How Do You Float in The Water Without Moving?
Floating on the water is one of the first principles that a novice swimmer learns. This technique can come in handy when one needs to conserve energy while in the water. Many swimmers float on the water to calm their minds and relax. In fact, research has shown floating on water reduces blood pressure, stress levels, and heart rate. It is also a form of sensory deprivation, which slows brain waves to their theta state: another benefit to overall health. Floating on the water can be done in multiple ways; we address three of them in this article.
Face Up
The first method we will encounter involves floating on the water while facing the sky. Follow these steps to float face up:
- Lay on top of the water flat on your back with your chin pointed towards the sky.
- Spread out as much as possible. Extending out your arms and legs causes your body to take up more surface area and float more easily.
- Avoid slouching or rolling your shoulders. Instead, keep your bum tucked in. Try to be as straight as a board.
- Take deep breaths. Holding air in your chest makes it easier to float.
- Relax. Let the water lift you.
- Point your fingers out of the water.
Face Down
Another method of floating is similar to floating face up. However, it involves facing into the water rather than out of it. This form of floating is sometimes known as the dead man’s float. While doing the dead man’s float, Swimmers spread their arms and legs and position themselves at an angle to the water’s surface.
The legs should be extended below the surface while the arms and chest are stretched forward and parallel to the water’s surface. Obviously, one could not breathe while in this position, so it is mainly a means of conserving energy.
The dead man’s float is additionally referred to as the front float. This technique focuses on spreading the body out over the water and allowing the force of the water to push one’s body upward.
Turtle Method
In the turtle float method, swimmers tuck their knees up to their chin and wrap their arms around their legs as if they were in the fetal position. By making yourself into a ball, you should be able to float on the water without much trouble. However, you will not be able to float for long, as this method also has your head under the water.
The turtle float is also known as the jellyfish float. This technique focuses on helping swimmers realize that their bodies are most buoyant around their chest area because of the air in the lungs.