Summer vacation comes with sunshine, relaxation and time by the pool, which might mean something a little different to swimmers and divers. A trip to the pool is probably filled with more practice sets than lounging around, but we’re just fine with that.
Here are four reasons why summer training is the best.
1. Tan-lines
Photo Courtesy: Robert Stanton/USA Today Sports Images
Grab your sunscreen, if you’re lucky enough to train outside, practice doubles as time working on your tan. Unlike athletes that have to wear pants, t-shirts, and various equipment, swimmers don’t have to worry about anything like a farmers tan. Whether you prefer a one or two piece, all that practice time is going to make you look like you just got back from a beach.
2. Sunsets and Lights
Photo Courtesy: Delly Carr / Swimming Australia Ltd.
Outdoor pools at night may not lend themselves to your tan, but watching the sunset or practicing under the lights mixes things up a little, and can be incredibly scenic.
3. Focus
Photo Courtesy: NC State Athletics
It can be easy to think about a million things that are going on outside of practice during the school year. Summer is the perfect time to practice without anything else on your mind. With less to think about, centering your mind on training is significantly easier. Summertime can potentially help you to determine the best techniques for you to focus, and you can use those skills all year round.
4. More Team Time
Photo Courtesy: Lillian Nelson
When everyone isn’t planning things, including practice, with school and homework in mind, there’s a lot more free time in the day. This means that meals with teammates before, and probably also after, practice with teammates is a no brainer. Hanging out with your teammates until late into the night? No problem! There’s way more time to spend with your teammates in the summer months.
All commentaries are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Swimming World Magazine nor its staff.
#5. You can watch your shadow swimming and it looks really great !