Faster Freestyle Swimming: Learn to Swim Better In 5 Easy Steps

Coach Karlyn Pipes is an excellent and popular swim technique coach and an accomplished Masters Swimming World Record Holder. She has an appetite for success and it shows. Voted one of the top ten masters swimmers of all-time, she holds over 200+ FINA Masters World records, of which 47 are still current. Karlyn travels the world teaching swimmers and triathletes of every age and ability “how to swim faster with less effort”. She runs swim technique clinics and camps through her business Aquatic Edge, located in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. Recently, Karlyn was inducted into the International Swimming Hall Of Fame in 2015 and has released her new book, The Do-Over. We are proud to be associated with Karlyn and we commend her on all that she has accomplished throughout her swimming & coaching career.

​2017 UPDATE:  Congratulations go out to Karlyn for breaking six more FINA Masters World Records while competing in Europe.

In 2010, Vasa collaborated with Karlyn to create a video swim clinic so Vasa customers could benefit from her effective swim technique lessons. Since posting it on the Vasa YouTube channel, the Faster Freestyle Swimming video series has had over one million views! Coach Karlyn teaches five key focus points that make freestyle swimming a lot simpler and effective. The video lessons combine underwater video and demonstration on land using the Vasa Swim Ergometer to integrate the 5 key points. Athletes who adopt Karlyn’s techniques report increased freestyle stroke efficiency, sustained power, greater endurance, and a lot more confidence in their open water swimming.

Are you interested in improving your freestyle swimming technique? Let’s take a more in-depth look into the first two videos of the five part series.
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Technique 1. Hand Placement: How To Properly Set-Up The Stroke
This video describes how to achieve perfect high elbow catch / early vertical forearm in your freestyle stroke. A proper setup of the stroke is critical and enables the swimmer to get more power from the stroke. Learning how to master the high elbow catch produces greater propulsion by increasing the amount of water the fingers, hand, forearm and upper (inside) arms can hold. Being flexible and maintaining a neutral body position allows you to access more power and become a better swimmer. Watch the video below on how to properly set up the stroke:

Now, let’s take a look at the second part of the Freestyle Swimming video series.
Technique 2. Fingertip Orientation: High Elbow Catch or Early Vertical Forearm
This video demonstrates how fingertips need to be straightforward for the most power in the freestyle stroke. Karlyn demonstrates how strength diminishes when the elbows are straightened or hands are pointed outward or inward. The most potentially dangerous position is one in which the hands get ahead of the elbow, and the internal rotation can be very damaging to the shoulder. Keep the fingers pointed straight forward to obtain the Early Vertical Forearm.
In this video, Karlyn works with High-Performance Triathlon Coach Tim Crowley where he demonstrates each arm position while stationary and also on the Vasa Swim Erg. Watch the video below on fingertip orientation and how to master the high elbow catch.

Since 1988, Vasa has produced premium quality, “team & club tested” exercise equipment for sports, fitness and PT rehabilitation. For decades, Olympic-level swimmers, swim coaches, triathletes, triathlon coaches, and dry land conditioning coaches worldwide have selected Vasa Trainers and Vasa Ergometers as “must-have” training tools to improve athletic performance with sports-specific strength, endurance, power, and perfecting stroke technique. Vasa is a mainstay for swimmers, triathletes, surfers, kayak, canoe & SUP paddlers, crossfitters, nordic skiers who want the extra edge in sports performance and functional fitness.
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At May Street Bicycles, we are committed to helping our clients gain the strength, endurance and confidence to achieve their athletic goals. Be sure to stop in at May Street Bicycles and check out our Vasa Erg.  I will be posting a detailed look into the remaining three techniques soon.

Yours in Cycling and Fitness,
Greg Combs
President of Fun
​May Street Bicycles is not your typical bike shop. Sure we sell awesome bicycles, provide bicycle repairs, and rental bikes all at great prices. But we do a great deal more such as dynamic bike fitting, metabolic testing, altitude training, and personal training. And we are a proud Vasa Fitness Training Center!