Name
Canoe Paddle
One-Liner
Lay on your side and paddle your arm like a canoe, not pushing past your hips. Get to halfway without hitting a lane line or wall.
Success Criteria
Reach the halfway point of the pool (or designated distance) without touching a lane line or wall.
Failure Criteria
Hitting a lane line or wall, or pushing your arm past your hips.
Core Skill
Side body position and controlled arm movement.
Who
Swimmers comfortable with side floating and basic arm strokes.
What
A challenge where swimmers lie on their side and paddle with one arm, mimicking a canoe paddle, without letting the arm go past the hip.
How
Start at one end of the pool, lying on your side with your lower arm extended forward. Using a gentle, continuous paddling motion (like a canoe paddle), move forward. Keep your arm in front of your hip—do not pull past it. Aim to reach the halfway point without touching a lane line or wall.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Swimmers may naturally want to use a full freestyle pull, which brings the arm past the hip. Remind them to keep the motion short and controlled. Also, maintaining a stable side float can be challenging; encourage a relaxed body and a gentle kick for balance if needed.
