Another Day of Swimming

Yesterday’s swimming lesson was very memorable. I had the privilege of learning under a different instructor, Phil, who covered for the regular instructor Claire. Phil is a children’s swimming instructor with deep knowledge and passion for swimming.

I learnt more fundamental things about swimming. Specifically, it was the first day I felt myself float confidently in water.

First, you need to breathe in deeply before diving into the water. The excess air in the lungs make you float higher longer.

Also, I learnt the importance of our ritual of walking across the water back and forth at the beginning of each lesson. We do it to get warmed up and get our muscles ready for the rigor of swimming.

Yesterday was the first time I tried back stroke and for the first time I felt myself float at the surface while doing it.

Furthermore, I learnt officially that flapping of the feet gives me next to no propulsion. I will need to use my hands to propel myself forward in addition to the initial momentum obtained from jumping into water.

There are two types of swimming aids: the paddle and the noodle – noodle helps you float even better. Previously we had been using just the paddle.

Finally, I learnt that when doing a star float face up I need to lean my upper body into the water so that my feet can come up. Basically I have to think of my body as a see-saw.

Ultimately I figured out that the best way to improve my swimming technique is a tried and true method: Practice.

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