Swimming faster?

[thatotakugalaxy]

Alright, so i was wondering if anyone knows how to swim faster..? I'm going down a 30 foot hole with some friends who do scuba-diving, I'm afraid that i'm gonna have to come up for air, and i wont be able too because im not fast enough.. i use the finfun Monofin and i'm using this tail skin

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYFVU90/ref=twister_B01HV2AUFO?th=1&psc=1

I know it probably doesn't matter about tail skin xD

any tips on how to swim faster? whenever i start Needing breath i swim up as fast as i can if i'm deep.

[Mermaid Alea]

1. Use a different type of monofin in your tail.

2. Practice weeks before the trip so that you will get stronger.

3. Watch some Youtube videos on proper monofin techniques.

Be careful! I don't know much about Finfun monofins but I do know they don't have as much power as other monofins. I think you need to focus more on holding your breath long enough (safely) rather then hoping you will be able to swim fast enough to get to the surface. I am not an expert but I think that you burn through oxygen faster when you swim really fast - especially if you are afraid that you won't get to the surface in time. One of the best things you could probably do is go to a pool somewhere and swim around in the deep end to figure out how long you can stay at the bottom comfortably and how long it takes you to come up. I know it won't be anything like 30ft. but still it will be something to help you gauge where you are at. It is kind of hard to explain, but when I went swimming in a spring I just kind of knew how far I could go on one breath and how quickly I could come up. If the Finfun monofin makes it really hard to get up to the surface in a comfortable amount of time you might want to start saving for a sturdier monofin. I really enjoy how my Finis Rapid performs when I am swimming down in the spring.

Like I said, I am no expert and I am hoping to take a freediving class this summer so that I will know more about this kinda stuff.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Ah, alright. Thanks alea!

[thatotakugalaxy]

i'll have to get a new skin for that monofin o:

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Yea, you need a proper monofin, for those kinds of depth. With a Fin Fun, its just mean for play and shallow waters.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Alright, thanks. Do you know of any tails for deep water swimming..? I can't swim in sillicone because i need to feel lightweight

[Mermaid Tula]

Mermaid Alea has it right. Do your research, practice, practice, practice. I have a specialfins monofin that is really powerful and it propels me across a pool crazy fast, but I also practice a lot. One thing to remember when you're diving, is you have to equalize. http://www.scubadiving.com/11-tips-easy-equalizing has some pretty good info. Will you be swimming with a tank or are you doing a breath hold? If you're doing a breath hold, you need to practice breathing techniques and practice them while moving in the water.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Alrighty, thanks alot tula o: im gonna be holding my breath, but my friends are there to make sure i get back to the surface, we have hand signals, [emoji1309] shaking hand means 'get me to the surface quick!', [emoji1305] means 'doing fine' and [emoji1319] means 'heading to surface for breath.' We have more. I will do tons of research!


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[Mermaid Tula]

Good good. Hand signals are a must. We use them when we go scuba diving.

[thatotakugalaxy]

My friend taylor has underwater speakers, but she can only talk to my other friends who are diving, i can't hear them as i block my ears to relief the pressure.. the hand signals are a VERY helpful thing to us.


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[Mermaid Tula]

If you can equalize your ears, it will help with the pressure.

[thatotakugalaxy]

thats what i meant xD i do that when i usually hit 11 feet as thats when my head starts hurting bad then,


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[Mermaid Tula]

:)

[thatotakugalaxy]

[emoji28]


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[Mermaid Tula]

Just remember, if you start feeling pain, stop. Then go up a bit, equalize, then start going down again. Safety is key.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Alrighty! Thanks for the info. I'll add a little something, close your eyes when you equalize, it helps me get rid of the pressure.


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[Slim]

I'm just amazed at how much she knows at her age. This mermaid is going to be going places. I'm glad she part of the Florida pod.


Alrighty! Thanks for the info. I'll add a little something, close your eyes when you equalize, it helps me get rid of the pressure.


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PS. Your avatar picture is making me tempted to watch some Sword Art Online.

[thatotakugalaxy]

Oh my goodness, im flattered o:

XD go watch the movie!!!:3 it just came out a few days ago




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[Slim]

Seriously? How did I not know this. Please tell me they have an awesome opening and closing song. I still think this was one of the best songs. It brings out all the feels: https://youtu.be/lkzMXiIcc0g


Oh my goodness, im flattered o:

XD go watch the movie!!!:3 it just came out a few days ago




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[thatotakugalaxy]

They did!! Also, i spot amalee:3
Amalee for best music artist 2017

Look up this

Sword art online: ordinal scale


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[Slim]

You just become one of the my favorite mers because of that. The only way this could be better is if your a Whovian and Supernatural fan also.

[thatotakugalaxy]

I like supernatural xD i just started watching it 2 weeks ago and its AWESOME XD


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[Slim]

We may have to move this to Facebook or PM so we aren't blowing up everyone notification.

[thatotakugalaxy]

True


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[Aurelian]

Good to see people have been giving great ideas on swimming. :) Let me know if you have better ways to stay deeper in the water for longer too, if you have any. I'm naturally REALLY buoyant and I have to fight to not stay on the surface, which is a waste of energy. :p

[thatotakugalaxy]

Hmm, well one is, if your going down, swim straight down, this keeps the nose oxygen in better then if you swam to a corner. if you swim up, try to swim with All your might!!!

about your bouyancy.... i guess what you can do is train yourself to be able to use that strength to push into the water!

[Rebela Hunter]

Actually, swimming straight down isn't a good idea. It doubles the water pressure on your head and torso, making it harder to equalize :P

Go down at an angle.
Practice apnea WITH A PARTNER. There's apps, websites, and charts & tables that can help you slowly increase your breathold C:
Also, relax yourself and take a minute to breath and clear your mind!

<3

[Rebela Hunter]

Also, Galaxy, hybrid silicone tails exist :)

They're made with stronger monofins meant for deeper diving, such as finis foil, finis rapid, etc. and they're neoprene coated in silicone. It's not as heavy as regular full-on silicone, so that might be a good option for you!
They're also on the cheaper side, usually around $200 - $500 ~
They're DEFINITELY faster depending on the tail's fluke shape. Anything is faster than a FinFun monofin !

The only two makers of hybrids I'm aware of is Mermaid Mazu and Purple Mermaid Stuidos! Click their names below to see their pages:
Purple Mermaid Studios (https://www.facebook.com/purplemermaidstudios/)
Mazu's Mermaid Emporium (https://www.etsy.com/listing/509444493/hybrid-silicone-mermaid-tail?ref=hp_rf)

I hope I'm helping! <3

[Slim]

Also, Galaxy, hybrid silicone tails exist :)

They're made with stronger monofins meant for deeper diving, such as finis foil, finis rapid, etc. and they're neoprene coated in silicone. It's not as heavy as regular full-on silicone, so that might be a good option for you!
They're also on the cheaper side, usually around $200 - $500 ~
They're DEFINITELY faster depending on the tail's fluke shape. Anything is faster than a FinFun monofin !

The only two makers of hybrids I'm aware of is Mermaid Mazu and Purple Mermaid Stuidos! Click their names below to see their pages:
Purple Mermaid Studios (https://www.facebook.com/purplemermaidstudios/)
Mazu's Mermaid Emporium (https://www.etsy.com/listing/509444493/hybrid-silicone-mermaid-tail?ref=hp_rf)

I hope I'm helping! <3

The hybrid from Mazu swims beautifully. I can say that with experience.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170404/3ede77ead0a574d79e9acd140510b254.jpg


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[Merman Storm]

I too found the funfun monofin too flexible, and slow. So I made a stiffer insert with the same shape. I used 1/8" polycabonate, but it broke. The new one is made with 3/32" polyethylene. The stiffer fins introduced two new problems: the neoprene cover would not keep my feet on the fin, and I cannot point my toes very well. The consequences of poor toe pointing is on the foe-stroke, the fin tended to pull me backwards. That was solved by putting a 30 degree bend in the fin. The weakness of the cover was solved by adding a second neoprene strap to the fin.

Anyway, be sure to practice with whatever new fin you get. You don't want to find issues once you are at depth.
Also, its good to know what it feels like when you are around 15 seconds from needing to be on the surface, so practice your apnea too.
Finally, if you do get a breath from a scuba tank at depth, don't come up fast. One foot per second, while exhaling slowly, is required.

[The Water Phoenix]

I have a leaderfins sport monofin which is really good for travelling fast. It's a cheap alternative to the Competitor and you can choose your stiffness; I went with the medium which is very good at making you travel fast. The FinFun monofin isn't a good idea because it's not stiff enough for freediving. :)

[suzanne86]

I use my Finis Foil mainly for surface swimming, since hyperventilation and apnea swimming are not permitted at the YMCA pool where I swim. The Foil works great for swimming on one's side or back, and gives a good core workout that way. Don't have to worry that much about the duration of breath-holding when swimming on the surface; but it is still a good aerobic workout. In an indoor pool, one can check out the overhead lights and rafter beams! :-)

[theMerFanc]

Not sure if its been discussed yet, but if you have a smart phone, there are some great apps for working on apnea and breathholds. Be VERY careful and practice with a friend or at least let someone know what you are practicing that can keep an eye on you. Be very careful when practicing in a pool or water but as a whole, learning to hold your breath longer is an essential merskill.

[Slim]

Not sure if its been discussed yet, but if you have a smart phone, there are some great apps for working on apnea and breathholds. Be VERY careful and practice with a friend or at least let someone know what you are practicing that can keep an eye on you. Be very careful when practicing in a pool or water but as a whole, learning to hold your breath longer is an essential merskill.

Any recommendations of apps?


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[theMerFanc]

Any recommendations of apps?


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I have an android, I really like Static Apnea Trainer, It's icon is a dolphin. It allows you to set charts and save them at each interval and also has some presets. I have also liked Freediving Apnea Trainer (Icon is a hand reaching toward the surface) and I have Apnoid installed and plan to try that soon.

If you have a Windows phone (Which I just replaced) do not fret! STAmina Apnea Training is available and will do the trick as well.

[MermaidAiera]

As a safety precaution, I would also go over a rescue plan with your friends in the event you feel you can't get to the surface in time. Scuba divers are equipped with a safe-second "octopus" that can be used if a fellow diver needs to share air. Should you need to grab an extra breath, know how to do so. Be sure to go over how to clear and breathe from a regulator, do an emergency ascent, and be familiar with all the precautions for safely ascending. Scuba diving without prior training is no joke--use this plan only if its a complete emergency, and make sure you're comfortable enough to complete the procedures.

Always err on the side of caution--swimming fast also uses extra oxygen as your muscles work harder. Don't go down to the bottom right away, and if you're at all fatigued or feeling out of breath then do shallower dives or take some time to rest and recover before going under again. High performance monofins are not a solution for inexperience. If you're not fast/skilled enough at swimming, give yourself some slack and be safe rather than tire yourself out trying to use a piece of equipment outside your ability.