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If you’ve ever watched a mixed group swim, you might have noticed a common pattern: men often struggle with keeping their legs afloat compared to women. This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal—it’s rooted in science and anatomy. Let’s dive into why... 1. Differences in Body Composition One of the primary reasons lies in the difference in body composition between men and women. Men typically have a higher percentage of muscle mass and lower body fat compared to women. Fat is less dense than muscle, which makes it more buoyant. Women’s bodies tend to have a slightly higher fat distribution in the hips and thighs, helping their lower body stay afloat more easily. On the other hand, men’s denser muscles, especially in the legs, can act like anchors, pulling their lower body downward.
2. Center of Gravity Men and women have different centers of gravity due to anatomical differences. Men’s center of gravity is usually higher (around the chest), while women’s is lower (closer to the hips). This affects balance and buoyancy in the water. For men, the higher center of gravity can tilt the body downward, making it harder to maintain a streamlined, horizontal position in the water. 3. Flexibility Differences Another factor is flexibility, particularly in the ankles and hips. Women tend to have greater flexibility in these areas, allowing for a more efficient kicking motion. Men, who often have tighter ankles and hips, may struggle to achieve the same fluidity, which can contribute to their legs sinking.
4. Swim Technique While anatomy plays a significant role, technique also matters. A swimmer’s head and arm position greatly influence body alignment. If a man lifts his head too high or lets his arms drop during the stroke, it can create drag and push the legs downward. Proper core engagement is also crucial. Many male swimmers rely too heavily on their arms for propulsion, neglecting the core muscles that help stabilize the body and keep the legs in line. Solutions to Combat Sinking Legs Fortunately, there are effective strategies to overcome sinking legs:
So, whether you’re training for your first ocean swim or looking to correct an inefficient stroke, remember that sinking legs are just a part of the journey and one you can overcome with the right approach.
If you are looking to learn to swim or improve your swimming please contact me.
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When it comes to refining your swimming technique, the way you move your arms over the water during the 'recovery phase' is more important than you might think. This phase – where your arms are moving back towards the front, after each stroke – isn't just a transition; it’s a crucial moment for setting up proper shoulder alignment and creating a streamlined, efficient form.
Setting Up for Efficiency The recovery phase is the time when you set your body up for the next stroke. During this stage, leading with your wrist and keeping your elbow high sets a streamlined position that will help you maintain balance and rhythm, particularly in freestyle. When you reach forward with a high elbow and lead slightly with your wrist, you naturally open up your shoulder, which can prevent shoulder strain and reduce drag on your lead arm. This position also keeps your body rotation controlled and steady, making your stroke smoother.
The most important thing when working on your stroke is to go slow. Stroke correction is all about muscle memory, so it’s crucial to build proper form before you add speed. Many swimmers make the mistake of rushing through corrections, only to fall back into old habits when they try to pick up the pace. By practicing a wrist-first, elbow-second movement slowly and consistently, you’ll lock in this technique for a streamlined, effective stroke.
The recovery phase isn’t about speed but precision. Taking the time to master these small adjustments will help you swim more efficiently, feel more in control and improve your endurance and speed over the long run.
 How swim fit are you?
Then why not take part in the 2023 Cole Classic in February right here in beautiful Manly, one of Australia’s largest ocean swims. If you’ve been holding off participating in your first ocean swim then there is no better opportunity than the Cole Classic. The 1km swim is perfect for the newbies or a leisurely swim, whilst a step up to the 2km or even 5km ocean swim might be on the cards, if you're ready for the challenge? There are many differences swimming in the ocean than in the pool, rips currents, waves, weather, marine life and another several thousand swimmers, ensure you increase your ocean awareness, learn some basic ocean water swimming techniques in the ocean environment. HOW SWIM FIT ARE YOU? If you would like some help to ease your anxiety, boost your confidence, learn some ocean skills, increase your fitness and swim your best on the day please get in touch. If you are interested in swimming as part of a team for support then please contact Linda. Contact Linda on 0404 245 825 or email on [email protected] Photos from team GoodSwim 2020 
 What causes motion sickness? Motion sickness when swimming can be experienced when pool swimming but it’s more common in open water, especially the ocean. The ocean has more movement and on those days when water is choppy and bumpy, there is an increased chance of motion sickness.
However, it often sets in whilst in deeper water when we can’t go back to shore immediately. In this case stop, try and focus on something static such as a landmark or the sea bed. Try as best you can to calm your breathing and divert your mind, rather than focusing on the nausea. Talk to your buddy, think hard about something else or sing a song.’ If you struggle with motion sickness then maybe ease yourself into swimming in different conditions. Ocean pools can be useful for this for safety reasons. The ocean pools are affected by the tides and on high tide can get quite bumpy with water spilling into the pool from the surf therefore a lot of water moving around. Swim a little and often in different conditions to acclimatise your body to the movement of the water. Keep a calm rhythm with your breathing, keep movement and sighting to the minimum with a good head position looking down. When ocean swimming you never know when the conditions can change. Motion sickness can happen with any water activity, not just swimming so ALWAYS buddy up and know your limits.  Have you suffered from motion sickness whilst swimming?
 I see many groups of fish of all kinds in Cabbage Tree Bay and wondered... what is the difference between a School or Shoal? Groups of aquatic life get classified depending on whether they are a single type or mixture of species, or whether they are fish or mammals. SHOAL - when fish, shrimp or other aquatic creatures swim together in a loose cluster, this is typically called a shoal. It can be a mix of different species. SCHOOL - is a group of the same fish species swimming together in synchrony; turning, twisting and forming sweeping, glinting shapes in the water. Fish probably do this to confuse predators and to save energy (by using the ‘slipstreams’ of other fish).
How do schools of fish swim in perfect unison? A fish decides where and how to move relative to its position in the school. If the fish behind gets too close (less than two body-lengths), then it speeds up; if the fish in front gets closer than that, then it slows down. Schooling fish watch one another and also feel the waves their neighbours make as they swim, with pressure-sensitive pores along their body called the lateral line. And each fish has its preferred spot in the school. Some are natural leaders and tend to hang at the front and guide the whole school, while others choose to follow.
What is a big school of fish called? Many kinds of fish prefer to swim together in groups called shoals. Some shoals are the biggest gatherings of animals on the planet others may only contain a few individuals. Do schools of fish have a leader? And each fish has its preferred spot in the school. Some are natural leaders and tend to hang at the front and guide the whole school, while others choose to follow.
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