swim stoke - combat side stoke?

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antlimon166

2009-07-31 1:09 PM

Extreme Veteran

787

The Woodlands/Magnolia, TX.

Subject: swim stoke - combat side stoke?

anyone ever hear or use this stoke on a regular basis? i was talking to a guy i know that has done a couple IM's, and is an x-navy seal, and he claims that the combat side stroke is the most efficient way to swim long distance and the speed is about equal to freestyle.

here's a video if you've never heard of it like me http://www.goswim.tv/entries/5028/go-swim-combat-sidestroke-with-don-walsh.html

if anyone is familiar with this, have you ever used it in tri's? or do you maybe alternate between free and combat side stroke?

if it's really that great of a stoke, why not use it?

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angrypuppy

2009-07-31 1:35 PM

in reply to: #2319939

Regular

Subject: RE: swim stoke - combat side stoke?

antlimon166 - 2009-07-31 11:09 AM anyone ever hear or use this stoke on a regular basis? i was talking to a guy i know that has done a couple IM's, and is an x-navy seal, and he claims that the combat side stroke is the most efficient way to swim long distance and the speed is about equal to freestyle.

here's a video if you've never heard of it like me http://www.goswim.tv/entries/5028/go-swim-combat-sidestroke-with-don-walsh.html

if anyone is familiar with this, have you ever used it in tri's? or do you maybe alternate between free and combat side stroke?

if it's really that great of a stoke, why not use it?

I asked a similar question prior to my first tri, two weekends ago. It was a sprint and did the combat side stroke for about half the race. I did freestyle until I cleared out enough that I could do the kick without getting anyone in the head. I came out of the water 17/~150. I would and will not hesitate to use it again. I practiced both strokes equaly prior to the event. I am going to complete an Oly in Sept and will probably use it again.

Good luck

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Scottywheels

2009-07-31 1:40 PM

in reply to: #2319939

Regular

North Haven

Subject: RE: swim stoke - combat side stoke?

Well I will tell you what, I used it in the military and now that I am paralyzed and am fused c7-t12 (14 inch fussion in my back) I have to swim sidestroke because I am not able to lift my head out of the water to beath or rotate my trunk to swim freestyle. I obviouslty can not kick however I have floats now on my legs. Last year I dragged my feet 3 feet below me which was an awful lot of drag.....

I LOVE THE SIDESTROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pector55

2009-07-31 2:30 PM

in reply to: #2319939

Champion

5376

Subject: RE: swim stoke - combat side stoke?

I was taught the combat swim stroke in the Navy and while it is efficient, it is not fast. I posted about a month ago that knowing it gave me confidence to know I could always "Complete" the mile. However, I began focusing on learning freestyle/crawl and I figured out how to do it instead.

If I get stranded 10 miles off shore, I'll combat side stroke a while but for the OLY in September, I'll be doing freestyle and finishing much more quickly.

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mrmcmasty

2009-07-31 2:38 PM

in reply to: #2319939

Regular

186

SW VA

Subject: RE: swim stoke - combat side stoke?

Combat side stroke is extremely effective at getting you through the water while requiring minimal energy expenditure. If you are faster with your sidestroke that you are your freestyle you need work on your technique (no offense just sayin)

As for speed, there is no question that someone with proper technique and at least equal endurance/cardio swimming freestyle will out swim someone who is using the combat side stroke.

With that said, if you like the side stroke and are comfortable doing it GO FOR IT... but do look out for kicking people.

Good luck

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coltank17

2009-07-31 2:38 PM

in reply to: #2319939