Swimming with a Tether???

Kane Murphy

I tried the search button but didn't see anything so I figured I would ask.  Anyone do any appreciable swim training in a small pool with a tether anchoring you in place?

I am a rather poor adult onset swimmer and the nearest pool to me is about 45 minutes away.  Logistically I don't make it to the pool as often as I would like.  I do have a small backyard pool (30 feet long) and have anchored a stretch cord about 3 feet above the water surface and attached the other end to my ankle.  This setup keeps me mostly horizontal.  Seems like I can work on my catch/pull very effectively with this setup, but it doesn't do anything for optimal positioning in the water.  Arms, shoulders, chest, lats all get fried pretty quick doing pull sets with the tether, even doing closed fist drills.  I have counted strokes/time in the pool and can match 50/100 yard sets pretty close timing wise (i.e. 50 yards in the pool takes about 40 strokes and 40 seconds and 40 strokes on with the tether takes about the same 40 seconds).

My question is should I keep supplementing my real pool swims with a tethered workout or just give up and get to the pool more often?  Pool times are improving slowly and I'd like to think I can use the tether setup for my upcoming long days and race rehearsals since I can be on my bike in less than 5 minutes after exiting the water.  Plus I can knock out 20 50's or 20 100's almost every day or multiple times a day without any sort of time penalty.  I know it's not optimal, but if anyone has tried it and has any tips, tricks, or suggestions I would appreciate the advice.  

Thanks

Amy Wray

I use a 3' tether attached to the pool step handrail with a 6' cord (length is adjustable) that has a swimbelt attached to that. I got it online at kiefer swim supplies. It probably isn't great for the best form but I think it is good for endurance swimming. In my buildup for IM races I have done 2 hour nonstop swims. Very boring but it gets the job done. Music helps. I guesstimate my distance based on time. Sometimes I do intervals too. Sometimes I use fins. I don't normally use a nose clip but I often do using the tether b/c it pulls you back a bit which causes me some nasal/sinus irritation. I would think the swimbelt around your waist would be better than something around your ankle. Hope some of this helps.

Kane Murphy

Amy,

Thanks for letting me know it can be done if I can't make it to a real pool.  You are correct about the boredom.  I thought staring at a black line was boring, but a spot on the bottom of the pool is even worse.  Like you mention, I guesstimate my distance based on time.  However I have done mainly short, hard (for me) intervals instead of the endurance swimming, but I may give longer sets a try as well.  I should mention that so far, I haven't tried to kick at all with the tether - all pulling.  My tether actually has the waist strap but I flipped it around because my feet/legs were so low in the water with it attached at my waist.  I may try some easy kicking or fins and see if that helps me stay horizontal.  

Much Appreciated

 

Nate Parady

I say absolutely go for it. Will get those swim muscles in shape. Maybe do the few race rehearsals in a real pool.

robin sarner

$ to drop in endless pool?

I now have Vasa Ergometer. Do it at least one a week. Seems to be improving my strength and times.

Kane Murphy

Thanks again for the comments.  Not looking to drop the money for an endless pool or even a Vasa at the moment, but I did look into both options.  I ended up with the poor man's version that only cost a couple of dollars.  Big picture that's my plan on how to use the backyard "swimming".  Use these sessions to build up swim muscles similar to a how a Vasa might and work on real form/technique stuff when I make it to a larger pool.