Swimming Tips: Understanding Floating

Swimming is a necessary life skill, a form of exercise, and the most popular sport in the summer Olympics. Here, we discuss how to take your swimming to the next level using floating as a tool for success. Floating may seem trivial, but it's just as impor

Sep 13, 2017

Floating is a life saving skill that should still be on the minds of the best swimmers in the world. While it may be a bit different from beginner level to expert level "floaters" I am a firm believer in the fact that it is equally important for the two.

How to float for beginners

Floating, in this instance, is exactly what you think it is. Being well-informed on why, how, and what floating entails is key in proper body position in the water. The first thing to note is how your body reacts in the water.

EX: Lift your head up, feet sink.
EX: Put you head down, feet float.

Why does floating still matter for intermediate swimmers?

One of the sticking points for swimmers in the intermediate category keeping them from competing at the highest level is a mediocre understanding of floating. Just because you can keep yourself above water without sinking doesn't mean you float well, especially at this level. Body position, body line, hydrodynamics, and proper technique all play a part in maintaining the floating abilities to take your swimming from the state level to the national stage.

Watch some videos of the best of the best, how they control their body during a race and emulate what they do.

PRO TIP: The best breaststrokers in the world have the best floating ability.

Should expert level swimmers still think about floating?

Elite swimmers, you may think you're off the hook when it comes to floating but that's not the case. While it may not need to be on your mind 24/7 it is an aspect of the sport that can continue to aid in improvement. Whether it's tightening your core to stay more on top of the water or thinking about your hips staying high at the end of your kick on breaststroke, without impeccable floating skills...you can't be an elite swimmer. So take a journey back to your childhood, re-learn the basics, and stay on top.

--