Swimming technique is essentially the same; no matter whether there’s a line on the bottom and the pool surface is completely flat, or even if you’re in the ocean on a stormy day and there’s big waves all around.
So a more pertinent question we should pose is – does YOUR technique change due to environmental conditions, and if it does, why? Further to this and more importantly, how can you eliminate it from happening at all?
Let’s explore for a moment the situation of a seasoned swimmer, ie. someone who feels totally at home in any body of water. This kind of swimmer is often so relaxed and in control of their form that neither adverse weather nor a massive race start writhing with other swimmers will affect their technique. And due of this, their race times will be very similar whether in the pool or the ocean over the same distance. It all simply comes down to their technique holding true even when put under pressure from any stress condition placed on them.
So what about a more normal example, ie someone who can swim about 2000m holding an easy intensity average of 22 strokes per 25m length… For a swimmer at such a level, there are multiple considerations to take into account when understanding why their performance in the ocean will probably be badly affected compared to the pool…
- Confidence in waves – simply affects everything especially being able to swim non stop
- Ability to lift and drop your head fluently to navigate, WITHOUT either (a) pushing water down on the leading arm which wastes power, or (b) keeping the head up for too long which stalls your momentum completely
- Ability to stay straight by (a) feel and (b) sighting in the correct manner to both stay straight plus do it with the least impact on forward movement
Now after looking at these factors above, we can confidently say that a more competent swimmer will generally stay more relaxed, maintain a straighter line, and pop and drop their head up more efficiently whenever sighting is needed. And this better control of form allows a better speed when in the ocean compared to their less competent counterparts.
So what’s the answer?
Essentially you need to work hard on these basics…
- Learn what comprises a perfect stroke then set about mastering it, all of the time, no matter where or when you train. Remember junk miles = junk results
- Become familiar and relaxed in the ocean – this will allow you to swim without stopping as perfectly as possible in any conditions without worry. You’ll know deep down you can always catch your breath when you need to without rushing your stroke or breaking your form.
- Practise your sighting and become adept at popping your head for just a split second then letting gravity pull you immediately back into balance, before your speed starts to falter (also learn and know what the right frequency of head lifts is stay straight).
- Lastly, and even though this may sound abstract, practise breathing drills that gradually eliminate 100% of any possible fear you may have subconsciously of not being able to breathe when in water. Almost everyone’s technique is affected somehow at a deep level by a fear of being without air.
We hope this motivates you to start improving your form and then to maintain it in the ocean.
For more tips or to enquire about Squads, OceanClinics or Private Tuition please go to www.futuredreams.co.nz
Parnell Baths Squads / Tepid Baths Squads / OceanClinics
Private Tuition, Program Writing
Underwater Swim Analysis
Website: www.futuredreams.co.nz
Email: swim@futuredreams.co.nz
Telephone: 021 288 8715
