Need critiques on technique

[HJ]

Hi Gang,

Wasn't sure where to put this, so here it is; I like this General Freediving Forum.

I'm working on my dolphin kick (full body undulation), but before I get too far down the road of bad habits, I thought I'd ask the experts for some input and feedback. FYI: I have a swimming background and have only been doing underwater/freediving activities for a little over a year. My main workout location is a couple of local pools (50m now, 25m in winter). Ever since my dive-with-dolphins Bahamas trip a little over a year ago (you can read about it elsewhere in Deeper Blue), I've caught the underwater bug and have really enjoyed devoting more and more of my swimming workouts to underwater activities (to the shock of my swimming companions!). My main goals are various: maybe Dynamic (is there a Masters division? ;-), maybe speed finswimming (Masters?), probably some Breaching (!), and just the basic pleasure of moving underwater in the most efficient manner. So with that in mind...

I just posted a new video on YouTube here:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxyPudjbiKo]YouTube - Monofin Prototyping[/ame]

[Hmmm... wasn't expecting it to embedd. if you want to see it on YouTube where i think it's a little clearer, here's the video number: /watch?v=XxyPudjbiKo]

It's two video cuts in each direction (and I threw in my first Breach attempt at the end). I'm using that prototype monofin I've written about here, but it's not the fin I'm interested in here; it's my technique. (I also use longer bi-fins and other types of fins in the same way.)

During the video I can clearly see that my technique has its weaker and stronger points. To me, I finally hit a better rhythm at around :27 (going left to right).

***So what are your suggestions for me (besides getting a different fin ;-)? I've watched a lot of videos and read different theories on the best way to do this. Should I keep my torso stiller and intiate from the stomach or lower? Should I concentrate on bending my knees less? Should I put some effort into the up-stroke to even out the power distribution? What is the current best-practice theory for the most efficient full-body dolphin movement (for humans)?

Feel free to be specific and criticize what you're seeing on the video. But don't just say "it sucks" like that one commentor. Give me constructive criticism that I can work with to improve my technique.

I appreciate it very much. Thank you. (and leave a comment on YouTube if you want)

Haraldo
(who is specifically wearing that swim suit in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, Summer of 1969)

 

[Theodoric]

Haraldo, I am entirely unqualified to say anything about your technique. I've never even seen a monofin in person. But I though I'd share a video of one of the smoothest monofin techniques I've ever seen. You don't get a great look at his technique from the vid, I can't find a better one, but what you do see is fantastic. You can see a little at about 6 to 8 seconds, and there's a better look about the minute mark.

YouTube - Martin Stepanek and freediving team on the day off - 25.05.09

Even though he's just playing around, you can see that he's almost motionless from the tips of his fingers to about his shoulders. His knees are pretty firm, too.

I don't know much myself, but I've always been impressed with Martin's technique. It's done pretty well for him. Maybe you could try to emulate some of his finer points. It'd be nice to find a better video of him. I can only find glimpses.

Great initiative with the underwater recording. I'm sure you'll improve quickly being able to observe yourself.

 

[Mullins]

I think it would look a lot better if you were wearing a proper mono. That lunate thing isn't providing much resistance, which makes it easy to get too 'leggy' in search of power. Just try to loosen things up at the top end (more flex through your back) and tighten them at the bottom end (less leg bend). This is just my opinion and probably based on my own physiology, but I consider the most efficient stroke to start in the upper back while the shoulders stay level without rising and falling.

 

[vali]

you bend the knees to much...
try in your head to start your mouvement with your arms, shoulder, uper back and lower back
imagine a pulse that start in your arms and glide throught yout body until the monofin
the most moving part of your body will then be the lower back and the legs follow in the mouvement with the less bending of the knees
of course you must tell yourself in your mind, not to bend the legs to much

 

[DivingDane]

less knee bend and focus on starting the undulation from your upper back (not moving the arms) keeping the head in a fixed position.

the movement should be generated and anpliied by your core, this is where the power comes from. and try to let the legs foloow the body, should not be generating thrust from the legs.

the mono isnt doing you any favours as it is folding during the down stroke which means you have to place more force behind the kick which is hurting your technique. of anybody on here listen to Mullins, he is one of the best if not THE best dynamic apniet in the world, so safe to say he is doing something right

DD

 

[HJ]

response to critiques on technique

[combining all responses here]

Theodoric: Thanks for the first response. I looked at the video you link, and Stepanek looks very good and smooth in those short clips. Hands to shoulders relatively still with motion initiating in the back area. Nice!

Dave: Always good to have your input! I'm sure you're right about the fin, but I don't have one. Your description of being "too leggy in search of power" sounds right to me. I will try your tip about loose at the top and tighter at the bottom. And I'll try some medium-length bi-fins next and see if that helps in the fin department. ***BTW: can you recommend a video of YOU that shows your points? I've watched the 244m record one with kick-and-glide (amazing). Any others that show a constant motion well?

Vali: Yes, I agree. Too much knee-bending. I'll work on that. Thanks.

DivingDane: Your tips are inline with the direction I am now going in. I'm not sure I agree that the legs are not generating thrust (if they weren't why would people wear fins?), but I certainly agree with your point about the Core. "Need more of the core" -- that's my new mantra! Also agree (and the video clearly shows) the fin folding. I'll try some different fins to see how that affects things.

HEALTH: One other thing that I noticed while watching myself on video: I think this kind of activity could be very good in keeping the spine supple and flexible as we age. And a flexible spine (along with breath control and breathing awareness, plus the benefits of full-body movement in the water) can only be a good thing for the "senior" crowd, a group in which I now shockingly find myself. Does anyone have any thoughts or links about the long-term health benefits of finswimming/freediving? I know that for me, working out and staying active in and under the water has had only good benefits.

BTW, I'm using my Olympus Stylus 770SW compact digicam for these videos. Not the highest quality but good enough for this. Does stills, too. Waterproof to 10 mtrs (33 ft). Shockproof to 5 ft. Only 9 x 5.5cm in size; fits in the palm of my hand. The hardest part is finding someone to take the time to take the videos! Everyone's always busy.

I'll report back soon. Especially if I can find a willing videographer.

Many thanks to all!

Haraldo

 

[Mullins]

Re: response to critiques on technique

[combining all responses here]
Dave: Always good to have your input! I'm sure you're right about the fin, but I don't have one. Your description of being "too leggy in search of power" sounds right to me. I will try your tip about loose at the top and tighter at the bottom. And I'll try some medium-length bi-fins next and see if that helps in the fin department. ***BTW: can you recommend a video of YOU that shows your points? I've watched the 244m record one with kick-and-glide (amazing). Any others that show a constant motion well?

My technique in that 244m video wasn't too flash, partly because I needed a fin with more angle. I've got a couple of more recent ones sitting around that show constant kicking with a better fin, I'll upload them this evening.

 

[ezequiel]

good video
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auzQ0Ar5USk]YouTube - dplphin mono UW[/ame]

 

[HJ]

Thanks Ezequiel... Wow! A lot hip movement and very straight legs. Haven't seen one quite like this. Looks very powerful. Is this you? Who?

(and an unusual sort of "flip turn" at the end -- for me anyway)

More to think about!

H

 

[ezequiel]

Thanks Ezequiel... Wow! A lot hip movement and very straight legs. Haven't seen one quite like this. Looks very powerful. Is this you? Who?

(and an unusual sort of "flip turn" at the end -- for me anyway)

More to think about!

H

jjajaj, I wish this is me ....
I try to go to the monofins clasess Martin Stepanek has 2 times a month .

you need to stretch a lot the shoulders to even try to do something like this .

 

[HJ]

So this is Martin Stepanek in your video? He is in Miami?

FYI, I just came back from pool workout. Tried various tips from people. Working more from core. Feels better. Also tried the high-amplitude style in Ezequiel's video, but very awkward; also losing air faster. Will keep practicing and eventually shoot another video to see if any improvements.

H

 

[StewartZ]

So fluid Ezequiel. I definitely will be using this vid as a bases for my training. Thanks.

 

[ezequiel]

So fluid Ezequiel. I definitely will be using this vid as a bases for my training. Thanks.

it is not me.
is Martin Step.

he is the best! if you can go tho his website F.I.I. Freediving Instructors International - from the beginner to the instructor and check his monofin classes.

 

[Kars]

You can also check out:

Elisabeth Kristoffersen:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0c-1U17Fms]YouTube - Elisabeth kristoffersen - 150m DYN training[/ame]

Alexey Molchanov:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQw7In1Ff10]YouTube - Alexey Molchanov 250 DYN[/ame]

Peter Pedersen:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4BgRlIF_9M]YouTube - 200m dynamic apnea[/ame]

Dave Mullins:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezr7ezaUb2M]YouTube - Dave Mullins 244m DYN[/ame]

Maybe you can order one of those simpler cheaper monofins to practice with?
Also using your medium bi fins is a good way to work on technique.

Have fun!

Kars