It is commonly believed that the head position is the most important factor in buoyancy and staying on top of water. However, this is not necessarily true. Whilst a part of the process, the key to buoyancy is relaxation. By having your body relaxed the body position and how you distribute your weight.

Looking down too far can actually cause you to be less buoyant and more likely to sink. This is because when you look down, your body position changes, and your center of gravity moves forward. This makes it harder for your body to float and can cause you to feel tense and uncomfortable.

The freestyle technique of breathing to the side helps you maintain a good head position and keeps your center of gravity in place. This helps with buoyancy and it also allows you to keep your eyes on the surface of the water. When breathing to the side, remember to turn your head to the side, rather than just lifting your chin. This will help ensure that you stay afloat and can freestyle efficiently.

One technique you can try, is to look at something on the side you are breathing. This will help ensure that you have something to reference. Lifting your head up to breath will immediately make your buoyancy change and you feel like you are sinking. Nobody likes that sinking feeling!

If you get water in your mouth, you may be opening it too wide, not rotating far enough, or holding you breath before you take air in. A little water is usually a bi product of being in water, but if it is stopping you from being able to breath comfortably then, something has to change. This is a common challenge we have with our clients during sessions, whether they are taking the breath for the first time or are seasoned professionals. Remember without any air, you can’t exist.

In open water swimming using a technique called ‘sighting’ allows you to lift you head which can help with navigation and spotting any dangers ahead. The correct way to execute this is to lift you head so your eyes and nose are clear of the water. Take as long as you need to get a bearing or reference point. Then turn your head to the side taking a breath, and continue back into your swimming rythmn. A good tip is it increase the frequncy of the kick to aid in the head being lifted up.

By focusing on maintaining a good head position and relaxation while freestyling, you can make sure that you remain buoyant, feel comfortable and safe in the water.

Find out the best position that your head should be in. Join one of our private or small group stroke correction sessions. We will help you swim fast, efficiently and with a smile!

Happy Swimming!🏊‍♂️