Criteria: 200 lb. non floaters

[gioberg11]

I'm curious if any other non smurfs, weighing around 200, have a problem with the sidestroke? In particular, without fins.

I have a pretty good feeling about my stroke. My CSS with fins is around 8:30 with 6 strokes from end to end.

But my stroke without fins, does not seem to be improving. I don't float and my legs are pretty heavy, they sink behind me after I scissor kick. I've watched endless videos and when I don't have fins on, I just don't glide through the water.

Anybody else with similar problems? Any suggestions or technique changes?

Thanks everyone.

[jacko456]

what is your time w/out fins?

do you push down with your shoulders and bend at your waste? (your bouy)
one of the guys i took the PST with wasnt doing that so his legs sank the mentor showed him how to do it and he was good to go.

i have not been to BUD/S but as far as i know there are only a few times you swim w/out fins the rest are with them so i would say as long as you can do the minimum 12:30 w/out fins you should be good if you can do 8:30 with them that should be good for the timed bay swims.

[boardatwork]

I am 235 6'1 and can side stroke well (i think) However I had a really good swim coach. You can do it its your form. It hard to teach when you have the person in the water its even harder via posts. Find a swim coach in your area most life guards should be able to help you its a tow stroke ( I am a life guard) Best of luck to you.

[montstar]

Some people don't, but I'm pretty sure the CSS is done with constant flutter kicks when using fins, not the scissor kick.

[boardatwork]

Some people don't, but I'm pretty sure the CSS is done with constant flutter kicks when using fins, not the scissor kick.


From what I have read that is correct

[gioberg11]

Thanks for all the replies. With fins, it is always constant flutterkicks. But without fins, should just be the scissor kick.

I guess I'll just have to find a coach around here that can help me. Any other suggestions or links though would still be helpful