This summer we had some great opportunities for students to learn one on one with really good conditions. I always listen to students as they start the class to learn a bit about them and their experiences or lack of in the water. I quickly learn their strengths and challenges and use this to direct my teaching practices.
Activating the mammalian diving reflex! This was such a great day..too bad my battery died. This student had to overcome some equalizing issues and was nervous she would not be able to pass this course. It was an awesome moment when she dove down past 33 ft and showed her kicking technique during the appropriate times and passed this section (and later the course)!
Communication underwater sometimes has to be repeated so that the safety can clearly see that you are ok.
Sometimes students must find their own way to equalize when all else fails. This student had to turn upright to equalize and wiggle her jaw but it worked!
Practicing your kicking is a great way to “check yourself”. Often we lose our good technique and have to go back and practice to make sure that we are as efficient as possible.
Nice and wide up high and small and less down below….unless your going up that is.