PirateMatt88
New
I am about halfway through my basic certification training, and only have to do my 10 minute float and long swim in the pool before going for the open water portion. My problem(?) is that when I get in the water to do the distance swim, my brain does a couple of things and I get maybe one or two lengths of the pool before I have to stop. One of the first things that happens, is I feel like it's a race and have to complete it quickly, and second, I kind of panic when I can't touch due to having been caught in a rip current several years ago. No matter how much I tell myself to slow down, that it's not a race, and there are several people that can help if I have trouble, these things go through my head and I start having trouble. I have been able to do maybe three lengths of the pool while swimming slowly on my back, with very minor breaks at each end to position myself for the next length, but I still have problems. Any suggestions on a stroke to use, breathing skills to learn/practice, ways to get out of my head and get over this? I LOVE being in the water, I swim well underwater, but on the surface I have always had trouble. I also LOVE being hooked up to the tanks, knowing that I have plenty of air to swim for an extended period.
This is the only thing holding me back from getting certified right now, so, I would greatly appreciate any and all help offered.
This is the only thing holding me back from getting certified right now, so, I would greatly appreciate any and all help offered.