To enter Mini Whales Silver, swimmers must first complete the Bronze Water Orientation Obstacle Course. Once in Mini Whales Silver, the second step in the Mini Whales program and Killer Whales Swim Club as a whole, swimmers will work on turning their beginner, water safety skills into real, mobile swimming. Mini Whales Silver achieves this end by teaching swimmers correct body position on the 3 planes of swimming (Side, Front and Back) and the kicking styles foundational to different strokes. To pass Silver, swimmers are tested by coaching staff on their ability to propel through all 3 planes and to "undulate" to propel the body. See below for more information on undulating and its importance to learning to swim.
How Undulation Works
The undulation starts from the core and ripples through the entire body, much like an ocean wave:
- Initiation: The movement typically begins with pushing the head and chest down into the water, which causes the hips to rise.
- The Wave: As the chest releases and rises, the hips are then pushed down into the water, and this sequence continues.
- Propulsion: This wave-like motion travels down the body, culminating in a powerful "whip-like" action at the feet, known as the dolphin kick. This full-body engagement, rather than just relying on the arms or legs, is what creates significant forward thrust.
Importance in Learning to Swim
- Efficiency: Proper undulation helps swimmers conserve energy by using the whole body rhythmically, reducing drag, and allowing for a more powerful kick.
- Breathing: The up and down motion naturally brings the swimmer's head out of the water to breathe at the right time in the stroke cycle.
- Technique Foundation: For strokes like the butterfly, mastering undulation is a foundational skill; once achieved, the arm strokes and kicks often fall into place more naturally.
- Avoiding Mistakes: Beginners often make the mistake of driving straight down into the water instead of using the wave motion to move forward. Learning to undulate correctly helps maintain a horizontal, streamlined body position.
