Beginner Open Water:

Sunday 8:15-9:15pm

Concentration on proper swimming strokes for open water. Body position, breathing and stroke length/rate will be taught. The goal of this class is to be comfortable in long swims without a wall or lane line present. Techniques for open water sighting/spotting will be taught. Additional topics will include essential safety skills (treading water, cramp release, goggle clearing strategies, etc.). During each class we may break into sub groups for each activity based on participant’s experience. This class will be geared towards swimmers trying to complete a 1 mile or less open water swim. (Minimum requirements for class participation; be able to complete a 1000 meter swim in less than 60 minutes).

Advanced Open Water:

Sunday 7:15-8:15pm

Concentration on freestyle with Front Quadrant Swimming (FQS) and Switch being stressed along with low water profile and breathing. Open water drills and techniques will be used to assist in sighting/spotting and course navigation. The following aspects of open-water swimming will be covered :

• Correct Gear & Equipment (Wetsuits, Masks , Training Aids)

• Breathing & Sighting Technique

• Rough vs. Calm Water Skills and Technique

• Mental Preparation & Conditioning

• Water Starts/Entry & Exit (including mass Starts)

• Race Strategies & Food/Water Consumption

In water starts and group swims will be practiced. During each class we may break into sub groups for each activity based on participant’s experience. This class will be geared towards swimmers trying to complete a 1 mile or more open water swim. (Minimum requirements for class participation; be able to complete a 1000 meter swim in less than 25 minutes).

Fall II Session:

November 5, 2006- December 17,2006

(7 Weeks of Classes)

Cost is $40 for YMCA Members

$80 for Non-YMCA Member

                               Call the Howard County YMCA for Registration Information at 410-465-4334

Instructors:

Michael Jacobson

Head Coach Central Maryland YMCA Master

ASCA Level 2 Swim Coach

Former NC State University swimmer

Open Water Exp – Bay / Columbia / Reston /...

Brian Luoma

Former University of Maryland swimmer

Freestyle Specialist

USMS Top Ten Nationally – Freestyle

50/100/200 yards