Swimming?

Academy_Questions

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Messages
201
Hi! I am determined (and hopeful!) to attend USNA. I am currently a junior and was curious as to what I need to be prepared fo to do well in Sea Trials (as I'm hoping to go to NASS this summer). I am a cross country and track runner, and also play basketball, so I am in good shape, but haven't swam in a while. How should I prepare, and what is expected? Also, I know this may seem to be an odd question, but what do cadets (or participants in the summer seminar for that matter) wear for swimming? Is it issued?
 
At Sea Trials the candidates went through an event in the pools but for those who weren't strong swimmers they had a modified swimming class.
Respectfully,
usnahopeful
 
Oh i see, well I am a fairly strong swimmer (was on my city's swim team when I was younger) but haven't done extensive swimming in a while. will i be ok? maybe just do some laps?
 
id do a lot more thank just somelaps. you need to make sure you can last for a pretty long time. its about endurance. so if you have access to a pool then do some long sets and some sprints and some long sets and sprints. make sure to always warm up and cool down.
 
thanks for your quick responses! I will definately be working this in with my running workout. I tend to run 3-7 miles a day, should I not run on days that I swim?

I also do a lot of aerobics (ab work, sit ups, planks, push ups etc) and weight lift, but have trouble with pull ups (I'm a girl...!!!!). Do you have any tips on how I could improve on these? THANK YOU!
 
Im a dreadful swimmer and I went in the experienced end and did fine. I didnt even use the wall. The Sea trials at NASS was easy compared to the real deal. It was a blast though. I might swim twice every year haha but I did fine in the pool section. The main point is that I would worry more about running, pushups, and those dreadful flutter kicks that they beat to death rather than worry about the 1 or 2 hour long pool section... also... practice walking like a duck... and quacking... hahah
 
thanks for your quick responses! I will definately be working this in with my running workout. I tend to run 3-7 miles a day, should I not run on days that I swim?

I also do a lot of aerobics (ab work, sit ups, planks, push ups etc) and weight lift, but have trouble with pull ups (I'm a girl...!!!!). Do you have any tips on how I could improve on these? THANK YOU!

Jump up, grab the bar, pull yourself up, then drop down. Do that for as many reps as you can.
OR
Use a chair to help you up and use alot of reps, or if you have a gym, set the pullup machine for the desired assistance and perform the desired number of reps (7 is max on the CFA for females). Do this untill you dont need any assistance.
OR
Go on youtube. There are ALOT of workout help plans on there for pushups, pullups, swimming, you name it. Search Scooby Workout(User name Scooby1961) He has alot of helpful workout videos.
 
If you end up going to USNA (not just NASS), you want to be able to swim. To get an "A", you either have to be naturally gifted or have to have had some competitive training. At least this was the case in my day in that "As" required times that most people didn't have unless they's swum competitively at some point in their lives.

For everyone else, you need to be able to do all of the strokes (back, breast, side, free -- don't need fly) and tread water for 10-20minutes. If you've ever taken swim lessons and are "comfortable in the water," you'll be ok.

In fairness, you don't have to be Michael Phelps to pass swimming. And, if you aren't a good swimmer or can't swim at all, they'll teach you at USNA. But taking swim lessons at the "Y" or elsewhere between now & then will make the swimming part of your life at USNA that much easier.
 
hey thanks for the details, I be sure to work on those! I'm pretty sure I can tread water for a while (my friend plays water polo and challenges me to water treading competitions hahah). But now that I know what to practice I can feel more comfortable! THANK YOU! :)
 
Hi! I am determined (and hopeful!) to attend USNA. I am currently a junior and was curious as to what I need to be prepared fo to do well in Sea Trials (as I'm hoping to go to NASS this summer). I am a cross country and track runner, and also play basketball, so I am in good shape, but haven't swam in a while. How should I prepare, and what is expected? Also, I know this may seem to be an odd question, but what do cadets (or participants in the summer seminar for that matter) wear for swimming? Is it issued?

If you get accepted to NASS, they'll send you a check list of stuff to bring like your swim wear etc, they are quite specific. Men wear swimming trunks and women wear one piece bathing suits.
 
Getting Physically Prepared for the Naval Academy

Here is a program I send to my candidates when they ask how to prepare for plebe summer. For me, swimming was a challenge so I just swam laps till I practically puked.

The mission of the United States Naval Academy is to develop midshipmen morally, mentally and PHYSICALLY. The Naval Academy will prepare you: morally to conduct yourself as an officer, mentally to uphold the standard of a graduate from one of the finest undergraduate institutions in the world, and physically to ensure you are prepared for the rigors of today’s military. The physical development begins with plebe summer and doesn’t stop until you retire from your service career. Plebe summer places strenuous physical demands on the upper and lower body.

The most frequent injuries during Plebe Summer are to the lower extremities. These injuries are normally caused by overstress (stress fractures, shin splints, etc.). As a preventative measure we encourage the following program prepared by the Medical and Physical Education Departments at the United States Naval Academy. Times listed are the fastest each distance should be run to condition the lower extremities.

RECOMMENDED PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM
  • 1ST Week: Run 1 mile at an 8 ½ - 9 ½ minute pace, 5 days a week.
  • 2nd Week: Run 2 miles at an 8–9 minute pace, 5 days a week.
  • 3rd Week: Swim or ride a bicycle for 30 minutes daily. *
  • 4th Week: Run 3 miles at an 8 minute pace, 5 days a week.
  • 5th Week: Run 3 miles at a 7 ½ minute pace, 5 days a week.
  • 6th Week: Swim or ride a bicycle for 45 minutes daily. *
  • 7th Week: Run 3 miles at a 7 minute pace, 5 days a week.
  • 8th Week: Run 3 miles at a 6 ½ minute pace, 5 days a week.
MAINTAIN THE 8TH WEEK TRAINING LEVEL
*During the 3rd and 6th week, no weight-bearing stress is placed on the lower extremities. Stronger new bone cells are constantly replacing weaker old bone cells with increased weight-bearing activities. If you develop foot or leg pain during this running program reduce the distance or change to an alternate day running plan. Persistent pain in either the foot or leg should be evaluated by a physician. Remember to use pain as a guide to determine the level of activity for each day. Never attempt to run through pain. Pain is the first signal of overstress.

Although emphasis has been placed on strengthening the lower body, abdominal and upper body strength is also required. Crunches, push-ups and pull-ups should be performed daily with the physical training program to fully prepare you for the physical activities demanded during Plebe Summer.

Stick with the program!

BEAT ARMY!!!
 
Back
Top