How to Tread Water: Best Techniques for 2024
June 01, 2024
Sculling
1. Start in the Shallow End
Begin by standing in the shallow end of the pool. Move your arms back and forth just below the surface, stiffening your wrists as you do so. Sweep your hands inward towards each other, then outward in a rhythmic motion.
2. Visualize the Motion
Imagine you're wiping crumbs off a table with your forearms and hands—this is the essence of sculling.
3. Practice with a Noodle
Once you're comfortable with the motion, try sitting on a pool noodle and see if you can lift yourself by moving your arms in this sculling motion.
Flutter Kick
1. At the Wall
Head to the deep end of the pool and grab onto the pool wall or deck. Position your legs beneath you and start flutter kicking. To stay afloat, slow your kick and bend your knees more than you would when swimming. Keep your toes pointed and your feet moving back and forth in a steady scissoring motion.
2. With a Floating Device
Once you're comfortable at the wall, take a floating device like a pool noodle and move away from the wall. Place the noodle under your armpits to keep afloat, and practice the flutter kick in the deeper part of the pool, ensuring you can easily reach the side if needed.
3. On Your Own
As you gain confidence, try treading water without the floating device. Keep the wall or shallow end within reach, and see if your flutter kicks, combined with hand sculling, can support you.
Breaststroke Kick
1. At the Wall
Position yourself with your back against the wall in the deep end, elbows propped on the pool edge. Bring your legs together and straighten them. Bend your knees to bring your heels towards your buttocks, then move your legs apart while keeping your knees bent. Finally, extend your feet downward and snap your legs together. This motion should feel like you're bobbing in the water.
2. With a Floating Device
Practice this kick away from the wall with a noodle tucked under your armpits. This will help you focus on the leg movement without worrying about staying afloat.
3. On Your Own
When you feel comfortable, remove the noodle and practice the breaststroke kick independently, staying close to the wall or shallow end for safety.
Eggbeater
1. Transition from Breaststroke Kick
Begin by practicing the breaststroke kick. Once you’re familiar with it, try alternating your legs, kicking one at a time, and then shifting your thigh position so your knees are wide apart and parallel to the water surface. This vertical motion forms the basis of the eggbeater kick.
2. Practice on Land
If the eggbeater kick feels tricky, practice it on land by sitting on a chair and making circular motions with your feet. Start with one leg, then the other, and finally both together. Remember the pattern: Back, outside, front, inside.
3. At the Edge of the Pool
Next, sit on the pool’s edge with your calves and feet in the water. Practice the eggbeater motion, feeling the water pressure on the soles of your feet, as if mixing water like an eggbeater.
4. Hop Back In
When you're ready, jump into the deep end and hold onto the wall. Start practicing the eggbeater kick while slowly moving away from the wall. Focus on keeping your upper body still as your legs work in a cycling motion, creating water pressure with your flexed feet.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Learning the eggbeater kick is challenging, so don't be discouraged if it takes time. With practice, you'll improve your treading water skills and become more comfortable in deep water. If you're feeling uncertain, you can always rely on flutter or breaststroke kicks until you feel ready to try eggbeater again. With persistence, you’ll be treading water like a pro in no time!
