Swimming Fully Clothed for Fun or a Specific Reason?

Swimming Fully Clothed

For pleasure or for a reason? Either way, here are some guidelines

It seems there are several reasons for swimming fully clothed. It could be for total pleasure or for a specific reason, such as a water based test.

For Pleasure

People that swim fully clothed for pleasure report that the feeling of having wet clothes on is where they find the thrill and the buzz. Depending on exactly what clothes are swum in, depends how those clothes feel on the body. The feeling of clothes sticking to your body when you get in or out of the water can be fun, or the feeling of having boots or shoes full of water also. Whatever your reasons or thrills, there are a few points to consider. First of all the act of swimming whilst fully clothed can be very tiring. Wet clothes are very heavy and cause huge amounts of drag, so be mindful of your own swimming abilities before you set off to swim a distance. If your intentions are to remain within your depth then this is not such a problem.

Also if you intend to swim with your clothes on in a swimming pool be aware that the chlorine in the pool will discolour and potentially damage your clothes. Everyday clothes are not chlorine proof unlike most swimming costumes and swim suits.

Breaststroke is the easiest swimming stroke to swim and that also goes for swimming fully clothed.

The head can remain out of the water making breathing easy as the stroke is swum recreationally.

Click here for information on our eBook containing detailed guidelines and exercises for swimming breaststroke.

For A Reason

You may be required to swim wearing items of clothing as part of a test, such as a lifeguard qualification or a military service test.

Lifeguards are sometimes required to swim in their uniform which usually consists of just a shirt and shorts. Although this is minimal clothing and therefore not classed as swimming fully clothed, it will still cause drag and fatigue whilst swimming and this could be doubled for the lifeguard as they may have to tow an unconscious body at the same time. Adequate training is essential for this qualification and there may be some fully clothed swimming aspects to the training course and final exam, so swimming stamina is vital.

Swimming fully clothed is usually part of military service training. Military services can sometimes require personnel to swim wearing their full military kit and in extreme cases it can include a full back pack and weapon. Swimmers may be required to swim a certain distance in a set time and also be asked to tread water (remain in one place with head out of the water) for a set period of time too. The strength and stamina required for this is immense adequate training is essential. The best technique for treading water is an upright breaststroke technique as it is the least energy consuming.

Swimming on your back whilst wearing clothing or full kit can be less energy consuming as your face is out of the water, making breathing easier.

Freestyle is the fastest stroke over a distance but it is also one of the most tiring and the energy consumption is multiplied several times when swimming in full military kit. It goes without saying that huge amounts of regular cardiovascular training in the form of running, cycling, rowing and swimming is essential for success here.

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