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Below are some mystery and myths questions and answers about swimming:

1. Q= Do swimmers sweat? – Do Olympic swimmers sweat during and/or after their race?

A= The answer definitively is yes they do. When swimming, your whole body sweats. As soon as you get hot, the body’s mechanism starts to sweat. If you weighed yourself after a swim, you’d be lighter, thanks to the fluid loss that came from sweating. Also when you sweat, while you are swimming you lose salts so it is important you drink a juice with a pinch of salt in it or have an energy drink (such as powerade).

2. Q= How cold are Olympic swimming pools?

A= According to FINA rules, the water temperature must be 25 – 28 C (77 – 82 F).

3. Q= Who invented swimming goggles?

A= Persian divers are the first known users of swim goggles. They used polished tortoise shells to protect their eyes. In the 1930s, Guy Gilpatrick used swim goggles to protect his eyes from saltwater. But small swim goggles didn’t come into wide use until the 1960s. They were crude, sometimes painful instruments that were basic eye protection from the chemicals in the water. They were useless for competition because they fell off during dives and turns. By 1972, though, they had become a standard part of every swimmer’s equipment.

4. Q= When did they start to use swimming goggles, lane ropes, 50m pools, diving blocks and tumble turns in the Olympics?

A= The 1924 Summer Olympics were the first to use the standard 50 meter pool with marked lanes. In the freestyle, swimmers originally dived in from the pool walls, but diving blocks were incorporated at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The flip turn was developed by the 1950s and goggles were first used in the 1976 Olympics.

5. Q= Why do women float more easily in water than men?

A= Women float easier then men because the women have more fat tissue than men, and have a better distribution of it. Woman’s bones are less heavy and smaller, and their muscles are more flexible and lightweight.

Swimming, Diving and Synchronised Swimming  facts:

The crawl technique used in Freestyle Swimming was developed by a British swimming instructor named J Arthur Trudgeon, who based it on a Native American style of swimming that he had discovered during a trip to South America in the 1870s.

Johnny Weissmuller, the first man to swim 100 metres in under a minute, was just as famous out of the pool: he played the role of Tarzan in 12 times on the silver screen.

The first official tie for a gold medal in Olympic Swimming history came in Los Angeles 1984, when American teammates Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer swam identical times in the 100m Freestyle event.

The swimming pool for the London 1908 Olympic Games was built on the infield of the Athletics track at White City Stadium, and the competition was held outdoors. 

Underwater Swimming featured at the Paris 1900 Games. Competitors earned points for the length of time and distance they were underwater.

Evidence of people swimming for sport dates all the way back to Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Greek times. Now hugely popular around the world as a leisure activity and a competitive sport, Swimming has featured at every modern Games and remains a real Olympic crowd-pleaser.

At Seoul 1988, America’s Greg Louganis fell unconscious into the pool after hitting his head on the 3m springboard at the start of a preliminary-round dive. Amazingly, he recovered to win the gold medal in the final.

 In the 19th century, gymnasts performed over water in an exercise called ‘fancy diving’. This led to the development of modern-day Diving.

Competitive diving developed from gymnastics in the 18th century, when gymnasts in Sweden and Germany began to perform tumbling routines into water. Along with Swimming, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo, the elegant yet dramatic sport of Diving is one of four disciplines that make up the Olympic sport of Aquatics.

 Synchronised Swimming grew out of the ornamental water ballets of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which became popular in Europe and the US thanks to pioneers such as Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman. The first competitions

Synchronised Swimming began as a sport for men in the 1800s. It is now one of two sports on today’s Olympic programme to be contested only by women. The other is Rhythmic Gymnastics.were held in the 1930s, five decades before the sport made its Olympic debut in 1984.

Synchronised Swimming became an Olympic sport at the Los Angeles 1984 Games, with solo and duet events.

Swimming Glossary:

Long course: A 50m pool of the type used in Olympic competition, as opposed to a short course measuring 25m.

Medley: A combination event in which a swimmer or team swims separate legs of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.

Negative split: When an athlete swims the second half of a race faster than the first half.

Open turn: A type of turn for which swimmers must touch the end of the pool with their hands.

Tumble turn: An underwater roll at the end of a lap, which allows swimmers to push off from the end of the pool with their feet.

Diving Glossary:

Armstand: A platform dive that begins from a handstand position.

Platform: A fixed diving board, at least 6m long and 3m wide.

Pike: A diving position for which the diver bends the body at the hips, keeping the legs straight.

Springboard: A flexible diving board, at least 4.8m long and 50cm wide.

Tuck: A diving position for which the diver curls up into a ball, holding the shins towards the body.

 Synchronised Swimming:

Back layout: A position in which the swimmer holds herself flat and face up on the water’s surface while sculling.

Deckwork: The initial movements performed by swimmers after the music starts but before they enter the water.

Eggbeater: A powerful way of treading water that allows the swimmer to perform arm movements while staying afloat.

Scull: Underwater hand movements designed to move and support the body in the pool.

Have you got a question, mystery or a myth about swimming that you want an answer too?.

Leave a comment below and we will add your question and answer to the above list.

Thanks

Holly xxx

THE NEW UGLIES DOLFIN SPECIAL HALLOWEEN THEME SWIMWEAR – SEPTEMBER 2011

Here they are! The newest costumes on the block… What is your favourite costume?

Which Dolfin Uglies Halloween swimming costume will you wear? Will you choose the purple Uglies Glinda costume with flying witches or the pink Uglies Punkin? Leave a comment and let us know.

Uglies Swim Caps

Signature Uglies dolfin cap.                           Splott Cap.

Dolfin Uglies Flip Flops

Available in Pink, lime, and yellow. Official Uglies flip flops.

  Summer 2011 Uglies dolfin Swimwear range:

Here are the latest uglies around. Here are the names of the swimming costumes and pictures of them:

1. Braidzilla                      2. Slick                         3. Fanfan

1. Slick    2. Fanfan    3. Braidzilla     4. Preppy

FANFAN Uglies Dolfin swimwear. v-2 back.

SLICK uglies dolfin. v-2 Back.

BRAIDZILLA- Uglies Dolfin     v-2 back

PREPPY- Uglies Dolfin 2011    v-2 back

Uglies dolfin Dottie swimwear summer 2011

Uglies dolphin jigsaw swimwear summer 2011

New Uglies Dolfin Summer 2011 Baggy Shorts:

Dottie- Uglies dolfin baggy shorts      Fan Fan- Uglies dolfin baggy shorts 2011

Preppy- Uglies dolfin baggy shorts               Slick- Uglies dolfin baggy shorts

Jigsaw- Uglies Dolfin Baggy shorts 2011      Braidzilla- Uglies Dolfin Baggy shorts 2011

Information about Uglies Dolfin:

Spring 2011 dolfin uglies swimsuits range:

Uglies Jive V-2 back                              Uglies Scrabelle V-2 back

Uglies Frizzle V-2 back                            Uglies Lulu V-2 back

Limited Edition Uglies swim costumes for Valentine’s Day 2011:

Tie Dye ltd edition 2011 Uglies            Candy Hearts ltd edition 2011 Uglies

Holly and I have 4 of the Uglies new range already…Palma, Peony, Valentina and Rhapsody.

Palma Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts                 Peony Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts

Rhapsody Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts          Valentina Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts

Whimsy Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts          Zoom Uglies Dolfin baggy/drag shorts

Any updates will be coming soon…

Thanks. Holly xxx

How to Put a swimming cap on:

Putting your swimming cap on can be simple, but in order to keep your hair as chlorine free as possible, decrease the chance of splitting or tearing your hat, and reduce the chance of your swimming cap falling off during a race or your training session.

TIP 1: When you are putting your hands in the cap make sure your fingers nails are not pressing on the silicone/latex cap material. This may resort in the cap ripping.

TIP 2: When your cap/hat is on make sure you get rid of any air bubles by pushing them out with your hand.

TIP 3: Pull the cap over your head in a dome shape. Do not stretch the cap/hat too much or it will rip.  Look at this picture and see how the hat is being stretched too much:

TIP 4: If your hat keeps slipping off your head then try washing it out. Use soap and water on the inside of the hat. If it continues to fall off then you need to try another cap because the other one may not of fitted your heat properly.

Here is my Youtube tutorial on how to put a swimming cap on if you have long hair.

Thanks Hollyxxx

New exciting coloured race suits from www.swim-ni.co.uk

FINIS Alignment kickboard:

Dolfin has a new range of metalic swimming costumes ideal for synchronised swimming, this is their winter 2011 dolfin metallic range:

Here are all the Front designs of costumes:

Here are all the Back designs of Syncho Swimming Costumes:

I hope this guide helps you to find your perfect synchro swimming costume.

Thanks. Holly xxx

A fantasically glamorous swim hat! Be seen in style with this vintage style flower petal swim hat. White Daisy flower design. Nylon flowers.  The hat has a plastic waterproof lining. Both fashionable and practical, these stylish hats will protect your hair from the effects of chlorine.

This is on ebay for £26.00 (Inc. Postage) and is sold for worldwide.

This sparkly swimming costume is from a shop called ‘New Look’ and and was originally £30. It is on ebay for £1 (Bids go up) However the bid will end soon.

This costume is from a website called action fit. They specialize in making costumes for teams of synyronised swimmers and here are two of the many designs they do.  The first design is called 3F and the second is called Party. The prices range from $ 54.00 to $ 111.00.

Nose clips are an essential piece of equipment used in syncronised swimming, every swimmer needs one. To see all the nose clips and a bigger variety go to: http://247swim.com/category/swimming-nose-clips/

The Pursuit of Excellence: Synchronized Swimming DVD – This 60 min DVD on synchro swimming is $22.49 on a website called 109things.com. This is a very poular DVD which reveal the pain, sacrifice and determination it takes to be a champion synchronized swimmer.

Updates coming soon….

Thanks Holly xxx

It was kitsch, glamorous and graceful at the same time. The fact that it also featured at a Chanel show sealed the deal. I decided that synchronised swimming  -  or, to give it its modish new moniker (and the name it originally had in the Thirties) “aquatic ballet”  -  would be my new way to get fit in 2009.

THE CLASS
There were several classes to join in London  -  I’d signed up for one in Barnet.

The day of my session though, the pool’s heating failed, so I found myself on the wrong side of Woolwich on a Thursday night, preparing to join the Erith Junior Synchro club.

Following them to the pool for warm-up lengths, I was reminded of Bunty Carmichael, the mature majorette in the Catherine Tate show who refuses to believe she’s too old for the Doncaster spinners.

The other girls slipped into the water like sleek otters, gliding up and down, red swimming hats bobbing as they went. I, on the other hand, became the old lady we used to splash at the local baths when I was 10.

Flowery swimming cap, check. Odd, rigid pose holding head out of water, check. The only thing missing was the nose clip… Oh wait, though I didn’t have my own clip, Lizzie, one of the kind synchro girls, was already proffering her own for me to borrow. The vision was complete.

Coach Sam Finch, 34, a synchro swimmer since the age of nine, led the class, rounding us up by tapping on a metal pole, the clink sounding through the water and above the noise in the echoey pool.
THE EGG BEATER

As a beginner, you must master the basics before moving on to the fun legs-in-air stuff and so it was straight to the first exercise, the Egg Beater  -  known outside synchronised swimming circles as treading water. Most of us know how to tread water but in synchro you must keep your shoulders above the water, neck straight and head extended, while looking as serene as if you were reading a Jilly Cooper on a sunlounger. 

The theory is to be like the swan: serene above the water, paddling furiously below. Legs move in a corkscrew motion, arms scull at your sides, hands scooped, sweeping backwards and forwards through the water to stay afloat.

It might look easy but it’s actually quite tough and after a few minutes of bobbing about furiously in the water, my legs whirling and hands scooping, I began to see why synchronised swimmers get ratty when people say theirs isn’t a proper sport.

Aquatic ballet: Forming elegant shapes in the water while trying to stay afloat and smile at the same time is not easy as it seems.

THE OYSTER
Satisfied that I could float, Sam moved on to back layouts, the starting position for many synchro moves. We were to lie back, legs straight and at the surface, sculling to stay afloat. “Point the toes! Extend the legs! Bottom in!” she shouted, tapping a rhythm on the metal pole so we knew when to come back up. 

The back layout led to several more moves. First the Oyster, a fun move that Sam says is a big favourite with the girls. From back layout, we snapped legs and arms together out of the water as in a Vsit, creating a shape that makes you plummet to the bottom like a lead weight. Unfold and you bob back up to the top. A quick, dramatic move that proves surprisingly easy to learn.

THE FLAMINGO
The next move I attempted was the Flamingo, the cornerstone shape for those archetypal geometric synchronised swimming images where you hold your body upside down and perpendicular to the surface, with one leg poking out of the water and the other bent and touching the vertical leg. 

I tried my best to channel Busby Berkeley’s best bits, attempting to emulate the calm faces and still limbs of the other girls. It didn’t really work out for me  -  I ended up sculling like I was trying to take off, my legs taking turns to sink to the bottom or fly out of the water. Flapping wildly, I managed to maintain a sort of avian illusion  -  though much to the amusement of my classmates, my effort was more dodo than flamingo.

Next, we went for the tuck back somersault. This was a move that really separated the men from the boys, or rather, the girls with nose plugs (everyone) from those without (me). 

Sam told us to tuck our knees in tightly, reach back with our heads, spin round in a somersault and come back up to the surface. I gamely spun backwards, ducking my head under and drinking much more of the pool water than is probably healthy. As I spluttered my way to the surface, pleased at having completed the manoeuvre, I was greeted with 10 serene faces beaming at me from an effortless Egg Beater.

THE BENEFITS
The hour up, I could feel that my arms, legs and abs had had a workout. I’d heard that Jennifer Aniston and Hilary Duff keep their figures trim simply by treading water, and right now, I could believe it.

So which part of your body does it work? The answer is all of it. Just as swimming provides all-over toning, so does synchro. Areas that get a special workout are the bottom and stomach, as both muscle groups are essential to hold the body upright or horizontal in the water. You’ll burn about 500 calories in a one hour session -  the same as a jog – and the best bit is, with the team spirit, the music and the routine to remember, it doesn’t even feel like exercise.

Kaleidoscopic: Channelling choreographer Busby Berkeley, Deborah and the swimmers form a geometric shape in the water.

Sync or swim: Deborah Arthurs joins the Erith junior synchro club for a lesson in aquatic ballet – and discovers that looking serene whilst paddling furiously isn’t as easy as it seems

Important equipment required for a gala, what not to forget:

1. A towel

2. Log book

3.    Racing  swimming costume / trunks  and a spare costume trunks

4.   Two pairs of Swimming Goggles (1 for spare)

5.     Club swimming hat and a spare (In case your other one rips)

6.    Club  T-Shirt to wear on poolside (looks good and keeps you warm)

7.    Two drinks (an energy drink and a bottle of water etc)

8.   Drag shorts for the warm up

9. Flip flops or crocs (keeps your feet warm before your race)

10. A pen (To write your race numbers down on your hand)

Getting to the swimming pool location:

If you are going to a new lesuire centre you have never been to then it is a good idea to print off a map or put in the post code in your sat nav if you have one. Before any gala you should find out how long it will take to arrive there. Also you should leave a little bit earlier in order to get there promptly on time and get a seat in the spectators audience for your parents / guests, and if there are any traffic problems you can still get there on time.

Also make sure you have a contact telephone number for your swimming coach or swim club rep, so you can contact them if there are any problems or delays.

You might want to take a CD or your MP3 player for the car journey aswell, so you can listen to your favourite songs and get G’d up for the gala. I would recommend up beat songs to really get you in the mood and zone!

Prepare:

Remember to take some money or change with you for the entry fee and lockers etc….

Bring your flip flops/Crocs to your competition and wear then throughout your time on poolside.

Meals and food you should eat leadind upto and on your gala day

What you eat before and during a competition can have a large impact on your overall performance. Make sure that your final meal before the competition is finished at least two hours before the competition is due to start. Exactly what you eat is not important as long as it is high in carbohydrate and low in fat. Having a meal based around rice, pasta or potato is a good way of filling up with carbohydrate, providing the amounts of fat (e.g. sauce or butter) eaten are small.

Once you have completed your competition warm-up you will need to replenish the carbohydrates you have lost by drinking diluted juices, squashes or sports drinks. You should not eat anything unless you have at least an hour before you are due to race. Between races you should continue to take additional carbohydrates in liquid form and only eat if you have more than an hour to spare before you next have to swim. If you do have time to eat then a very light snack of bananas, dried fruit, popcorn, jelly cubes, or muesli bars is most appropriate. Crisps or other such snacks….!

Before your race:

This may sound silly but is true, 10 minites before your race you should make sure you go to the toilet/restroom. I don’t think I need to explain why.

Before you start your race make sure you do a few stretches also keep your self moving (sitting down will not help!) jumping up and down helps too. Drink lots of fluid (it make all the difference in your race). Wear your t-shirt and crocs until it is your race, then take them off and leave then nearby and out of the way (sometimes their are chairs you can put your stuff on.) It is important you keep warm.

Food you should eat leading to the run-up to your gala

You may not believe it, but the last few meals before a swimming race make all the difference in how well you will perform.

Firstly, it’s not as simple as “Eat spaghetti the night before a gala and you will be able to swim a PB!”

Carbo-loading needs to take place several days before your event, at least three days prior to competition. Pastas, breads, cereals, etc. can be incorporated into your diet more than usual, although be careful not to add or increase your intake of cream sauces, butter, or milk with those items.

A common mistake people make when carbo-loading is that they stop eating vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Pasta carbo-loading is fine, but not at the expense of other nutritional supplements that are vital to giving you your best performance ever.

Be careful the night immediately before a race – you may want to lay off the tomato sauce (tomatoes contain acid that can give you an upset stomach).

Steamed or microwaved vegetables are essential to peak performance, but don’t forget they are also a good source for carbohydrates. However, vegetables take longer to digest than simple grain-based carbohydrates like bread and cereal.

Uncooked vegetables are definitely not recommended. Stay away from broccoli, carrots, corn, and other “hard” vegetables in favor of watery ones like salad, zucchini, squash, and asparagus. They will pass through your system, supply you with carbohydrates and nutrients that you need, and not weigh you down.

What to Drink
Orange juice and milk are fine with any healthy breakfast, but are best avoided 24 hours before you compete. Much better to stick with boring old water as your fluid intake in the day before you race; you don’t need the extra calories or acidic side effects of a fruit juice (no matter how healthy it is), nor the hard-to-digest side effects of dairy products.

With pure water, you stay hydrated without additional calories, and there will be no unexpected side effects that a fruit juice, dairy product, or soda could provide.

Snack time
Pretzels are a fine carbohydrate, provided that they are unsalted (salt causes your body to retain water, leaving you bloated and heavy).

Dried fruits, although they sound natural and healthy, are bad because they pack plenty of calories and, once consumed, they absorb water and expand to their full size (so just a few dried apricots can bloat you).

Light is Right
The morning of your event, it is best to eat light. Avoid a Juicy Lucy type full English breakfast and go for half a bagel, half a banana and a glass of water.

A light breakfast, such as a bowl of cereal and a banana, or an energy bar if you’re swimming a morning event.

If you’re swimming in the afternoon, eat a big breakfast and a light lunch.

Two hours before the event, bananas, crackers, and plain toast with no butter in modest amounts are good food. The best foods are pasta, cereals, bagels, breads, fruits, and vegetables. These are out of the stomach in two hours, therefore should not be eaten more than three hours before swimming or they could override the energy in time for the race. Bananas are great because they have potassium which makes you more resistant to fatigue.

Actually, it’s best not to change your diet too drastically in the days before you race. Increase your carbohydrate load slightly while maintaining a healthy intake of protein, and stay away from dairy products and highly acidic fruits.

Twenty-four hours before your event, I suggest drinking water for fluid intake and having a light meal at dinnertime the night before consisting of grain-based carbohydrates, soft vegetables, and light protein (chicken, fish). The morning of your race: water, half a bagel, and half a banana should be enough to provide sustenance and optimum performance without weighing you down.

The most important thing to remember for an age group swimmer is calories, young teens will need more than any other age group in excess of over 2,000 per day. On race day there are a few things you should do and a few things you shouldn’t do.
Race day is about fueling the muscles between races and of course hydration.
Take and eat small amounts of lots of different things, do not rely on just 2 or 3 things to eat.
If you are racing early then stick to a small breakfast, if you are racing later then a bigger breakfast is fine.
Breakfast = Porridge, toast with peanut butter spread is good or just plain toast and fruit juice.
Things to eat between races are fruit & veggies.
Protein will help to keep your sugar levels stable, which is good against the feelings of hunger and stops moods swings. Cheese sticks, nuts, yogurt drinks or hard boiled eggs for example.
Carbs will help fuel the muscles, but you have simple carbs like 100% juice, apple juice, fresh or dried fruit, or veggie sticks. Complex carbs are things like crackers, unsweetened dry cereal, pita or other breads.
DON’T eat sweets, they are not as effective as people will tell you, and can totally unsettle your sugar levels.
Be careful of fibre, you may have a low tolerance to it which can upset your tummy, when nerves are already not helping if you know
Drink little and often, if you wait till you are thirsty then it’s already too late.

After your race:

Put on your t-shirt and crocs in order to warm yourself up again and take deep breaths.

Thanks. Holly xx

Here is one of my race videos:

What is a Weever fish?

The Weever fish is the most poisonous fish in Britain! It may only be 15cm small but it will be sure to give you a sting to remember. The fish is light brown and loves shallow water. It has sharp poisonous spikes on top of its head that you would not want to be under your foot! They hide in the sand and blend in which makes the so hard to see. Many people do not see it until they have stepped on the Weever fish and been stung.

What to you do if you have been stung?

If you have been stung you should tell a lifeguard and they will be able to help you. If there is not a lifeguard available then soak your sting in very warm water until the pain has gone. You must act quickly as the longer you leave it the more painful it will get.

How do I know I have been stung?

The poison is not dangerous but it will make your foot very red and swollen for a little while. The most obvious symptom would be the excruciating pain in your foot.

How do you avoid getting stung?

If you want to avoid getting stung by the Weever fish then you can wear flip-flops, jelly shoes, Crocs or beach shoes.

Thanks, Olivia x.

Weever fishes has been reported to attack and even kill divers and swimmers in mediterranean, south-east pacific and the eastern Atlantic waters…watch out.

Here is another video of the weever fish in the sea.

UK-ASA DQ Codes List

Butterfly

1A 8.1 Body not on the breast (except when executing a turn)

1D 8.2 Arms not brought backward simultaneously

1B 8.2 Arms not brought forward together

1C 8.2 Arms not brought forward over the water

1G 8.3 Breaststroke kick used (legal in Masters’ Competitions)

1E 8.3 Movements of the legs not simultaneous

1F 8.3 Alternating movement of legs or feet

1H 8.4 Did not touch at turn or finish with both hands, or touch not simultaneous

1I 8.5 More than one arm pull under water (following start or turn)

1J 8.5 Head did not break the surface at or before 15m mark following start or turn

1K 8.5 Not on surface during stroke (except first 15m following start or turn

Backstroke

2A 6.2 Left position on the back (other than to initiate a turn)

2B 6.3 Totally submerged, (except for first 15m following the start or turn or at the finish

2C 6.4 Not on back when leaving the wall

2F 6.4 More than one single or double simultaneous arm pull used to initiate the turn

2D 6.4 Did not touch the wall during the turn

2E 6.5 Not on the back at finish

Breaststroke

3D 7.1 Single fly kick not performed during the 1st arm stroke or followed by a breast kick

3B 7.2 Stroke cycle not one arm stroke to one leg kick

3C 7.2 Arm movements not simultaneous or not in the same horizontal plane

3A 7.2 Body not on the breast

3E 7.3 Hands not pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over the water

3F 7.3 Elbows over water except last stroke before turn, during turn or final stroke at finish

3Q 7.3 Hands not brought back on or under surface of the water

3G 7.3 Hands brought back beyond hip line (except after 1st stroke following start or turn)

3H 7.4 Head not breaking surface during stroke cycle (except after start & turn)

3I 7.4 Head did not break surface before hands turn inward at widest point in 2nd stroke after strt or

3K 7.4 Leg movements not simultaneous (alternating leg movement)

3L 7.4 Leg movements not on the same plane

3N 7.5 Executed scissors, flutter, or downward fly kick (except after start or after turn: SW7.1)

3M 7.5 Feet not turned out during the propulsive part of the kick

3P 7.6 Head not breaking surface during the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding touch

3O 7.6 Did not touch at turn or finish with both hands, or touch not simultaneous

Freestyle

4A 5.2 Did not touch the wall at the turn or finish

4B 5.3 Totally submerged (except for the first 15m at start and turn)

4C 5.3 Head did not break surface at or before 15m mark following start or turn

IM

5A 9.1 Incorrect individual stroke order (Fly, Back, Breast, Free)

5B 9.3 Finish of each stroke not in accordance with rules for the particular stroke

IM

6A 9.2 Incorrect medley relay order (Back, Breast, Fly, Free)

62 10.1 Stroke Infraction swimmer #2

61 10.1 Stroke Infraction swimmer #1

63 10.1 Stroke Infraction swimmer #3

64 10.1 Stroke Infraction swimmer #4

6C 10.10 Fewer than four swimmers in a relay team

66 10.11 Swimmer #2 feet lost touch with starting place before preceding team-mate touches

68 10.11 Swimmer #4 feet lost touch with starting place before preceding team-mate touches

67 10.11 Swimmer #3 feet lost touch with starting place before preceding team-mate touches

6D 10.12 Team member enters water during race not to swim their length

6B 10.13 Team swum in incorrect order to that previously nominated Erith and District Swimming Club UK-ASA DQ Codes List

Miscellaneous

7A 2.3.2 Delaying the start

7B 4.4 Start before starting signal

7C 10.2 A swimmer did not cover the whole distance – DNF

7J 10.3 Swimmer did not remain and finish in lane in which he/she started

7D 10.4 No contact with wall during turn or turn not made from wall or took stride/step from bottom

7E 10.5 Walks during freestyle events or during the freestyle portion of the medley

7F 10.6 Pulled on the lane rope

7G 10.7 Obstructing or interfering with another swimmer – foul

7H 10.8 Device or swimsuit aiding speed, buoyancy, endurance or unauthorized use of tape on body

7K 10.9 Swimmer enters water during an event in which he/she is not scheduled to swim

7L 10.14 Obstructing another swimmer/team when leaving pool after completion of relay leg or race

7I 10.16 Pacemaking, plan or device or instruction given.

——————————————————————

Below is a list of rules and regulations of what not to do in a race/gala or you will be disqualified:

All Strokes:

• walking on bottom toward the finish
• pulling on the lane rope in the direction of the finish
• springing from the bottom, imparting motion toward the finish
• left the water before completing the full distance or DNF (did not finish)

Freestyle:

• failure to touch on the turn at 25m (50m, 75m)
• failure to surface by 15m after the start (or turn at 25m, 50m, 75m) in the freestyle

Backstroke:

• failure to touch on the turn at 25m (50m, 75m)
• an arm pull independent of the turning action at 25m (50m, 75m)
• Revised: kicking without any accompanying turning action at 25m (50m, 75m)
• failure to remain on back during race (or at finish)
• failure to surface by 15m after the start (or turn at 25m, 50m, 75m) in the backstroke
• not on back when feet left the wall at 25m (50m, 75m)

Breaststroke:

• non-simultaneous touch at 25m (50m, 75m, finish)
• one hand touch at 25m (50m, 75m, finish)
• scissor (or dolphin) kick
• asymmetrical arm pull
• alternating arm movements
• arm pull past hips
• failure of head to surface during each stroke
• failure of head to surface at end of propulsion phase of second arm stroke on start (or turn at 25m, 50m, 75m)

Butterfly:

• non-simultaneous touch at 25m (50m, 75m, finish)
• one hand touch at 25m (50m, 75m, finish)
• flutter kick
• scissor kick
• underwater arm recovery
• uneven arm pull (asymmetrical arm pull)
• failure to surface by 15m after the start (or turn at 25m, 50m, 75m) in the butterfly

Individual Medley:

• strokes swum in wrong order (should be: fly, back, breast ,free)
• roll more than 90 degrees before touching on the change over from back to breast

Relays

• Swimmer left the blocks before the other swimmer touched
• relay strokes swum in wrong order (should be: back breast, fly, free)

NOTE: These are not the only possible reasons for disqualification, nor the only possible wording.  Judges may use their own wording provided it is accurate, precise, and unambiguous.

Here is also the official rule book for the BCSSA (This is a PDF file):  http://www.bcsummerswimming.com/docs/February-2008-Swimming_changed-0706-1.pdf

Thanks for reading this post. Holly xxx

These fun goggles make the perfect gift for any swimmer, birthday, christmas or as an award to say well done.

Buy direct from www.swimglows.com available from the 14th Noverber from Swimglows Ltd

The Gemglows are an ideal toy to encourage swimmers of all ages to surface dive and build confidence in and under the water.

The time limit of 35 seconds per Gemglow presents player/s with a challenging task.

We welcome your emails and suggestions for new games that can be played with the Gemglows.

A game for 1 or more players.

Ages 3 years +

Size of each Gemglow: 60mm diameter x 40mm high

Made from soft coloured silicone material

Auto L.E.D light timer switches off light after 35 second.

Gemglows GBP£11.99 direct from www.swimglows.com

The Coinglows are an ideal toy to encourage swimmers of all ages to surface dive and build confidence in and under the water.

Designed to stand on their edge underwater, the Coinglows give a magical experience to all swimmers.

The time limit of 35 seconds per Coinglow presents player/s with a challenging task.

Please see below for our fantastic Coinglows Game suggestions, for variations of games that can be played for swimmers of all ablities.

A diving game for 1 or more players.

Ages 3 years +

Size of each Coinglow: 70mm diameter x 12mm thick

Made from soft gold and silver coloured silicone material

Auto L.E.D light timer switches off light after 35 seconds

The Coinglows will stand on their edge in depths up to 1.5m and lay flat over 2m.

Each pack includes 2 silver & 2 gold coloured Coinglows plus 1 black mesh diver’s bag.

Coinglows GBP£11.99

Buy direct from www.swimglows.com available from the 14th Noverber from Swimglows Ltd

This is a Silicone Character Cap for younger swimmers. I had one of these when I was younger and they were so much fun to wear. They are comfortable and a good fit. It is £5.99 from the zoggs website and £4.99 from swimshops website. They come in a range of colours: grey, orange, red, pink, blue and green. I recommend this swimming cap for evey young swimmer out there.

Here is another fun swimming cap, without the fin! It is £5 from proswimwear.co.uk.

These can only be bought in the UK and are being sold on a website called: swim-in-style.co.uk. The are £5.50 each. Here is some extra information:

Brand: Diana
Colour: Fish, Cow, Monkey or Pig
Fabrics: 100% Silicone
Other Info: Junior sized swimming cap.
100% Silicone cap with fun printed characters. Non-toxic and non-allergenic. Exclusive Diana design.

↑ Here are some other swim caps made by diana. These are £5 each and you can buy them at allensswimwear.co.uk.

Here are some more caps….  The red bull cap is from allensswimwear.co.uk.

Meet the tangle teezer. For me it is the best invention ever! You may of seen it on Dragons Den the TV show, if your hair is long or gets really knotted after swimming and it is a struggle getting a brush through your hair, then this is the product you need. Speaking from experience it is excellent the way it can detangling the hair very easy whether your hair is curly or straight. You can buy it on the Tangle Teezer website, Ebay or Amazon, or at a hairdressers.

This is a picture of another design of the tangle teezer – It still works the same way as the other designs. This is £12.99 on the Tangle Teezer website.

These are fun to play with at the local swimming pool and the goggles are great! They are the only L.E.D flashing goggles in the World! I love the dive toys too, there are loads of games you cando with them and come with a net bag too! To buy them they are at swimglows.com. To  find out more about these products go to the category “equipment” on the right hand side and see me and my sister demonstrate how they work.

Fun and bright coloured swimming suits www.swim-ni.co.uk

Or how about the Uglies range of swimsuits?

1 +2. Little Dolfins Uglies Mystic- Front and back        3. Little Dolfins Uglies Groovy

1. Little Dolfins Uglies Daisy Mania    2. Little Dolfins Uglies Bubbly   3. Back design

1. Little Dolfins Uglies Pinwheel   Little Dolfins Uglies Petalicious    3. Little Dolfins Uglies Loopy

1.Little Dolfins Uglies Sunshine    2.Little Dolfins Uglies Malibu   3.Little Dolfins Uglies Valentina

1.Little Dolfins Uglies Rhapsody   2.Little Dolfins Uglies Peony  3.Little Dolfins Uglies Fiesta

These swimming costumes are called ‘Little Dolfins’ and are $22.00 online at swimmerschoice.com and swimandtri.com. Here are their sizes: 2T, 3T, 4, 5 and 6. Here above are the different designs they do in the sizes. They even have the latest designs on sale!!!

Update coming soon…

Holly xxx

Here is a mug I found in a garden centre called Millbrooks. It would be the perfect present or gift for anyone who enjoys swimming (and likes drinking tea!!!)

Finis Alignment kickboard:

                                                                                                                                                                                               This goggle cases are perfect to clip on your swimming bag so they will never get lost or dirty. I even have one myself! I have a black case and my sister has a red one. I recommend these to any swimmer and they are worth buying. They are made buy zoggs and are £2.99 each.

This is a Chamois towel. It is thin and does not take up much room in your swim bag. Also when it has been used it is not heavy and wet. They are £9.99 each and come in all different colours. I have one myself in lime green and my sister has a light pink towel. They are from a shop called Decathlon.

Here are two wall clocks one of a purple swimmer and the other is swimming pop art. They are both $15.00 and from the cafe press website. 

This is a biography written by Micheal Phelps himself. The is called No Limits: The Will to Succeed. It is about £20.00 on ebay or Amazon ,and can be purchased at a book shop such as WHSmith. It could also be in your local library. This is a great present or gift for someone who is a competitive swimmer.

This is a 10K Gold I Love Swimming Charm Heart Swimmer Pendant. It is £48.99 with free postage. You can buy this pendant on ebay.

This football boot stud has all 36 English goal scorers from 1950 to 2010 engraved in miniature by Graham Short who can engrave on almost anything in miniature: www.thehandsofgenius.com

MICHAEL PHELPS ICONIC USA SWIMMING STAR CANVAS ART.  It is from ebay again and costs £13.49 and £3.99 postage. If you are a Micheal Phelps fan and enjoy swimming this would be a gift for them.

Tangle Teezer is proud to introduce Compact Styler, promising styling perfection on the go and to put in your swimming bag. Approx. dimensions 105mm(D) x 85mm(W) x 50mm(H). They are £11.99 each at tangleteezer.com.

If you are looking for a gift or present for younger swimmers then take a look at our other post in the “Swimming gifts/birthday or christmas presents” catorgorie.

Updates coming soon……

Thanks. Holly xxx

             Uglies V-2 Back Pebbles                          Vintage Dolfin Uglies Orange Crush

Vintage Dolfin Uglies Pink Sorbet              Vintage Dolfin Uglies Petalicious

               Dolfin Uglies Fleurette                          Vintage Dolfin Uglies Groovy

    Vintage Dolfin Uglies Rio             Vintage Dolfin Uglies Spangles

Vintage Dolfin Uglies Gypsy Rose   Vintage Dolfin Uglies Papillon

  Vintage Dolfin Uglies Waves           Vintage Dolfin Uglies Daisy Dot

Vintage Melon Tree Uglies         Vintage Dolfin Uglies Beachie Blues

Vintage Kaleida Flower Uglies        Vintage Dolfin Uglies Pinwheel

Vintage Uglies Florinda V-2 Back

Uglies Valentina V-2 Back and Uglies Blossom V-2 Back

Doing a handstand in Uglies Valentina V-2 Back

On the stage- Uglies Valentina V-2 Back , Uglies Candy Hearts V-2 Back, Uglies Spritzer Baggy/drag shorts 

The entertainment team

Uglies Daisymania Baggy/drag shorts,  Uglies Valentina V-2 Back, Uglies Candy Hearts V-2 Back

Horse racing, one of the crazy games

Uglies Daisymania Baggy/drag shorts, Uglies Candy Hearts V-2 Back

Together holding a cockatoo

Dolfin Uglies Rhapsody v-2 back, Dolfin Uglies Valentina v-2 back

  Me (Holly) with a cockatoo on my head, wearing a  Dolfin Uglies Rhapsody v-2 back

Olivia with a monkey

 Dolfin Uglies Valentina v-2 back 

Olivia and the white cockatoo

 Dolfin Uglies Valentina v-2 back    

With the monkey, Holly and Olivia      -Dolfin Uglies Rhapsody v-2 back     -Dolfin Uglies Valentina v-2 back  

-Uglies Daisymania Baggy/drag shorts   - Uglies Spritzer Baggy/drag shorts    

Olivia and I with the toucan

Dolfin Uglies Palma v-2 back, Uglies Blossom V-2 Back

Olivia holding the toucan     – green swimdana              -Uglies Blossom V-2 Back

Olivia holds the iguana called ‘Patrick’ while wearing an Uglies Sunshine V-2 Back costume and pink swimdana.

Olivia with a 10-foot python -green swimdana     -Uglies Blossom V-2 Back

Holly and parrots

-Dolfin Uglies Palma v-2 back        -Uglies Spritzer Baggy/drag shorts

Olivia wit the parrots      -Uglies Candy Hearts V-2 Back

In Cuba:

Olivia (left) is wearing pinkabelle and I (Holly, right) am wearing pebbles Uglies/dolfin swimming costumes.

Holly  (left) is wearing zingy Uglies costume and Olivia (right) is wearing pinkabelle swimming costume.

Here Holly (left) is wearing Uglies zingy swimming costume and Olivia (right) is wearing  Uglies Fiesta swim wear.

This is me (Holly)  in the swim up bar pool having a slushie drink, while wearing my pebbles Uglies dolfin swimming costume. I am also wearing maru pulse goggles and a maru swimming hat.

This is my sister (Olivia) underwater, wearing a Fiesta uglies dolfin swimming costume.

Here is Olivia and I are sitting on the sandy beach of Cuba , in a love heart shaped flower ring we model our Uglies swimming costumes. Olivia (left) is wearing a Fiesta uglies dolfin swimsuit and I (right) an wearing my zingy uglies dolfin swimming costume.

This is me underwater wearing my uglies dolfin pebbles swimming costume.

This is Olivia underwater with the swim up bar stools behind her. She is wearing a pinkabelle uglies dolfin swimsuit.

This is me underwater wearing a uglies dolfin pebbles swimming costume. Thumbs up for the picture!!!

This is my sister and I on the beach with a beautiful sunset behind us. Olivia (left) is wearing a uglies dolfin pinkabella swimming costume and I am wearing my uglies dolfin zingy swimsuit.

This is us on the beach in Cuba with me wearing my zingy uglies swimming costume an Olivia (left) is wearing a pinkabelle uglies swimsuit.

This is Olivia and I sitting on the pool ledge wearing uglies zingy and pinkabelle swimsuit. Smile!!!

Anyone for a beer? Olivia poses for the camera while wearing a uglies dolfin pinkabelle swimming costume.

This is me sitting on the swim up bar stool wearing my pebbles uglies dolfin swimming costume.

This is my sister and I on the stairs witha flower roof above our heads. I am wearing my zingy uglies swimming costume and Olivia is wearing her pinkabelle uglies dolfin swimming costume.

This is me (left) wearing my uglies hypnotica swimming costume. I think a purple hat is the best colour to have with this swimming costume. And next to me is my sister who is wearing her mystic uglies swimming costume. A multi-coloured hat looks best with this costume. This it the hole we dug at the beach.

This is us again on the sand with the sea behind us.

Holly xxx

Uglies Swimsuit Tie Dye with Mystic Baggy Drag Shorts

Uglies Swimming costume Peony with Daisymania Drag Baggy Shorts

 What are drag shorts?    Drag shorts are a type of swim wear that is put over the top of your swimming costume.        

Why are drag shorts worn?  Drag shorts are made be be worn in training and are for serious swimmers. They increase drag and so when you are racing it feels easier to swim and faster, it can also make you feel less ressistance.  Other forms of drag wear include nylons and t-shirts. Drag shorts are good to built up your strenght in training, this is done by increased friction.  You can increase speed once drag items are removed for competition.  Drag shorts are not worn during competitions but some people wear drag shorts in the warm-up before their race.

About Uglies drag shorts:   They are not as tough as speedo drag shorts. They look great with an Uglies/dolfin swimming costume but try and get two different designs. For example: Daisymania drag shorts and a pinkabelle swimming costume. I have a pair of mystic drag shorts and I wear them with my sunshine swimming costume. (To see all the Uglies/dolfin swim wear look for the post on the home page or in the category: Swimming costumes.)

Uglies Daisymania Baggy/drag shorts - £14.99          Uglies Malibu Baggy/drag Shorts -                                                                                          £7.68 —-was £15.35 (Swimshop.com)

Uglies Mystic Baggy/drag Shorts – £14.29           Uglies Pinkabelle Baggy/drag shorts – £14.29

Uglies Spritzer Baggy/drag shorts  - £14.99     

Uglies Blossom Baggy/drag shorts – $19.95                    Bubbly      

Uglies Hypnotica Drag/baggy shorts                Uglies Dolfin L0opy Drag shorts

Shazzam Uglies Dolfin drag shorts        Tango Uglies drag/baggy shorts (from swimoutlet.com)

Sunshine Uglies drag shorts – $19.95

Fiesta Uglies drag shorts – $14.95    Watercolours Uglies drag shorts

Hippy Dippy Uglies drag shorts – $14.95    Spyra Gyra Uglies drag shorts

Zingy Uglies drag shorts – $14.95              Papillon Uglies drag shorts

Beachie Blues Uglies drag shorts – $14.95              Daisy dot Uglies drag shorts

Any new Uglies drag shorts will be added…

Holly xx