Unable to Swim At The Surface

I just attended three classes of swimming and I am unable to swim at the surface when I kick my legs. I can breathe inside the water. But for kicking the legs, I am in a slant position and not able to bring both legs to the surface and kick. 10-12 of my co-learners have learnt this and learning new techniques and moving ahead. I do not have fear of water as I know. Standing on one leg, I bring the other leg up, but the second leg when pushed up, goes up a little and the first leg also comes down. I am also not able to keep the legs straight without bending. If this goes on, I may have to quit. The coach does not help except giving instructions. Feeling very helpless and dejected.

First and most importantly you must learn at your own pace. There is no standard number of lessons you will learn to swim in and just because others in your class are able to kick their legs, does not mean you should be able to as well.

I will presume from the information you have given that you are an adult beginner. If you are able to submerge your face and breathe out into the water then you have no fear of the water but I am wondering how relaxed you are in the water? The more relaxed you are then the more your body will be encouraged to float.


The leg kick you are describing must be relaxed with a slight knee bend and a very loose ankle. This will allow your leg and foot to generate some propulsion and movement as well as remain near the water surface. However if your head or face is above the water surface it will make keeping your legs up very difficult and even cause them to sink.

I am wondering why your coach is allowing you to persist with this front crawl leg kick if you are finding it so difficult. Some people learn front crawl leg kick quickly and go on to learn the full stroke whereas others find it difficult.

If you were a pupil of mine I would be teaching you breaststroke as this is far easier swimming stroke for an adult beginner to learn. The leg kick is simultaneous instead of alternating and it can be performed with the legs deeper in the water and still be effective. Maybe ask your coach to teach you breaststroke instead?

Whatever you do, remember we all learn at different speeds and you must not be put off by others in your class. After all you began taking lessons because YOU wanted to learn to swim so be determined and follow your ambition. Good luck!

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