Swimming Without Lessons: Mastering the Art of Informal Technique

Have you ever wondered if it's possible to learn to swim without formal lessons or instructor guidance? I, a 17-year-old soon turning 18, found myself in a similar situation. Recently, after unsuccessful attempts for years, I finally learned to swim, and I'm here to share my insights on how to achieve this through informal methods.

The Process and the Key to Success

Throughout my life, I rarely visited pools, spending each visit trying to perfect swimming with the traditional techniques taught by my father and instructors, including the 'duck leg' movements—right leg up, left leg down, and the opposite. However, the truth is, swimming on your terms is often easier and more effective than adhering to a strict technique.

My breakthrough came from a series of jumps and instinctive movements. Here’s how I managed to swim:

Starting Simple

Begin by standing in a pool where your head remains above water. Utilize your momentum by pushing off the walls with one leg. This initial push should set your body in a horizontal position, although it doesn't need to be perfect. The most crucial part is to relax and let your body sink a bit. Maintaining a calm and instinctive approach is essential.

Reliance on your instincts is key, as our bodies inherently know how to swim, much like newborn babies instinctively know to breathe under water. Those initial failures are a natural part of the process. Simply stand up, push off the wall again, and try again.

Embracing Unorthodox Techniques

My unique approach involved a combination of arm and leg movements:

Arms

I found that spreading my arms before me and then separating them through the water worked for me. This movement helps to propel you forward naturally, without the need for complex techniques.

Legs

my country, the 'frog style' is prevalent, where you bend your legs towards your body and then kick them back. This style was more natural for me and aligned better with my body’s instinctive movements.

By focusing less on the rigid 'duck leg' movements and more on my natural instincts, I was able to find a technique that worked for me. Even after swimming this way, I'm still working on mastering the ability to float upright in the water. But that's okay; progressive improvement is the key.

The Importance of Instinct and Experimentation

Ultimately, the secret to swimming without formal lessons lies in instinct and experimentation. Don’t hesitate to flail and try different movements. The more you do this, the more you'll discover what works best for your body.

In conclusion, if you're looking to learn to swim on your own, embrace simplicity, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to fail. With time and practice, you too can master the art of swimming through informal techniques.