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Learn how to swim

post #1 of 22
9/7/08 at 1:57pm
Thread Starter 
What's the best way to learn how to swim? I've signed up for adult lessons but any other recommendations are welcome.
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post #2 of 22
9/7/08 at 3:11pm
Besides finding a good teacher and practice (the mechanics), I feel you need to psychologically be ready.

When I went through water survival training, the first day we were in the pool one of our instructors displayed the body's ability to float when the lungs are inflated properly. The instructors hands/feet were tied, and he jumped in the pool and proceeded to "swim" from one end to the other. This demo gave everyone a lot of confidence.

Once you are comfortable in the water and know that you won't sink, the rest is pretty simple.
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post #3 of 22
9/7/08 at 7:56pm
I am signing up for adult swim lessons this fall. Its one of my goals before the end of this year: to learn how to swim. I feel like once I feel comfortable in the water, and have a bit of confidence, I should be fine with the mechanics after a bit of practice.
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post #4 of 22
9/7/08 at 8:06pm
Good luck to you I learned in the Army. I joined because i figured there wouldnt be swimming involved like in the Navy or Marines. Unitl it came time for the Water survival test I swallowed a bunch of water and was humiliated for being the pussy that couldnt swim with my gear on. Hopefully your lessons go better than my lessons did. Happy to report i can swim now, it wasnt the way i wanted to learn thats for sure.
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post #5 of 22
9/8/08 at 3:04am
I've always been a decent swimmer, but I thought 'Total Immersion' sounded pretty interesting when I read about it: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog...d-you-can-too/
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post #6 of 22
9/8/08 at 3:31am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all the feedback so far. I'm starting my first lesson tonight.
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post #7 of 22
9/8/08 at 3:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stvwrd View Post
I've always been a decent swimmer, but I thought 'Total Immersion' sounded pretty interesting when I read about it:

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog...d-you-can-too/

I wholeheartedly recommend the TI classes.

I've watched the classes my fiancee attended to improve her swim stroke (she already knew how to swim). They had beginners doing slow and easy laps after 2-3 classes.

If you can find a good class that has the underwater camera to help analyze your technique, go for it.
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post #8 of 22
9/9/08 at 12:43am
Thread Starter 
I'm happy to report that I was able to float while holding my breath and keep my head under water. I guess the next step for me is to be able to push myself forward. I find it's really hard to breath while swimming. What's the easiest stroke(s) for a beginner?
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post #9 of 22
9/9/08 at 12:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakejake View Post
I'm happy to report that I was able to float while holding my breath and keep my head under water. I guess the next step for me is to be able to push myself forward. I find it's really hard to breath while swimming. What's the easiest stroke(s) for a beginner?

Congrats. Thats great news. I can't wait to get started on my swimming classes.
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post #10 of 22
9/9/08 at 1:38am
Breaststroke is the easiest.
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post #11 of 22
9/9/08 at 1:49am
Swimming is one of my favorite sport. I still swim laps 3x a week on average 45 minutes to an hour. Great way for me to do my aerobic exercise.
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post #12 of 22
9/9/08 at 2:17am
I encourage anyone who still don't know how to swim to learn at least jumping into water, floating to surface, and doggy paddle.

If you can overcome fear, this is a lot easier than it sounds.

I urge you to learn with a couple of friends near you in a shallow wading pool (don't jump in though) and then go to deeper end. Better with an instructor of course.
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post #13 of 22
9/9/08 at 4:14am
swimming and being in water is probably one of my favourite things to do. i dont know when i learned how to swim, but i guess my dad taught me before i can remember. you just feel free, especially in an ocean or a lake.
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post #14 of 22
9/9/08 at 8:36am
^I was the same way. Our house growing up was on a large lake and there are pictures of my older sister and I in the water and swimming around before we could even walk. So, like you, the water is a great source of relaxation and sense of freedom... not anxiety. But, I have a lot of friends (especially in Japan), who either never learned to swim or are quite afraid of the water.
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post #15 of 22
9/9/08 at 9:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakejake View Post
I'm happy to report that I was able to float while holding my breath and keep my head under water. I guess the next step for me is to be able to push myself forward. I find it's really hard to breath while swimming. What's the easiest stroke(s) for a beginner?
It might not the easiest stroke for a beginner to learn, or maybe, not the best first stroke for a beginner to learn, but the elementary backstroke is IMO the easiest stroke to do, and takes the least effort to continue floating and moving in a direction. You don't get your face underwater and can relax and go slow if you want. I can do that one for a long time even after not swimming for years, whereas being comfortable with breathing cycles takes some practice to get used to. Starting out though, you should probably learn the basic front strokes or whatever they're called. I recently learned that I suck at swimming now after maybe 10 years of not doing it at all. I really should do it more.
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