[Jimoakes]

If you believe the total immersion guys (and some other swimming books I have) most of the power comes from the core in front crawl not upper body. Certainly made my swimming 20-30% easier virtually over night

Absolutely Graham. The core muscles of the body are responsible of the body rotation that powers the arm into the point where the lats an the arm muscles initiate the pull phase of the stroke. This, combined with the fact that a 20 - 30% improvement was possible with technique ( rather that a 20-30% increase in cv fitness) I think supports the arguement that swimming front crawl isnt as specific a dive fitness assessment as other forms of exercise would be. As a GUE Instructor I don't imagine you do much in the way of body rotation and arm swimming as it would have the rather unfortunate side effect of ruining your fabulousness!

 

[graham_hk]

Absolutely Graham. The core muscles of the body are responsible of the body rotation that powers the arm into the point where the lats an the arm muscles initiate the pull phase of the stroke. This, combined with the fact that a 20 - 30% improvement was possible with technique ( rather that a 20-30% increase in cv fitness) I think supports the arguement that swimming front crawl isnt as specific a dive fitness assessment as other forms of exercise would be. As a GUE Instructor I don't imagine you do much in the way of body rotation and arm swimming as it would have the rather unfortunate side effect of ruining your fabulousness!

Try not to flap (atleast when people are watching lol) but a strong core is very important for body position.

At the end of the day we agree (I think) fitness is important. The dive community could assess by running or rowing or bleep test or other measure but then there is nothing in diving with the same movements as diving. If you accept that then swimming is as good as any measure and although very technique dependant it does offer some advantages for an aquatic activity

 

[BJ]

How does the ECG machine attach while swimming?

 

[Two Hats]

How does the ECG machine attach while swimming?

Rectal probe. Well, at least the H version does.

 

[bowe310s]

I'd agree a swimming test is as good as anything as a basic fitness test, but consider the two following candidates I've had:

Trainee stuntman with rock climbing, trampolining, horse riding etc as other required disciplines - could do the 400m in 5 mins, but since they were 7 stone wringing wet, could barely put on a tank and getting a person out of the water was 'barely able'.
Tired diver tow - barely scraped the minimum time.

6ft ten man mountain, barely scraped the 400m swim time, yet could lift a diver fully kitted out of the water whilst fully kitted.
Smashed the tired diver times as he had legs like tree trunks.

I know which I'd consider more useful than the swimming test seems to indicate.