Swim Lessons / Technique

[Guba]

I hear ya! I was actually a lifeguard for several years before I took courses to become a swimming instructor. It was a real eye-opener. I found that even though I didn't have any trouble with the swim tests, my technique needed some real work. My instructors pointed out where I needed the work, I make the changes, and swimming got a WHOLE LOT easier and more fun.
Great that you stuck with lessons until you made it "click". Confidence in the water means a lot and should make diving even more fun.

 

[gcarter]

Went for a swim tonight, looking for some additional practice before my next lesson on Wednesday. I'm still not quite in the "doing laps" territory, but improving. I have come to the conclusion though that it is silly to expect any kind of great progress unless I go at least 2 - 3 times a week. Who knew?

 

[ntmainstrm]

Gcarter,
This helped me. Goggle Total Immersion.
Lee

 

[The Chairman]

Way cool! Thanks for sharing. Devon... that just looks way too hard. No need to keep our swimming secret like these guys.

 

[The Chairman]

Gcarter,
This helped me. Goggle Total Immersion.
Lee

Did you order their self coaching tapes or did you take a class? The concept looks interesting.

 

[DM_cappie]

Congrats on continuing to learn, I agree with most others here that the more comfortable you are in the water the better the experience. I myself used to be a lifeguard and swim instructor and have found that like diving you never are done learning. Every time I enter the water whether it’s to swim some laps or do a dive I am always critiquing my technique and improving my skills. The “click” for me however wasn’t necessarily my techniques for swimming as much as my pace. Once I slowed down my stroke and concentrated on staying streamlined I found I used far less energy and still had quicker lap times.

 

[annasea]

Gcarter,
This helped me. Goggle Total Immersion.
Lee

Total Immersion rocks! For years I struggled with the Red Cross method and never made any real progress. Last year I took a beginner class based on Total Immersion and progressed significantly! Very different approaches with the latter focusing on being streamlined and relaxed.

 

[TSandM]

I used the videotape and book from Total Immersion to improve my swimming after my Cave 1 class (it was one of the conditions of passing ). It helped, but I think actually coughing up the money for coaching or lessons would help more.