Any tips on floating? (learning how to swim)

[Dat Dude]

I started some swimming lessons today (I know, I know) and like all my previous attempts at floating, I found that even when relaxed the weight of my hips/butt kept sinking me down. I've always been terrible at floating and it's kept me from really progressing in learning just the basics of treading water and swimming. Anyone got any tips for a sinker like myself?

[BK From WV]

Are you wearing the floating things on your arms? Sorry,I can't think of the technical term for them. If not,try wearing them on your arms to keep you afloat while you practice trying to get your lower half to float above water. If you can do that,take them off your arms once you have mastered keeping your lower half above water and see if you can stay afloat.

[Dat Dude]

Thanks for the tip. I'm was gonna pick up some swimming accessories tomorrow (like goggles, nose clamp etc) I'll see if I can find those as well.

[Orange]

Apr 16, 2013 12:00:07 GMT -5 Dat Dude said:

I started some swimming lessons today (I know, I know) and like all my previous attempts at floating, I found that even when relaxed the weight of my hips/butt kept sinking me down. I've always been terrible at floating and it's kept me from really progressing in learning just the basics of treading water and swimming. Anyone got any tips for a sinker like myself?

Straight up, I can't swim. But I can float, and even if my first 300 attempts were awful, I'm a great floater (makes me sound cool, right? ).

Anyway, what worked for me, and I know this sounds like an over-simplified answer, is make sure you're COMPLETELY straight. All the times that I thought I was, my hip/butt area was actually bent and that's what was holding me back, so just try and force yourself straight and stay like a board. I assume that you have teachers around you and whatnot, so just have them help you in your attempts to get yourself board-like, and eventually it ought to come very easily to you.

I wish there was a less "obvious" way to put it, but that's the only way I really can put it into words.

[Dat Dude]

Apr 16, 2013 14:21:15 GMT -5 Orange said:

Apr 16, 2013 12:00:07 GMT -5 Dat Dude said:

I started some swimming lessons today (I know, I know) and like all my previous attempts at floating, I found that even when relaxed the weight of my hips/butt kept sinking me down. I've always been terrible at floating and it's kept me from really progressing in learning just the basics of treading water and swimming. Anyone got any tips for a sinker like myself?

Straight up, I can't swim. But I can float, and even if my first 300 attempts were awful, I'm a great floater (makes me sound cool, right? ).

Anyway, what worked for me, and I know this sounds like an over-simplified answer, is make sure you're COMPLETELY straight. All the times that I thought I was, my hip/butt area was actually bent and that's what was holding me back, so just try and force yourself straight and stay like a board. I assume that you have teachers around you and whatnot, so just have them help you in your attempts to get yourself board-like, and eventually it ought to come very easily to you.

I wish there was a less "obvious" way to put it, but that's the only way I really can put it into words.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'll keep that in mind.

[Hurbster]

Water wings are the things for your arms. At least thats what they are called in the UK.

[Throwback]

Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with air first. lean back (keep knees, hips, shoulders stiff) point your toes to the sky and put your head back. Move your arms palms down from side to side slowly and evenly.

If your just talking about treading water.