Well after a dose of sunshine and spending 30 minutes cleaning the pool. I had deservedly earned the right to swim in it. So on with the swim gear – shorts, goggles and kick board, I sat on the edge of the pool and gave my legs a cool down. Eventually I slid into the pool. Shock to the system, but eventually got the nerve to duck down and get the whole body wet and familiar with the temp.
I started off with the kick board for about 15 minutes or so, then decided to lose the kick board and try swimming. At first it was just as before, I could only make it half way or just beyond half way. I then decided to use the snorkel and goggles, plus the kick board. That went well and cleared my head. 5 minutes of that gave me the confidence to try again. So I did. Gathered my thoughts, took a breath and just went for it. The first try was pathetic, once again, half way and my ass and legs just forot what they had to do and where they should be. My arms, were not doing much better.
So once more with the kick board and my swimming goggles. A few more laps of the pool and took a rest. This time I was determined to further overcome my panic of having my head under water. So I just pushed off from the side and went under for a few feet. I tried doing some kind of back stroke, first attempt was not really committed, my second attempt went better. I actually managed to wave my arms about in the water and propel myself for a few metre’s. So with all this under my belt and a few attempts at floating. I decided to just go for it one more time.
Finally! I made it to the other side without dragging my feet along the bottom of the pool, they were still kicking – albeit badly, but it was a first for me. I tried it again and again, each time proved to be that smidgen easier. Whilst doing all this, my technique involved me getting my head amidst the water. My arms seemed to be making a difference and my legs were finally kicking the way they should be, well almost. I dare say that if I was to video my floundering in the pool, not only would it cause people to laugh for a few weeks, but maybe they could advise on what I should and indeed shouldn’t be doing.
So what now? Well, a few more weeks of this and then I will look into taking proper lessons. Actually goto a decent sized pool and try my luck their and get professional advice and help. My Goal is to firstly swim a full length of the pool and once I am happy with that. I want to do 4 lengths. Once this is completed I want to be able to swim under water for a spell, see if I can actually hold my breath and swim submerged.
My task for this week is to find some Tutorial videos or books on learning to swim. So if anyone here knows of any such media, please let me know, just don’t put URL’s in the replies or comments, a name and where, I should be able to google/amazon the rest.
