"Feel For The Water": What Is It, Really?

Authors

Robert Keig Stallman, Norwegian School of Sport Science, Lifesaving Foundation, Tanzanian Lifesaving Society, Norwegian Lifesaving SocietyFollow
Kristine De Martelaer, Vrije Universiteit BrusselFollow

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Exercise Physiology | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Leisure Studies | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Public Health | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies | Tourism and Travel

Abstract

The phrase, 'feel for the water,' is commonly used. But what does it really mean? The traditional idea of this 'feel' focuses on the sensation of touch and use of the hands to produce propulsion. But what about water resistance? Mastering a feel for how to reduce resistance is equally important as the unique relationship between aquatic propulsion and resistance is of great importance. While being in the water, the effects of gravity and buoyancy also need to be perceived by the learner and taught by the instructor. Reflection on the effects on propulsion-resistance and gravity-buoyancy requires relevant exercises to achieve our goals whatever they might be. Different goals imply different approaches. Sometimes the aim is to reduce resistance in the water; sometimes to increase it. And why should the focus be on the hands only, while the feet are also very important? Understanding how multiple senses and body parts are involved in pursuing the aquatic teaching-learning process or ‘odyssey’ is the goal of this contribution.

Recommended Citation

Stallman, Robert Keig and De Martelaer, Kristine (2025) ""Feel For The Water": What Is It, Really?," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 14: No. 4, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol14/iss4/4