of swimming.
Is it more difficult to swim with one of these tethers or waist belts?
I came across one other, not mentioned here called Riptide:
http://www.swimriptide.com
Whereas the Superswim secures the swimmer's waist, the Riptide attaches to special shoes. It also uses a bouy device on the tether instead of a fishing line style.
Can anyone offer any recommendations between these and the belt style?
The tether systems seem to be used by competitive swimmers for speed training, which of course requires a coach to tell you that you are not going fast enough, since you have no reference to time over distance. I am not so concerned with getting faster, but I am concerned with getting a good workout, without frustration. The belts seem to be used mainly by acquatics classes.
Any advice? Thank you so much!
I've used several tethering devices, and they take some getting used to. One thing to keep in mind, during any resistance swimming, the trough that normally allows you to take a freestyle breath without spinning your neck far around is eliminated. You'll find yourself taking some gulps of water until you get used to it. I've always wanted to try one with a snorkel, to eliminate this
factor, but it might be the perfect model for a wavy, open water swim.
Thanks for the input, g.w. Anyone have experience with the belt type devices?
I know there are some that help you float but won't keep you in place.
My husband had to use one of these to learn how to swim.
Then there are the ones used for aqua-aerobics -- running in place, etc. Do these work for swimming in place?
Thanks for the input, g.w. Anyone have experience with the belt type devices?
I know there are some that help you float but won't keep you in place.
My husband had to use one of these to learn how to swim.
Then there are the ones used for aqua-aerobics -- running in place, etc. Do these work for swimming in place?
the type I used was a belt device, just fyi
Thanks so much for your help g.w.
I am afraid my question wasn't so good, because now I am wondering if you used the aquatics flotation belts such as for water aerobics, or a tether-belt like the Superswim?
I am inclined to go with a flotation belt if it works, because it is more portable, and can be used for other things (water aerobic / water running).
Also, you said that "You'll find yourself taking some gulps of water until you get used to it." I took this to mean that eventually you can get used to it and have a productive work-out, with a bit more difficulty. Is that your feeling?
Much appreciated!
I went ahead and ordered one of those aquatic belts, so feel free to ask me questions. I'll answer them once I get it.
Still interested in anyone's thoughts on the equipment you have tried.
A number of USMS sponsors carry Swim Belts/StretchCordz for stationary swimming, at a cost of around $30.
Check out
www.kastawayswimwear.com
www.swimoutlet.com
www.kiefer.com
looks identical to what I used, or close to it. At least that's the idea. The one I have experience with has two cords, and they attach to either side of the lane.
A number of USMS sponsors carry Swim Belts/StretchCordz for stationary swimming, at a cost of around $30.
Check out
www.kastawayswimwear.com
www.swimoutlet.com
www.kiefer.com
