Finswimming competitions

On the 2nd of April we took part in BFA Short Course Competitions in Edenbridge. Atmosphere was very exciting. I have finally met people from finswimming community with whom I was in touch either by email or by phone.

Anton, Ashley (Anton's swimming coach) and me were included into FinWorld team. Anton swam 2 distances: 25m and 50m. On 25m he was a bit confused with starting procedure and shot off on the very first wistle. :-) Despite this, he was given a chance to return back an take the start properly. Anton tried hard and improved his personal best on both distances. Now he has:
25m surface : 00:19.92
50m surface : 00:43.48 (almost 5sec improvement!)

Ashley decided to come for competitions at the very last moment. He didn't have enough time to get used to snorkel. That is why most distances he swam in bi-fins and without snorkel.
His results:
25m surface : 00:11.24
50m surface : 00:24.73
25m apnea : 00:11.46
100m surface : 00:56.09

For me toughest bit was to get onto starting block. :-) I didn't do this for about 20 years and felt myself a bit uncomfortable. That is why almost all warm-up I spent in practicing jumps. Also, I swam 4 distances + 2 relays. I think it is too much for one day event. 200m, which was 4th distance, I was swimming at about 80% of my capability.
My results:
50m surface: 00:22.46
25m apnea: 00:09.30 (2nd result on the day among all age groups :-) )
100m surface: 00:50.49
200m surface: 01:59.47

When we were driving back we discussed whether we can open a finswimming club in Bristol... We shall see what comes out of this idea

Sessions @ Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre postponed

Sessions have been postponed due to lanes unavailability at the main pool at least until May

Anton after swimming session

Anton after training session. He has improved his result on 25m. It is 20.1s now.

Competitions postponed

Unfortunately, the competitions to which we should have travelled last Saturday have been postponed until spring due to adverse weather conditions in London area. This is sad, but we can't do anything about it. The good side of this is that until spring we will be able to achieve more and show better results.

Anton's new results:
25m : 20.2
50m : 48.0

so, he is improving!

Monofins shapes and stiffness

Today I have realized that my bigger softer monofin works better than slightly smaller "extra stiff" one. Does performance depend more on size than on stiffness? I should probably study this subject.

New Anton's results

25m : 21.2s
50m : 50.5s

Although he starts much better now, I think further training here will give some benefits.
Exercises for leg muscles will improve stroke strength, so focus on this.

Anton's progress

Latest Anton's results:

25m : 22s
50m : 56s

Things to improve for him:
* Start time. It takes quite long for him to start going. Once this is improved it can take 1-2s from his results.
* Arms position. When this is improved, it can take 1s per 25m from his result.
Good progress!