WHEN SPEED IS NECESSARY?
SCUBA swimming speed quickly becomes important in the face of opposing currents, rip tides, out-going tides, and when confronted with boats, lines, or helpless dive buddies that are drifting away. The competent diver must have the ability to expeditiously, and with a controlled level of exertion, swim swiftly in the desired direction. Failure to reach the desired destination in time can have serious and even tragic consequences.
HOW TO SWIM FAST ON THE SURFACE?
Divers, unlike traditional swimmers, are encumbered by heavy and bulky gear that is not hydro-dynamic and impedes swimming speed. So, with these gear hindrances, how can divers achieve maximum speed?
STEP 1:
Streamline your dive gear. Understand that the less streamlined your gear, the lower your top swimming speed will be.
STEP 2:
Streamline your body just like a traditional swimmer. Lay parallel to the surface of the water. Extend your weaker arm (for "righties" the weaker arm is usually the left) in front of your head as far as possible - maximizing the distance between your toes and finger tips.
STEP 3:
To further streamline the body, roll to your weaker side (typically "righties" will roll to their left side), so that you are lying on your side in the water, with one shoulder out of the water. If you are rolled to your left, and breathing off your snorkel, be mindful not to submerge your snorkel. With your stronger arm, pull vigorously and repeatedly as if performing a one-armed crawl stroke. The stronger arm should be making the most efficient swim stroke the diver knows how to perform. For the beginner swimmer, the diver should simply make a giant windmill-like motion pulling the water and propelling the diver forward.
STEP 4:
While the diver streamlines the body, rolls to the weaker side, and pulls with the stronger arm performing the windmill-like motion, the diver must also kick vigorously with the SCUBA fins.
STEP 5:
Enjoy your new found SCUBA surface speed. Use this stroke on the surface to cut through the water and achieve your maximum speed. Remember, practice makes perfect. To learn more, enroll, dive or train with www.AquaSportsInc.com .
HOW TO SWIM FAST BENEATH THE SURFACE?
The streamlining problem for divers discussed above is compounded beneath the surface. Nonetheless, we can still significantly enhance our SCUBA swimming speed beneath the surface. Review the above 5 steps for achieving speed on the surface. Incorporate each of these steps in your underwater swimming, with the exception of step 3. To achieve maximum SCUBA swimming speed beneath the surface, modify step 3 as follows.
STEP 3:
To further streamline the body, roll to your weaker side (typically "righties" will roll to their left side), so that you are lying on your side in the water. One shoulder should be closer to the surface of the water and the other shoulder closer to the bottom of the water. With your stronger arm placed on the thigh of the same side of the body, recover the stronger arm by sneaking it up the front of the body, until it reaches the elbow of your lead and extended arm. While recovering the stronger arm (moving it forward), be sure to keep the recovering arm as close as possible to the body. Many skilled dive rescuers prefer to trace thumb of the recovering arm along the body while moving it forward to reduce drag and water resistance. The path the thumb should trace will be up the thigh, along the stomach, up the chest, and forward along the lead and extended arm. Once the recovering arm is touching the elbow of the lead and extended arm, use the recovered arm to pull the water backward vigorously and propel the diver forward. The result is a modified underwater sidestroke. Repeat as often and forcefully as appropriate.
Join us next month for other tips aimed at creating superior divers.
WHY IS AQUA SPORTS, INC. SO WELL RESPECTED?
Aqua Sports, Inc. boasts an elite training staff that includes: marine biologist, underwater archeologist, shark specialist, award-winning and published underwater photographers, military divers, international researchers, professional rescuers, master scuba diving trainers, and experienced educators.
Aqua Sports, Inc. has been featured by Sport Diver Magazine, SCUBA Diving Magazine, SCUBA News, Diving In Depth, ESPN Radio, Best Damn Sports Show Period, Hard Rock Resort & Casino, Marriott Hotels, Trump International Hotel, Orlando Style Magazine, Boca Raton Magazine, Sun Sentinel News, Broward News, and many more.
Aqua Sports, Inc. has trained SCUBA divers and rescuers from the U.S. Military, U.S. Government, World Health Organization, Environmental Protection Agency, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, International Research Organizations, Scientific Agencies, Universities, Colleges, Professional Rescue Agencies, and more.
We take great prided in creating superior divers worldwide.
We believe that your SCUBA diving and rescue training is your foundation for safety and fun. We care about your safety, and pledge to maximize your fun.
BOOK YOUR AQUA SPORTS, INC. DIVE TRAINING OR EXPEDITION?
Now is your chance to experience "One of the Best Dive Training Operations in the U.S." Let our elite staff help you become the very best diver you can be. We create superior divers worldwide.
Speak personally with one of our dive professionals at 617-283-0269 or 888-223-6568, email us at Info@AquaSportsInc.com or visit us at www.AquaSportsInc.com. Our team will be pleased to tailor your dive training, daily excursion or world expedition precisely to your needs.
