Want to really swim instead of just splashing around? Ok, here are some basic swimming techniques. But before you even think of getting in the water, there are two items you must have to get started right: first, a good pair of goggles, and second, a well-fitted swim cap.

Choose goggles that most closely match your eye sockets and decide whether rubber, foam, or plastic is the most comfortable. The goggles should provide a firm seal and not let any water seep in. A well-made swim cap keeps long hair out of your face, protects your scalp and hair from chlorine, and gives you a more aerodynamic profile when swimming for speed.

Now, for the techniques. The first obstacle to overcome is the feeling of being immersed in something that has the potential of being dangerous and life-threatening. So, you have to feel confident in your ability to be there safely, and the wisdom not to try anything unwise like trying to breathe underwater!

Now, to experience the feeling of water rushing over your body, try this. While standing in the shallow end of the pool up against the wall, lie chest down in the water; put your feet on the wall behind you, toes pointing down. Starting from a fetal position, use your legs to push off and propel yourself through the water as far as you can. Repeat this. When you start feeling like a human torpedo, you’re ready to move on.

You’ll get a kick out of this one. Because the power that propels your body through the water like a ship’s propellers-- comes from kicking. While holding onto the lip of the wall, let the water lift your feet and begin kicking. Try to really kick hard with your feet, feel the power of your kicks and how they are starting to move your body.

Now while kicking, try placing your face in the water. When you need to breathe, lift your head to the side, take a breath, then re-immerse your face, exhaling underwater. Next, breathe in from the other side. Continue this, alternating sides until it feels very easy and natural. Up until now, you’re still holding on to the pool wall, but now, the time has come to let go and start doing something that can be called swimming.

Hopefully you were able to float before you started all this. As you continue to kick and breathe, and float (if you can), there will be a feeling that you should be doing something with your hands, and you will. Extend both arms out in front of you, reach out with your fingertips and with a slightly curved palm, pull the water back. As your other arm takes its turn, recover your first arm to the starting position, creating as little resistance as possible.

Swimming just consists of doing all of the above in the proper order. Kick, stroke, kick, breathe, recover, exhale. Experiment with it. The right order will come naturally. Once you get it right— you’ve mastered the art of swimming.

by Bruce Heath, DnC