The Swimming Expert

QUESTION:

Dear sirs,   I have a question about swimming.   My name is Linda, I’m 36 years old.

I tried to learn swimming few times in my life but I always have one problem while learning. I can float in the water, I can hold my breath under the water for a long time and I can do all the moves my instructors ask me to do because I work out, but the only issue I face is I must grap the edge of the pool or the instructor’s arms or hands when I’m inside the water, I do not know why I get so scared if I do not grap something.

I’m so frustrated and disappointed because in my whole life and career I never get so scared like this.  I’m so determined and I do not want give up.

Can you please advise me? I will really appriciate it.   Thanks Linda

ANSWER:

Hi Linda, Well done on your determination to keep swimming and overcome your fear.

Swimming is a lot of fun however it is not unusual for adult swimmers (and children for that matter) to have some fears when they are learning to swim.

In regards to your need to grap hold of something when you are in the water, I believe you need to gradually move away from the edge or your instructor, even just for 1 second, then build to 2 seconds, 3 seconds and onwards until you are able to move in the water without feeling the need to grap hold of someone or something.

If you have an swim instructor with you, you are safe and need to relax when you are doing this so that your body doesn’t tense up. The instructor will assist you if you need help.

The water is a funny medium and it takes time to get used to that feeling of moving around in the water without touching or holding anything.  The more time you spend in the water, the more comfortable you will feel in it and this will help you to overcome your fear.

Please let me know how you go Linda over the coming weeks.

Regards

Gary

The Swimming Expert

QUESTION:

Hi   I am 58 and have been swimming all my live unfortunately without any formal training. I have developed over the years a right shoulder injury due to only breathing to my left side. I have read all your articles related to breathing on both sides but still find it very difficult to breath to my right. Every time I force myself I concentrate to much on it that I completely forget to exhale underwater. I swim 8-15 km per week. Any advice?   Thank you   Hugo, Pretoria, South Africa

ANSWER:

Hi Hugo, Often when a person breathes on one side (for example your left side) the right arm tends to come right under the body and complete a powerful stroke and therefore has alot of resistance against it.  The left hand tends to stay a little bit wider during the underwater pull (because there is no breathing on the right side) and does not have quite the same pressure on it.  When this is done often enough over many years, one shoulder may get a little sorer than the other.

Yes, breathing on both sides would help you, however if you have tried this and cannot do it then work on making sure that both arms and hands do exactly the same stroke pattern underwater so that they take equal responsibility for moving you forward in freestyle.  Also make sure your right hand enters in a fairly flat position out in front and not angled so that the right thumb goes in first.  Hope that makes sense!

Regards

Gary

The Swimming Expert

QUESTION

Hello, I am 57 yo and would like to join a swim squad for my age group. I used to swim competitively as a child in the country. Do such squads exist? if so, could you recommend one to me. Regards Libby, Ivanhoe, Victoria.

ANSWER

There are a number of Masters Swimming programs in Victoria, Australia that may be suitable for you Libby.  Swimming is a very popular sport and health& fitness activity for men and woman of similar ages to you and with a competitive swimming background you would really enjoy it.

Information on Masters Swimming branches in each State can be found at www.swimclub.com.au and if you contact Masters Swimming Victoria, they will be able to assist you with clubs and squads in your local area.