Question 1

I am returning to swimming after many years out of the water. Will I benefit from a Swimfast freestyle video analysis?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You may have been a competitive swimmer in your youth, but as your body ages, flexibility decreases, so it is even more important to ensure you use the correct technique in your freestyle swimming to prevent injury.
 
Furthermore, with the progression in ability to measure hydrodynamics, many aspects of the freestyle swimming stroke have been modified to ensure optimum efficiency. The Swimfast freestyle video analysis will provide you with these insights.

Question 2

I am a beginner swimmer, will a Swimfast video analysis help me?"

Accepted Answer

You should be able to comfortably swim 25m/25 yards without stopping, to obtain the best video footage. This program is not a "learn to swim" but rather for swimmers who can already swim but want to improve their efficiency and speed.
To obtain the optimum video footage for us to analyze, you will need to swim 6 lengths in total.

Question 3

I have a shoulder injury; can I still do a Swimfast freestyle video analysis?

Accepted Answer

Often, incorrect freestyle swimming technique causes shoulder, neck, and lower back injuries. If you can manage to take the video footage without too much pain, then we highly recommend you proceed. By improving your technique, you will prevent injury.

Question 4

How do I video myself underwater?

Accepted Answer

Once you have signed up for the Swimfast freestyle video analysis you will receive, via email, a document providing details of which camera angles to film from for optimum analysis. Although we can provide some insight into your stroke from video footage taken from the pool deck, the real action in a swimming stroke is best seen from below water. It is worth investing in obtaining underwater footage for the most comprehensive video analysis.

Question 5

Underwater/waterproof camera options?

Accepted Answer

Although we can analyze your freestyle stroke with video footage from above the water, most of the real action in a swimming stroke happens below water, so it is definitely worth taking the extra step to get some underwater shots to enhance the feedback we can give you!
Underwater cameras are now very reasonably priced and easily accessible via all major online stores. But before you take the plunge consider what your budget is and how frequently you will be using it.
It's highly recommended that you get your stroke analyzed frequently to progress your technique. Once you have understood how you should be swimming, in time, you will be able to analyze your own stroke. With this in mind, it is worth buying the best waterproof camera you can afford. Aside from the serious stuff of improving your swimming, messing around with underwater footage can also be fun and creative.
Highly recommended:
We highly recommend a GoPro for easy underwater stroke filming. The user interface is friendly and the video footage excellent. (Optimum settings: Highest resolution, 60 fps or higher and use the medium or wide-angle view)
The GoPole/3-way 2.0 or Max Grip are the recommended options for a friend to get the underwater angles we suggest.
Other options:
Cellphone with waterproof housing:
Even if your phone is labeled water-resistant, it is not waterproof. You will need a case to keep water from getting in. Do your research well to ensure there is no damage done. Swimfast cannot be held liable for any damages.
Depending on your budget, the cameras listed below come highly recommended by the swimming community.
 • Olympus Tough TG-6 waterproof camera
 • Sony A1 with GM lens in Aquatech housing
 • Fuji XP 140
 • Nikon Coolpix W300

Question 6

What do I need to take into consideration before videoing?

Accepted Answer

Permission: If you are using a public facility, ask permission first.
Outside lane: Use the lane closest to the wall. This will prevent lane ropes disrupting the visual field as well as make the task of videoing by your assistant easier, as they can walk along the pool deck.
Lighting: Outside - have the sun behind the camera.
Inside - make sure the pool is well lit. All lights are turned on.
Water quality: You want the water to be as clear as possible for the best possible video footage.
Water conditions: Pick a time to video when there are few other people swimming to ensure the water is not too disturbed.

Question 7

How to record yourself swimming if you don't have another person at the pool to assist you?

Accepted Answer

There are several options that will hold the camera steady while you swim. Depending on the waterproof camera you choose, different options will be available to you. As a GoPro is our camera of choice, here is a list of the options we recommend. Search for similar accessories that fit your underwater camera solution.
GoPro 3-way 2.0 (Grip, Arm, Tripod)
GoPro Jaws clamp to attach to wall or lane rope
GorillaPod - flexible tripod legs can be wrapped around the lane rope
GoPro suction mounts - the most flexible option to cover all the angles

Question 8

Will I need any specific swimming equipment?

Accepted Answer

A Swimfast freestyle video analysis will identify the top 3 areas you need to focus on to improve your efficiency and speed in the water. Once these areas have been identified, we choose very specific drills to give to you to address these weaknesses and improve your technique. Many of these drills require swimming equipment. These specific pieces of equipment will enhance your training, promote better technique and swimming strength as well as help to mix your training up a bit making it more interesting and exciting.
Recommended functional training gear:
 • Fins
 • Pull Buoy
 • Paddles
 • Front mounted swim snorkel

Question 9

How long after a Swimfast freestyle video analysis will I see changes in my freestyle swimming speed?

Accepted Answer

With the insights you gain once you receive your Swimfast freestyle video analysis feedback, you will notice improvements the very first session you are back in the pool! Yes, read that again! You will improve IMMEDIATELY. Swimfast has helped hundreds of swimmers and guarantee you will see improvements in your efficiency immediately once you apply the insights you get from seeing how you swim to how you should be swimming. Some technical points are very easy to correct once you know what it is you are doing incorrectly, other aspects of swimming technique require a little more practice.

Question 10

How do I measure my improvements?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that you take note of a few key measurables before you take your first swim post the Swimfast freestyle video analysis feedback. In this way, not only will you be ablet to feel the improvements in your freestyle swimming efficiency, but you will have actual numbers to prove it. We recommend you record the following:
 • Number of strokes per length. Count each arm as it enters the water. Most wearable devices record only one arm stroke. You will need to double this number. You will be provided with the ideal number of strokes you should be taking to cover a set distance given your height.
 • 100m freestyle swim time. This is a nice easy distance to quickly see your improvement.
 • 200m and 400m freestyle swim times. These distances are used to calculate your Critical Swim Speed (CSS). Your aerobic swimming pace/threshold/sustainable speed/pace.

Question 11

Swimming in a pool versus the open water?

Accepted Answer

Swimming in a pool provides the opportunity to measure improvement, whether it be the proficiency of performing the drills or recording key measurables of swimming efficiency, i.e., number of strokes per length, 100m and 200m and 400m swim times (CSS).

Question 12

I purchased a Swimfast online freestyle video analysis but now I’m injured/sick/unable to perform the video analysis. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

We require that you submit your video footage within 30 days of payment. Should you be unable to meet this time frame, please submit an email to info@swimfast.co within the 30-day period. It is at the sole discretion of Swimfast.co to grant an extension in time. Please see our "Terms and Conditions policy".

Question 13

Tell me more about your "Gift Cards?"

Accepted Answer

You can purchase a "Gift Card" for any of the products offered by Simfast.co. Select the "Gift Card" option on check out and you will receive an email with a "Swimfast.co Gift Card". Forward this on to the intended recipient. Please see our "Terms and Conditions policy" for further information.

Question 14

I received a "Gift Card". How do I redeem it?"

Accepted Answer

If you have received a "Swimfast.co Gift Card" please forward it to info@swimfast.co to redeem it. Gift Cards are to be redeemed within 30 days of purchase. Please note our "Terms and Conditions policy" with regards to "Gift Cards".

Question 15

Do I have a limited time in which to redeem my "Gift Card"?"

Accepted Answer

Yes! "Gift Cards" need to be redeemed within 30 days of payment. Please see our "Terms and Conditions policy" for further information.

Question 16

Can I share my eBook?

Accepted Answer

Our "Terms and Conditions policy" expressly state that you "agree not to sell, license, rent, modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, publish, adapt, edit or create derivative works thereof."
Respect the time and money that has gone in to producing this book and share how wonderful it is! Encourage others to purchase their own copy either via this website or via amazon.com

All your questions answered

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From anywhere in the world
Video analysis
Stroke correction
Personalised drills
Injury prevention

Johannesburg, South Africa
In-person video analysis
Stroke correction
Immediate coach to swimmer feedback

Training program
Nutritional support
Cold water adaptation guidelines
Motivation

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All your questions answered

FAQ

Frequently asked questions:

Achieve Your Goals Today

From anywhere in the world Video analysis Stroke correction Personalised drills Injury prevention

Johannesburg, South Africa In-person video analysis Stroke correction Immediate coach to swimmer feedback

Training program Nutritional support Cold water adaptation guidelines Motivation