swimming styles

[Barbe402]

in the PFT why is only valid breast stroke and/or side stroke...

are those styles harder than crawl, for example....

does anyone knows where to find side stroke videos, to get a proper stroke...

[Bamboo]

It has to do with practicality. front crawl (free-style) isn't too useful in choppy seas, whereas sidestroke and breaststroke work well. Same for swimming with gear, or when hauling an injured teammate.

For the most part, those styles are slower and easier than crawl. Also, they're much better suited for longer distances.

Finally, CSS (combat side-stroke, a variation of sidestroke) involves very little water breakage/surface time, so you're a smaller target.

As far as technique vids, well, I would go to a local pool and ask for some one-on-one time with a swim instructor; you'll get much more out of the time and money spent.

Worst case scenario, come to boot camp and ask to be put in Stroke Development when you first report to the Dive Motivators. They'll teach you the strokes. Assuming you get into the DM office and get started pretty soon after you arrive in Great Lakes, you'll then have about a month to practice in the mornings and then to take your PST.

[Barbe402]

thanks for the reply, it really helped

while at training, do you swim crawl at all?

[Bamboo]

Oh, heck, yes. Whenever we do pool sprints, it's with crawl.

[DonW]

Barbe402,
We're working on a DVD with all the steps that will walk you through swimming CSS and hopefully it will be ready shortly. DonW

[csa999]

I never had the honor of being a Seal, although I spent eight years playing Waterpolo; as well as most of my life in the ocean. I am 42 years old and have been surfing since I was 9 years old. Needless to say, I do possess an extraordinary amount of time in all unpredictable water conditons and temperatures. Never having the formal training which is provided by the Navy for special operations personnel I do have respect and appreciation for the regiment and discipline it requires.
.
Swimming can be exhausting however; if done properly( depending on enviromental conditions) may be matained for extended periods of time...hours or days!

As a swimmer it is always important to create as little wake or white water as possible.The reason for this is the larger volume created off of the body, the greater the force you are pushing or pulling with you. This includes all body parts. If any technique is exaggerated it will create air movement as well as resistance. In other words, when utilizing any stroke, a smooth entry along with the correct technique will maximize thrust and output. At the same time ,it is important to conserve energy if necessary for a possible and unpredictable length of time in the water.

The only way to achieve speed, agility and endurance is practice and training for hours upon hours. I learned this years ago, while playing collegiate water polo with teammates and opponents whose ability, skill and tenacity earned a very select few a position on the United States Olympic Waterpolo and Swim Teams.

Without sounding or being arrogant in any way I am passing this experience on to the community in the hope that it may be helpful. I have benefited from reading about your experiences and have learned from all of you, which I thank you for.

To acheive perfection it is always good to listen, be open to suggestions and observe from those who have the knowledge, dedication and water time to succeed.

Respectfully,

Covert Surf

P.S I thank each of you who has served or is stiill serving. KEEP UP THE TREMENDOUS JOB. You are all great!

[steve87]

Here's a link that might help for the Combat Swimmer Stroke
http://stewsmith.com/linkpages/css.htm

[DonW]

Barbe402,
I just wanted to let you know that we are planning on filming a DVD on CSS within the next couple of weeks. The completed product should be available shorty after that. DonW