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seekfun · 02-19-2005, 07:42 AM

I'm a brand spanking new tri guy with no racing background. But, I spent 7 years in the military and all we ever swam was sidestroke.

Now, I can comfortably swim sidestroke for long periods of time and maintain a decent pace - I think.

Does anyone else out there swim sidestroke, or am I hoping against hope?

Thanks...

thehitman · 02-19-2005, 10:40 AM

Hey Topher,

If it works for you, go for it!

But remember that triathletes don't have to carry all their gear with them during the swim, so leave the bike on shore, and maybe you can put both arms into it!

Best of luck.

thehitman

RV · 02-24-2005, 09:58 AM

I did the side stroke my first two years of doing tri's. Even did a 1/2 Ironman doing the side stroke.
I was about middle of the pack timewise. I have since spent a lot of effort relearning freestyle.
I followed the TI method. I switched this winter primarily because it is faster and open water swims can be nasty doing the sidestroke. Did a 1.2 mi swim in Lake Michigan with very high swells - and I was breathing looking into the waves. Not at all pleasant.
So do whatever stroke that gets you through. The real race starts after you hit the beach.

PrinceofClydes · 02-24-2005, 07:14 PM

Welcome to the party, seekfun!
lol
Sidestroke? Well at least you can be confident that you will make it through the swim, but I doubt if you'll beat anybody who isn't a grandparent.
The truth is that the crawl is more efficient than the sidestroke. You will use less energy over 1500m if you learn it.
Usually the difficulty is learning to breathe but hang in there you'll get the hang of it.

PoC

seekfun · 02-25-2005, 07:14 AM

What's wrong with grandparents? : )

I always thought, too that sidestroking would be a liability to me. But, I recently participated in a 7-week triathlon training program and could consistently out-swim all but one student. For swims of a given time interval, she would consistently beat me by 25 - 50 yards.

So, I began thinking it wasn't too bad. On top of this, I've got hair to spare and thought bathing in a depilatory before race day would help.

My military separation is recent and I used to do fun workouts with the other troops. We would do 5mi run - 2000m swim - 3mi run workouts. I could consistently keep my 2000m under 52 minutes after the first run. From a fresh start they were measurably faster.

So, I'm going to swim my first season sidestroke and see how I fare. My efforts at swimming a crawl have thus far done nothing to improve my confidence. I usually go off-course and crash into others. I'm out of breath after 50 yards and having to defend myself against the attacks of those who I hit. It's ugly.

Wish me luck...

cedriclburden · 03-08-2005, 05:58 AM

Seekfun,
I am in the military, the Army. I completed my 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tri using/relying heavly on the side stroke. I today can freestyle and very seldom practice the side-stroke becasue I know I'm a "T" at that station.

Whatever feels comfortable to you, it's no rule that says you can't use whatever stroke you want. Believe me if the waves are high you will see people doing the broken breast stroke which is much slower that the sidestroke. Good Luck!!

tonytd76 · 03-26-2005, 12:08 AM

I read your thread about sidestroke. It sounds like you were on the teams. I am trainning for BUD/S
right now and would love to be able to chat with you. I need help on my sidestroke time. can we discuss?

trithis04 · 03-26-2005, 09:49 AM

Awh, the goddamn side stroke! I spent 4yrs. doing that silly thing, every military school I attended the swim test was always the side stroke. Tell you the truth, I was never really that good at it (well, I was only comfortable on my right side), I was and continue to be a much better freestyle (crawl stroke) swimmer. Anyway, in triathlon there are no designated strokes, so you can go with it if it works for you. I still use it during training session, but only with fins. I think it is still one of the best leg strengthing exercises in or out of the pool. However, I would get some instruction and work on your freestyle stroke. For multisport events it will lead to much better swim times. Good luck kicking the habit!

rhendric · 05-26-2005, 06:33 PM

I feel you pain! I can't swim farther than 100 yards doing the crawl. On the other hand I can swim 700 - 1000 yards without even feeling tired using the side stroke, What I am wondering is does anyone know of any video on the web that shows proper technique for the side stroke?

trithis04 · 05-26-2005, 06:58 PM

Check military dive manuals or sites. This is the prime stroke in the community. They should have some info.

rob6118 · 05-27-2005, 06:16 AM

Spent some time with the marines and learned the side stroke as well. To put it simply its my comfort stroke. When all else fails and I'm gasping for air I go back to it cuz I know I can swim that stroke no matter what (including full cammies and a pack lol). But seriously learn the freestyle. Yes you can certainly get by with the sidestroke but I'm pretty sure your goal is to be competitive and if that is the case the fastest strokes are freestyle, breast, and then maybe the side. It was rough for me to learn the freestyle stroke, especially how to breath and exhale under water, but look at it as a challenge. After about a 2 week session of .25 mile swims 3-4 days a week I got it down pretty well. I'm not awesome, I still have to work on upper body endurance in that particular stroke, but I have the technique down so I don't drown. If you're happy just finishing stick to the side, otherwise bite the bullet and convert. Good luck.

Rob

MichaelJohn654 · 05-27-2005, 12:33 PM

i'm in the navy right now and I swim sidestroke really well. When racing, I swim freestyle. But if I need a little rest, I change to sidestroke and glide for a few strokes to conserve some energy.

hukfam5 · 06-07-2005, 06:07 AM

Great info everyone! My 1st tri is July 10th and I haven't had much water time. It's been to cold to get in the lakes, I've been swimming in a pool, but not getting as much water time as I would like. I'm starting to get a little worried and now know that the side stroke really

can be a good thing is just what I needed to read.

bigkidneys · 07-10-2005, 08:25 PM

I too am in the military (Navy) in Guam. I used to use Combat side stroke quite a bit being with the marines and wanting to go recon. It seems like a good choice in OW swimming. Very effecient and the ability to use it on both sides would alleviate problems breathing with chop in your face. I couldn't swim 50m freestyle without being winded. However, practice with a pull bouy to get you swim shoulders for freestyle helps. I have only been doing it 3 x a week for 2 months and can swim 750m freestyle without stopping! Practice, practice, practice!

Jason

hukfam5 · 07-11-2005, 04:25 AM

Go for it! I did my 1st tri yesterday ( July10th) and I did the side stroke the whole 1/3 mile swim. It worked for me and I finished the race in 1 hour and 48 min. Good Luck and GO FOR IT!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekfun

I'm a brand spanking new tri guy with no racing background. But, I spent 7 years in the military and all we ever swam was sidestroke.

Now, I can comfortably swim sidestroke for long periods of time and maintain a decent pace - I think.

Does anyone else out there swim sidestroke, or am I hoping against hope?

Thanks...

02-19-2005, 07:42 AM	#1
seekfun New Member Skill Level: Total Beginner Metro: Milwaukee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pewaukee, WI Posts: 6	Any side-strokers out there? I'm a brand spanking new tri guy with no racing background. But, I spent 7 years in the military and all we ever swam was sidestroke. Now, I can comfortably swim sidestroke for long periods of time and maintain a decent pace - I think. Does anyone else out there swim sidestroke, or am I hoping against hope? Thanks... __________________ ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." ~ Tom Robbins

02-24-2005, 07:14 PM	#4
PrinceofClydes HyperActive Trifueler Skill Level: IMCanada Finisher '03, '05, '06, '07 Primary Distance: Ironman Endurance Level: 4,5,3 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Vernon, BC - 115K up the lake from IM Canada Posts: 1,402	Welcome to the party, seekfun! lol Sidestroke? Well at least you can be confident that you will make it through the swim, but I doubt if you'll beat anybody who isn't a grandparent. The truth is that the crawl is more efficient than the sidestroke. You will use less energy over 1500m if you learn it. Usually the difficulty is learning to breathe but hang in there you'll get the hang of it. PoC __________________ "Pain heals, chicks dig scars, glory lasts forever!" - Shane Falco

02-25-2005, 07:14 AM	#5
seekfun New Member Skill Level: Total Beginner Metro: Milwaukee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pewaukee, WI Posts: 6	What's wrong with grandparents? : ) I always thought, too that sidestroking would be a liability to me. But, I recently participated in a 7-week triathlon training program and could consistently out-swim all but one student. For swims of a given time interval, she would consistently beat me by 25 - 50 yards. So, I began thinking it wasn't too bad. On top of this, I've got hair to spare and thought bathing in a depilatory before race day would help. My military separation is recent and I used to do fun workouts with the other troops. We would do 5mi run - 2000m swim - 3mi run workouts. I could consistently keep my 2000m under 52 minutes after the first run. From a fresh start they were measurably faster. So, I'm going to swim my first season sidestroke and see how I fare. My efforts at swimming a crawl have thus far done nothing to improve my confidence. I usually go off-course and crash into others. I'm out of breath after 50 yards and having to defend myself against the attacks of those who I hit. It's ugly. Wish me luck... __________________ ~ topher "...there is a there out there..." ~ Tom Robbins

03-08-2005, 05:58 AM	#6
cedriclburden Member Skill Level: Completed 8 sprints, 3 Olympic, (1) 1/2 IM, (1) IM Primary Distance: Sprint Endurance Level: 5,7,8 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 82	Side stroke is the bomb Seekfun, I am in the military, the Army. I completed my 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tri using/relying heavly on the side stroke. I today can freestyle and very seldom practice the side-stroke becasue I know I'm a "T" at that station. Whatever feels comfortable to you, it's no rule that says you can't use whatever stroke you want. Believe me if the waves are high you will see people doing the broken breast stroke which is much slower that the sidestroke. Good Luck!! __________________ Cedric L. Burden a.k.a C-Murder Nothing is impossible for the person who does not have to do it. --Author Unknown--

03-26-2005, 12:08 AM	#7
tonytd76 New Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1	can you help I read your thread about sidestroke. It sounds like you were on the teams. I am trainning for BUD/S right now and would love to be able to chat with you. I need help on my sidestroke time. can we discuss?

02-19-2005, 10:40 AM	#2
thehitman Trifuel Regular Skill Level: Intermediate Primary Distance: Olympic Endurance Level: 7,9,7 Metro: Chicago Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Woodstock Posts: 827	Hey Topher, If it works for you, go for it! But remember that triathletes don't have to carry all their gear with them during the swim, so leave the bike on shore, and maybe you can put both arms into it! Best of luck. thehitman

02-24-2005, 09:58 AM	#3
RV HyperActive Trifueler Skill Level: Training for IMWI 08, 2xIMWI Finisher Primary Distance: Ironman Endurance Level: 5,8,6 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ottawa, Wi Posts: 3,063	I did the side stroke my first two years of doing tri's. Even did a 1/2 Ironman doing the side stroke. I was about middle of the pack timewise. I have since spent a lot of effort relearning freestyle. I followed the TI method. I switched this winter primarily because it is faster and open water swims can be nasty doing the sidestroke. Did a 1.2 mi swim in Lake Michigan with very high swells - and I was breathing looking into the waves. Not at all pleasant. So do whatever stroke that gets you through. The real race starts after you hit the beach.

03-26-2005, 09:49 AM	#8
trithis04 Trifuel Regular Skill Level: Intermediate Primary Distance: Ironman Endurance Level: 7,8,7 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Allentown, PA. Posts: 438	Awh, the goddamn side stroke! I spent 4yrs. doing that silly thing, every military school I attended the swim test was always the side stroke. Tell you the truth, I was never really that good at it (well, I was only comfortable on my right side), I was and continue to be a much better freestyle (crawl stroke) swimmer. Anyway, in triathlon there are no designated strokes, so you can go with it if it works for you. I still use it during training session, but only with fins. I think it is still one of the best leg strengthing exercises in or out of the pool. However, I would get some instruction and work on your freestyle stroke. For multisport events it will lead to much better swim times. Good luck kicking the habit! __________________ -Jason "Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"

05-26-2005, 06:33 PM	#9
rhendric Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 27	Help with proper side stroke technique! I feel you pain! I can't swim farther than 100 yards doing the crawl. On the other hand I can swim 700 - 1000 yards without even feeling tired using the side stroke, What I am wondering is does anyone know of any video on the web that shows proper technique for the side stroke?

05-26-2005, 06:58 PM	#10
trithis04 Trifuel Regular Skill Level: Intermediate Primary Distance: Ironman Endurance Level: 7,8,7 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Allentown, PA. Posts: 438	Check military dive manuals or sites. This is the prime stroke in the community. They should have some info. __________________ -Jason "Fatigue will make cowards of us all!"

05-27-2005, 06:16 AM	#11
rob6118 Member Skill Level: injury recovery Primary Distance: Sprint Endurance Level: 3,5,3 Metro: Orlando Join Date: May 2005 Location: Winter Park Posts: 131	Spent some time with the marines and learned the side stroke as well. To put it simply its my comfort stroke. When all else fails and I'm gasping for air I go back to it cuz I know I can swim that stroke no matter what (including full cammies and a pack lol). But seriously learn the freestyle. Yes you can certainly get by with the sidestroke but I'm pretty sure your goal is to be competitive and if that is the case the fastest strokes are freestyle, breast, and then maybe the side. It was rough for me to learn the freestyle stroke, especially how to breath and exhale under water, but look at it as a challenge. After about a 2 week session of .25 mile swims 3-4 days a week I got it down pretty well. I'm not awesome, I still have to work on upper body endurance in that particular stroke, but I have the technique down so I don't drown. If you're happy just finishing stick to the side, otherwise bite the bullet and convert. Good luck. Rob

05-27-2005, 12:33 PM	#12
MichaelJohn654 Member Skill Level: intermediate Primary Distance: Half Ironman Endurance Level: 5,7,7 Metro: Atlanta Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta Posts: 129	i'm in the navy right now and I swim sidestroke really well. When racing, I swim freestyle. But if I need a little rest, I change to sidestroke and glide for a few strokes to conserve some energy.

06-07-2005, 06:07 AM	#13
hukfam5 Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 10	Great info everyone! My 1st tri is July 10th and I haven't had much water time. It's been to cold to get in the lakes, I've been swimming in a pool, but not getting as much water time as I would like. I'm starting to get a little worried and now know that the side stroke really can be a good thing is just what I needed to read. Last edited by hukfam5 : 06-07-2005 at 06:08 AM. Reason: spelling

07-10-2005, 08:25 PM	#14
bigkidneys New Member Skill Level: Beginner Primary Distance: Sprint Endurance Level: 7,7,8 Metro: Honolulu Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Guam Posts: 3	Side stroke I too am in the military (Navy) in Guam. I used to use Combat side stroke quite a bit being with the marines and wanting to go recon. It seems like a good choice in OW swimming. Very effecient and the ability to use it on both sides would alleviate problems breathing with chop in your face. I couldn't swim 50m freestyle without being winded. However, practice with a pull bouy to get you swim shoulders for freestyle helps. I have only been doing it 3 x a week for 2 months and can swim 750m freestyle without stopping! Practice, practice, practice! Jason

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We have recently moved the forums to a new location. Participate and Join us Here

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Participate and Join us Here