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Prepare for Underwater Swims without Water!
Often I get great ideas from readers who are
training to become Special Operators. Many times it is difficult to find a place
to swim or with someone competent enough to watch you while you do
underwater swims. My rule has always been –
NEVER SWIM ALONE – PERIOD. And do not try to push 50m underwater or
drown-proofing without trained personnel
observing for safety. However, I received a great idea the other day from Jason
– check it out.
Stew - Reading about underwater swims and how the Naval Special Warfare
Command discourages the practice without proper supervision has caused me to
look into a safe alternative for those without a proper swim buddy/lifeguard or
no pool in general. I have been looking into means that I can better prepare for
underwater swims without endangering myself to the inherent dangers of
subsurface swims. I have found that using the waterless drills used by free
divers has helped me fight off my reflexes to get oxygen in a safe, controlled
manner. The progression I am using for example is the pyramid progression. My
pyramid has six sets of breath holds from 50seconds, 55 seconds, 60 seconds, 60
seconds, 55 seconds and 50 seconds. These are all performed with a 3min break in
between while being static (I lie on my stomach to simulate the form of
underwater gliding). This drill has also allowed me the time to play with my
mind and see how I could calm myself down despite the mammalian reflexive urge
to gasp for air.
The higher progressions are these same drills but performed while walking on a
flat ground or up a stairway. This form also allows you to gauge your progress
through distance rather than time. I remembered in your video that you compared
an underwater swim to holding your breath while only exerting the amount of
energy you would use while walking. What are your thoughts on this form of
preparation and would you suggest it to those who want to practice underwater
swims but lack a pool and/or swim buddy/lifeguard?
First, good job using your head and not trying the underwater swim on your own.
It is true - many people die each year swimming underwater. I liked this idea so
much, I tried it myself. I swam a 50m underwater swim to remember how I felt and
went to my pull-up bar to try this idea. A 50m swim underwater when done
efficiently should only take you 50-60 seconds. So no need to play with breath
holds longer than 1 minute. It took 4-5 strokes to get across a 25m pool so a
total of 8-10 arm pull-ups and kicks per 50m swim. If your swim strokes are more
than that you should focus on technique as well and learn to exert less energy
during this swim.
See video for ideas.
So here is the drill: Get about 10yds away from a pull-up bar. To
start off, do a forward roll and get up and walk to the pull-up bar – do one
pull-up and one squat. Walk back ten yards, do a squat and walk back to the
pull-up bar. Do a pull-up and a squat. Repeat this cycle of 10yd walk, 1
pull-up, 1 squat for up to a minute or 5-6 sets while holding your breath. After
doing just 5 sets of this, I was ready to breathe, but had to suck it up for
10-15 more seconds which is very similar to those last 10-15yds of a 50m or 50yd
swim.
TIPS: A trick I use is to exhale a little carbon dioxide when you
are starting to feel the need to breathe. Another trick is to swallow. Swallow
spit – swallow water and it will relax that mammalian reflex to breathe. The
biggest thing is to relax and remember “slow is fast” when holding your breath.
Try not to rush your strokes in other words and focus on your glide.

Glide / arm pull
Jason, good thinking on a safer way to practice getting better at moving and
breath holds.
See related articles on
Underwater Swimming and
Passing Military Swim Tests
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