Quote:
Originally Posted by ricki
... I also tried inverted swimming a few times at max speed and really didn't notice that much difference, this time. The jury is still out with me until I have more time on this thing and get it tuned just right and am using the right type of kick for max speed. I am still trying to figure out the balance between kick amplitude and frequency or speed vs. distance/air consumption. You can actually move quite fast with fairly good efficiency with a small amplitude, rapid kick as opposed to a more larger amplitude, powerful kick.
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I'm thinking that the faster the speed through water, the smaller the arc of the tail/fin/foil on each stroke. As speed increases, arc decreases, and the muscular output becomes more like a rhythmic beat. Hard to explain this, higher amplitude = smaller arc = more automatic like heartbeat = far more efficient per axial distance per O2 consumed; as opposed to eel-like swimming, where the arc may be 1/2 as long as the body (?).
My point being, maximize hydrodynamics and minimize arc of stroke at high speed in order to conserve oxygen. Like a speeding dolphin with the tail just barely flicking. At high speeds, you are literally pushing a wall of water out of your way, so hydrodynamic streamlining is absolutely essential, otherwise you're burning O2 just swishing.
High speed apnea swimming = DANGEROUS, be very careful, the more successful (faster), the higher the risk. IMO, requires a buddy on a scooter closely accompanying the diver. Oxygen consumption rate is critical.
That's not even considering all the other normal free-diving risks and distractions. Safe diving.
