Learn to Swim: Paddle in Deep Water

A lot of people are scared of swimming because of the depth of the water. As long as your feet can touch the ground, there is no reason to be afraid since you will most likely not end up drowning. You can walk on the surface if you cannot swim. If the water is deep above your head, however, it is an entirely different story, and those who do not know how to swim can instantly panic.

If you want to learn the fundamentals of swimming in deep water, you need to master the art of paddling. This will keep you afloat when you are in the water. If you have no idea on how to do this right, keep on reading and learn from the steps and tips we’ll share to overcome your fear!

Learn to Swim: Paddle in Deep Water

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paddle in Deep Water

1. Practice in Shallow Water

2. Use a Pool Noodle

3. Swim in the Deep Water

Pro Tips

Conclusion

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Paddle in Deep Water

To prevent accidents, you must do this exercise the right way. Also, proper paddling is important to conserve energy and prevent body pain after your swimming lesson. Here are the easy steps on how you can paddle in deep water.

Before starting to practice paddling in deep water, it is important to have a buddy. By having a companion who knows how to swim, someone is ready to extend a helping hand in case you drown. You’ll also be more confident to do the steps mentioned below if you do it with a friend.

1. Practice in Shallow Water

Start by practicing in a shallow part of the pool. This makes it easier to accustom your body to the water and to prepare for the next step. Stand on a shallow part of the pool. Hold your breath and enter the water while in a curled ball position. Hold to your shins as you sink your head in the water. The air in your lungs will allow your body to float. Your ribcage will act as your natural buoy.

As you hold your position, start breathing out. This will empty the air in your lungs. At this point, your body becomes heavier and you will start to sink.

Repeat this exercise until you are more comfortable under the water. This also makes it easier to stay longer in the water without catching up on your breath.

2. Use a Pool Noodle

A pool noodle is one of the best accessories for someone who is learning how to swim. This is a flotation device that makes it easier to conquer your fear of being in the water. It is a cylindrical buoyant foam that is made of polyethylene.

To do this exercise, get in the pool and find a place where the depth of the water is just above the chest. Grab the pool noodle and place it across the body. Hold the noodle in the middle. While tucking it under the armpits. Submerge your head in the water while gripping the pool noodle in the armpit. Use your arm and leg to move.

Aside from using a pool noodle, utilize other available swimming aids. It would be wise to wear goggles. This way, you can open your eyes without fear that water will get in. You will be more comfortable swimming if you can see what is around you compared to having your eyes closed. Kickboards and barrels will also come handy. They will help to build your confidence. This is the same benefit that you can yield from wearing armbands or water wings, which will also be effective in improving your buoyancy without exerting a lot of effort.

3. Swim in the Deep Water

After the two exercises above, you are now ready for the most difficult part of your swimming lesson. You should have already built your confidence and conquered your fear.

Stand in the shallow part of the pool. Dip your head in the pool and position your body horizontally. Use your arms and legs to move to the deep part of the swimming pool. Try alternating and simultaneous movements. Exert as much effort as possible to push yourself in the water, but make sure that you practice the right breathing techniques. This allows you to stay in the water longer.

Pro Tips

Via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyA-Q7j2UOs

Aside from practicing the three steps mentioned above, below are some tips that will allow you to paddle efficiently and successfully in deep water.

• First, you need to understand that your body behaves the same way in deep water as it would in shallow water. This is enough to help you get over your fear. This means that floating and swimming in deep and shallow water are the same. The difference is just psychological.
• Practice treading with your face down in the water. You will end up paddling like a dog if you are a novice. There’s no reason to be ashamed. Even the best swimmers were once at that point in their lives. Open your mouth a little and relax your jaw. Hold your breath and start with a gentle and slow stride until you are more comfortable when treading water.
• When swimming in deep water, patience is a virtue. Do not be in a rush. This is exactly why in the steps mentioned above, we recommend that you start in the shallow part of the pool. This allows you to build your skills slowly but surely. Water familiarization, floating, and breathing techniques are all important to master as you build your confidence.
• Once you are comfortable paddling in deep water, now is the time to take it to the next level. This is possible by practicing different strokes that will allow you to efficiently move while you submerge your body in water. Dolphin stroke, butterfly stroke, and breaststroke are some of the strokes you need to learn.
• At all times, stay relaxed. When you are calm, it is easier to become more efficient in your movements. When you panic, your heart rate will be faster. When you are nervous, it will be more difficult to swim, and you might also end up catching your breath. You will become more inefficient.

Conclusion

In sum, learning how to paddle in deep water is one thing that every new swimmer must learn. There are three steps to do this. First, start by practicing in the shallow part of the pool. Next, use a pool noodle to practice the movements of your arms and legs. Lastly, move to the deep part of the pool as you paddle while practicing the right breathing techniques. Move your arms and legs to propel the body forward