How to Swim Underwater

Effectively swim underwater with a calm stroke and a calm mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Swimming Trunks
• Swimsuits
• Beach Towels
• Swimming Fins
• Swimming Goggles

1. Exhale as much of the air in your lungs as possible, and then inhale as much as possible.
2. Repeat the first step one more time, and then slide beneath the surface of the water, holding your breath.
3. Push off hard (provided there is something to push off of) and streamline your body, with your legs together and your arms extended above your head. Point your toes and try to push your shoulders up to your ears.
4. Pull your knees up to your chest, kick out and apart, and then squeeze your legs together. This is the same as the breaststroke kick.
5. Turn your palms outward and pull your arms all the way down to your sides. Bend your arms and cup your hands to push as much water back as you can with your pull. This motion is done at the same time as your kick.
6. Glide as far as possible in your streamline position.
7. As your legs begin to pull up for your next kick, put your hands together and extend your arms for your next pull.
8. Relax and try not to concentrate on the time or distance spent underwater. When you need a breath of air, return to the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Relax. Remain as calm as possible the entire time you are underwater. The more relaxed you are, the less oxygen your body will waste.
• If you have fins, use the same stroke, but with a freestyle kick.
• Don't overexert yourself holding your breath. Your lungs will build endurance with practice.
• Don't hyperventilate before swimming underwater. This is not a safe practice.