As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Swim With Head Above The Water

I would like to know which swimming techniques one could use to swim with head above the water.

I am learning to swim but all the techniques offered involve head under water positions, and coming up to breath. i am on lesson four of eight lessons.

I can do freestyle and struggle with doggie paddle. I want to swim because I am now in a country where there are hotels and pools every where and the most common social situation is to be at a pool. When I am with friends it is embarrassing because I cannot swim.

Also, I want to be able to just be in the water like they are without sinking... I cannot be with my head under water all the time when I am with them!!!

Of course,I want to swim for myself, not them. I tried to learn in my twenties but I was not consistent. Now I am 31 and want to get it right once and for all.

Essential Elements To Swimming With Head Above The Water

• how to swim breaststroke


• how to submerge


• how to relax


• how to glide

Click on a link for more information.

Not Everyone Wants To Go Underwater

I have met many people like you over the years and your desire is not uncommon. When beginners learn to swim, particularly adults, it can be very black and white when it comes to putting their face in the water or submerging. Either they are comfortable doing it or they are not!

The fact that you are having swimming lessons tells me that you have tried it and the fact you can do freestyle tells me that you have been successful at it.

However you have clearly made the choice that swimming with your face submerged is not for you.

Breaststroke Is The Way Forward

The swimming stroke you need to learn is breaststroke. Although nearly all breaststroke swimming guides (including mine) will teach you to swim the stroke with your face submerged between breaths, it does not mean you have to swim it this way.

Once you have mastered the leg kick, the arm action and the timing and coordination, you will easily be able to swim with your head above the water.

A powerful leg kick action and a relaxed glide will let you swim relatively long distances without needing to put your face or head into the water.

Relaxing into the technique takes time and practice but from what you have stated in your question it sounds like you are half way there already.

My best-selling book 'How To Swim Breaststroke' contains over 20 separate swimming exercises to help all parts of breaststroke, including the leg kick and the timing and coordination.

How Can I Swim With My Head Always Over Water

It's difficult for me to take a breath. How can i swim with my head always over water?

The easiest way to swim with your head out of the water is to swim Breaststroke.

The body position for breaststroke allows your legs to be deep in the water and your head, mouth and nose out of the water, and the stroke to still be effective. You will need a strong leg kick to keep you up and keep you moving. A long stretch forward with your arms after each arm pull will also help.

You can download our How To Swim Breaststroke which contains everything you need to know as well as over 20 exercises to help all areas of your swimming stroke.