When my parents
enrolled me in the Aquatics Program, I was really excited to start Youth - I,
where I learnt to paddle 25 yards’ front, side and back, in addition to that, I
also learnt how to float, kick and rhythmic breathing.
Usually, I woke up early in the morning
when I remembered that, that day was swimming practice. I used to bath swiftly on
those days and put on my swimsuit, and my parents drove me to the YMCA. Then I used
to rush into the pool, and join the team for the regular routine, which was 5
laps in backstroke, and 2 in butterfly, 2 flips and some freestyles. Later on, our
coaches, Ms. Jamie and Ms. Kacey would come and tell us to grab our kick boards
and do a streamline. Later we would go on the diving block and do 2 or 3 dives
and then do a dolphin kick. Thus, I successfully completed Youth - I and headed
into Youth -II!
In Youth-II, I learnt breast stroke, side
stroke, and both elementary and overarm back stroke and diving skills. I kept
practicing those skills and I amazingly completed Youth – II and headed to
Youth – III, where I have learnt to focus on refining the techniques in the
strokes, and introduction to butterfly. Endurance was built to 50 yards in all
strokes, 25 in butterfly. During these practices me and my friend Sophia
challenged ourselves to do 3 laps in breaststroke and it was a tie! It was
really fun in the entire sessions. Successfully, I then got approval from my
coach, Ms. Mena to move to Youth – IV, which is Stroke and Endurance.
In Youth – IV my coach is Mr. George,
who is responsible for the swimmers concentration on stroke mechanics of crawl,
back, side, breast and fly stroke and endurance swimming. As of now I’m in this
level and very much eager to proceed ahead to adaptive swim lessons and teen
swimming where I would expect to learn water submersion, floating, swimming to
the edge of the pool and swim-float-swim technique.
Note: Names have been changed to protect privacy.
by Harini, Grade IV
by Harini, Grade IV
