In three months, I have participated in a 5km relay (1km x 5 times) in freshwater. I’m generally very fit (running, boxing) and comfortable in the water (as a surfer).
However, I never had swimming lessons as a kid, so I never learned freestyle formally.
A few months back, I completed a 2km ocean swim entirely in breaststroke because I didn’t know how to do freestyle. I wasn’t exactly ‘fast’, but I noticed I was overtaking some freestyle swimmers, so I’m not too ‘slow’ at breaststroke.
In the last few months, I’ve taught myself freestyle in a pool. I can manage it, but I find it so tiring that I think I’d expend more energy doing freestyle over a 5km distance compared to breaststroke. During an event, I feel I would revert to breaststroke since it’s what I know best. I attempted a mini triathlon a few months ago with a 1km swim and started off with freestyle but ended up switching back to breaststroke.
I have access to a reasonably priced adult swim squad twice a week. I could join them for the next three months to work on my freestyle. Alternatively, I could focus on breaststroke, which I find more enjoyable, to prepare for the race.
Does anyone have any advice on this? I’m fit and motivated to train, but swimming is relatively new to me as an adult.
Frey said:
Definitely learn freestyle as well. Don’t quote me, but I believe it’s a more efficient technique for long distances.
I understand that, but at this stage, I find it more tiring, so I’m unsure if it’s the most efficient for me. Maybe I’ve developed ‘breaststroke muscles’ from my surfing?
Frey said: @Wade
You might not be using the right technique, which could be why it’s so demanding on your energy.
It’s likely you’re doing a casual version of breaststroke; racing-style breaststroke is quite energy-consuming and hard to maintain over long distances.
Wade said: @Vince
Sorry, I’m lost on your comment. Could you clarify?
Casual breaststroke is what most people swim, while racing style is technically different and requires training. Racing breaststroke is inefficient for distance, which is my point; you probably swim a more relaxed version.
@Vince
Thanks! A swim teacher mentioned my breaststroke was good, but if it’s inefficient for the race, it sounds like I should learn freestyle, as challenging as I find it.
Frey said: @Wade
You might not be using the right technique, which could be why it’s so demanding on your energy.
Good point. I need to focus on improving my technique. I’m just not confident I can learn enough in three months as an adult, but I guess I can give it a shot.
I had similar issues. I taught myself freestyle through YouTube videos and advice at my local pool. Now, I prefer freestyle since it requires less energy, enabling longer distances.
Reeve said:
I had similar issues. I taught myself freestyle through YouTube videos and advice at my local pool. Now, I prefer freestyle since it requires less energy, enabling longer distances.
Cool. Glad to know it became more energy-efficient for you.
I’d suggest learning freestyle. You don’t have to use it during a race, but it’s a useful skill. If you’re tiring quickly, that indicates your technique needs work, which will also aid your surfing.
Tenny said:
I’d suggest learning freestyle. You don’t have to use it during a race, but it’s a useful skill. If you’re tiring quickly, that indicates your technique needs work, which will also aid your surfing.
Good point, thanks for considering how it might benefit my surfing.
You can definitely improve your freestyle in three months! Try swimming laps in freestyle, then breaststroke to recover, and repeat. This strategy will help during the race as well.
Adrian said:
You can definitely improve your freestyle in three months! Try swimming laps in freestyle, then breaststroke to recover, and repeat. This strategy will help during the race as well.
Good advice! It’s similar to running and walking to catch my breath.
I was a fast breaststroke swimmer, doing 1500m in 32-35 minutes. I enjoyed swimming but found myself hitting a plateau without sufficient rest. I switched to freestyle and now do 2km in 40 minutes and am improving my speed. I still practice a few laps of breaststroke but don’t miss it much, despite it being challenging before.
Wade said: @Shawn
That’s inspiring! You learned in a year, so I can definitely pick up something in three months.
YouTube is your best friend. Focus on your arm movement and pull, while ensuring your body position is correct. Use a ‘breaststroke glide’ style for core support.
The paddle out in surfing resembles freestyle more than breaststroke. While breaststroke has its benefits in open water for spotting, it’s less efficient overall.
If you’re already managing the crawl and have three months with access to a trainer, I suggest going for freestyle. I started learning late last year, and now I’m faster than I was with breaststroke.