# swimming instructions and advice

Category: Crafts and Hobbies

## Post 1 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 12-Feb-2013 22:22:45

Hello.
As most of you know I love running and working out. I'd like to try and incorperate swimming to my routine. There is a pool here on campus that is open for use. Here's the problem. Outside of knowing how to tread water, float, and do a mean ass dog paddle, I don't know how to do what I believe they call over-hand swimming. I'm not sure what the basic stroke is, and I don't know the difference between the various ones I've heard of. If anyone could give me some instructions of how to swim over-hand that would be great. My grandfather has tried teaching me but I'm still not quite getting it, so I'm thinking getting instructions from someone on here might help. Thanks.

## Post 2 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 12-Feb-2013 23:34:54

If you don't get that stroke, try a different stroke. Or just try treading water while holdin a weight. That'll work your muscles like hell.

## Post 3 by ProudAFL-CIOLaborUnionGirl (Account disabled) on Tuesday, 12-Feb-2013 23:37:34

Maybe for lessons try looking into your local YMCA.

## Post 4 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Wednesday, 13-Feb-2013 12:14:53

I should explain something. The reason I didn't give you a description on how to swim, is because you can't really read about it and then go out and do it. I mean, I could tell you to flutter your legs while raking your arm through the water as if you are trying to scratch it with your fingernails. I mean, that's basically swimming. If you go out and try that, you'll probably drown. I'd have to be there and show you.

## Post 5 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Wednesday, 13-Feb-2013 15:17:10

Lol. I know, swimming is hard to describe, and that's probably why I've had trouble with it. The people who tried describing it to me had trouble trying to explain it, while at the same time trying to show me how to move my arms. Kicking is easy, the torso positioning is easy, but the question of what to do with my arms still remains. I also know how to cup my hands properly.

## Post 6 by Binary solo (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Wednesday, 13-Feb-2013 16:06:48

I think your best bet would be to get some one who knows about swimming to teach you, be it a friend or a trainer. It's hard to learn swimming by your self at least if you want to do it right so go for some instruction.
As an old swimmer I can also tip you on that back crawl is probably easier to learn to start with since than you don't have to worry about breathing or keeping afloat.
Fins and corks are also good training implements if you want to focus on one thing at a time such as kicking or arms. These terrible devices of torture are not just for kids ether, they can help you get some really good exercise done.

## Post 7 by rat (star trek rules!) on Wednesday, 13-Feb-2013 22:24:27

I was taught to swim at a camp i did, have to agree with the others that it isn't something that can really be explained. getting something that can help you float is good, like to practice the hand and arm motions my instructor had me wear a floatation belt so i wouldn't sink and could work with my arms.

## Post 8 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 0:19:49

I prefer breast stroke myself, you might try that one.

## Post 9 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 12:34:30

I had always been a dog paddler before, but then the wife taught me the breast stroke when we were first together. It's quieter, for one thing, which means you get to hear more of your surroundings and be aware. Plus you can do it with your ears out of the water mainly which does help a lot

## Post 10 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 14-Feb-2013 13:15:01

Thanks guys. I will look in to getting lessons, though that probably won't be happening this semester at least. Maybe it'll be something to do over my summer break. I have seen my grandfather do the breast stroke and like Leo said it is very quiet. I barely noticed him swimming at first.